I think this is the key takeaway:
I don't think a "strategy" is needed other than insisting you should get free luggage and presenting your FFP card if needed.
Otherwise:
Originally Posted by
Orville View Post
The AF rep was apparently unaware that the rules state that the first leg carrier's baggage rules apply. I talked to a supervisor and read her the rule and she agreed that AF baggage policy should have applied. A good learning experience for us, but not a pleasant one.
Just to comment separately on that, it is completely irrelevant, all your flights are marketed as AF and as such AF baggage policies apply to all checked luggage, and will usually be identical for the inbound and outbound flights (unless you're flying different cabin e.g.)
The DOT rule you quote here as well as IATA resolution 302 are only relevant in case of having different marketing carriers.
Relevant because the rep insisted I was not entitled to free check bags because I "chose" to fly on their Alitalia code share. The supervisor agreed with me and gave me credit for the charges. The fact that the rep didn't understand the rules meant that she was not amenable to giving me the credit. She insisted that flying on a different carrier meant that i was subject to their rules, not AF's. Also, I think you're wrong about the intent of IATA 302. It relates to "interline journeys" and refers to the "marketing carrier", not "marketing carriers". There is no reference to multiple marketing carriers. Definition of interline carrier:
"Interline is a relationship between airlines which allows one airline sells services to a customer that are provided by another airline. Airlines use interline to sell itineraries that they would otherwise not be able to serve alone." That suggests that the "marketing carrier" here is AF and that their baggage policies apply.
This flight is not operated by AF but by Air Malta.
Correct, but irrelevant.
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Thanks for your help. I've learned a lesson about baggage policies. I've probably flown on 50 or more international itineraries. I've encountered baggage charges like this while flying on discount carriers, but never on a major carrier. That's why I didn't look at the baggage policies in excruciating detail before traveling on this itinerary. In the future, I'll be more cautious.