KLM charged $309.16 to check an extra bag
Nov 15, 2009, 11:26 am
#1
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KLM charged $309.16 to check an extra bag
HEL/AMS/MSP/DFW on November 10.
I checked my two allowed bags and knew I would have to pay for the third; was expecting to pay something in the same range as a KLM MAN/AMS/DTW/DFW itinerary mid October, around $80 usd.
The agent told me fees had changed Nov 1 and refused to honor the contract of carriage in effect on the date ticketed. I didn't argue, just pointed out they were bound to the CoC. The agent suggested I dispute the charge later. (which of course I have)
I'm still in shock over this fee though, and if this is the correct fee that means I can't fly DL overseas which means I have no reason to fly DL at all. I'm a DL fan so this has me really not happy....
I checked my two allowed bags and knew I would have to pay for the third; was expecting to pay something in the same range as a KLM MAN/AMS/DTW/DFW itinerary mid October, around $80 usd.
The agent told me fees had changed Nov 1 and refused to honor the contract of carriage in effect on the date ticketed. I didn't argue, just pointed out they were bound to the CoC. The agent suggested I dispute the charge later. (which of course I have)
I'm still in shock over this fee though, and if this is the correct fee that means I can't fly DL overseas which means I have no reason to fly DL at all. I'm a DL fan so this has me really not happy....
Nov 15, 2009, 11:34 am
#3
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Probably not overweight - KL's published scale says 200 euro per piece of excess baggage.
Nov 15, 2009, 11:44 am
#4
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While I understand your shock, I'm not sure if other airlines charge less. And how do KLM's charges mean that you can't fly DL anymore. Where you connecting to a DL flight or did you book on delta.com?
Nov 15, 2009, 11:47 am
#6
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Probably not overweight - KL's published scale says 200 euro per piece of excess baggage.
Nov 15, 2009, 11:53 am
#7
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Previously I would always be on DL metal for both outbound and return flights and the fees are much more reasonable.
I realize this does not affect that many travelers, but I do trade shows so have to lug around a *lot* of crap with me!
Nov 15, 2009, 11:53 am
#8
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Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8310/4.5.0.110 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)
On what was the fee based? The 3rd piece or weight?
On what was the fee based? The 3rd piece or weight?
Nov 15, 2009, 11:54 am
#9
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Nov 15, 2009, 11:54 am
#10
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No, I suspect it is because KLM's 3rd checked bag fee is 200 Euro.
First, as a Plat I am not thrilled that I do not get my 3rd piece when travelling KLM...that said, even the KLM policy is fairly generous. As a plat/skytem elite plus I still get two 70lb bags which is generous...
Second, non plats in KLM economy get two 50lb bags free. Compared to many US carriers, this is generous as AA, US, United, and CO all charge for the 2nd bag. While the fees for a 2nd and 3rd bag may be lower, once you figure that you'd be paying them in both directions, its likely a wash. (at least on the DL outbound you're only subject to DL's rules/fees) [edited: oops, I guess this is incorrect. KLM reduced the non-elite baggage to ONE for flights to N.America]
Third, there are still many routes you can stay on DL metal the whole round trip.
At the end of the day, I think DL/KLM is better than any of the other domestics. Even with the others you are going to encounter similar fees when returning on a codeshare operated by European carrier.
Second, non plats in KLM economy get two 50lb bags free. Compared to many US carriers, this is generous as AA, US, United, and CO all charge for the 2nd bag. While the fees for a 2nd and 3rd bag may be lower, once you figure that you'd be paying them in both directions, its likely a wash. (at least on the DL outbound you're only subject to DL's rules/fees) [edited: oops, I guess this is incorrect. KLM reduced the non-elite baggage to ONE for flights to N.America]
Third, there are still many routes you can stay on DL metal the whole round trip.
At the end of the day, I think DL/KLM is better than any of the other domestics. Even with the others you are going to encounter similar fees when returning on a codeshare operated by European carrier.
Last edited by ocdb8r; Nov 15, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Nov 15, 2009, 12:09 pm
#11
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It's especially appalling that they refused to honor the terms in effect when you purchased your ticket.
In addition to protesting the charges, you should file a complaint with DOT (link in my signature).
In addition to protesting the charges, you should file a complaint with DOT (link in my signature).
Nov 15, 2009, 12:14 pm
#12
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Second, non plats in KLM economy get two 50lb bags free. Compared to many US carriers, this is generous as AA, US, United, and CO all charge for the 2nd bag. While the fees for a 2nd and 3rd bag may be lower, once you figure that you'd be paying them in both directions, its likely a wash. (at least on the DL outbound you're only subject to DL's rules/fees)
Also, it is not clear what they are doing with skyteam elites. The phrasing on their www pages is similar to that of Air France, i.e., only Flying Blue elites get a 2nd bag free.
Nov 15, 2009, 1:29 pm
#15
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Third, there are still many routes you can stay on DL metal the whole round trip.
At the end of the day, I think DL/KLM is better than any of the other domestics. Even with the others you are going to encounter similar fees when returning on a codeshare operated by European carrier.
At the end of the day, I think DL/KLM is better than any of the other domestics. Even with the others you are going to encounter similar fees when returning on a codeshare operated by European carrier.
I am spoiled with my Plat baggage allowance with DL so really hate the outrageous baggage fee imposed by KLM. From now on I'm forewarned and can make my purchase decision with that $$ factored in. Probably DL will still win most of time...I might have been feeling a little melodramatic while writing my first post.
Last edited by Canarsie; Nov 15, 2009 at 2:14 pm Reason: Consolidation.