Delta code-sharing baggage allowance question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
Delta code-sharing baggage allowance question
Hello! Was forwarded this way from Reddit and hope I could get a more clear answer on my dilemma.
We booked a multi-city ticket with Delta -> SFO -> LHR and then CDG -> SFO (taking the train between London and Paris... assuming the upcoming strike doesn't bone us). The flight is being code-shared where the SFO -> LHR leg is on Virgin Atlantic and CDG -> SFO leg is on Air France.
My dilemma is as following: one of our check-in bags is lightly over the 158 cm a+b+c dimension limit for Air France (it's a Samsonite f'lite 30 if anyone is wondering) however it is well below the limit for VA (205.74 cm linear). Who's baggage allowance rules take effect in this scenario? Delta's appear to be 157 cm but if I check in with VA an submit my bag, does it then mean that AF is obligated to honor their dimensions (will they even care?)?
If this is the wrong place for this question - I do apologize...
Thank in advance!
We booked a multi-city ticket with Delta -> SFO -> LHR and then CDG -> SFO (taking the train between London and Paris... assuming the upcoming strike doesn't bone us). The flight is being code-shared where the SFO -> LHR leg is on Virgin Atlantic and CDG -> SFO leg is on Air France.
My dilemma is as following: one of our check-in bags is lightly over the 158 cm a+b+c dimension limit for Air France (it's a Samsonite f'lite 30 if anyone is wondering) however it is well below the limit for VA (205.74 cm linear). Who's baggage allowance rules take effect in this scenario? Delta's appear to be 157 cm but if I check in with VA an submit my bag, does it then mean that AF is obligated to honor their dimensions (will they even care?)?
If this is the wrong place for this question - I do apologize...
Thank in advance!
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
On one ticket? If so then DL rules as the marketing carrier of the first flight apply. Who operates the other flights doesn't matter.
Also note Virgin Atlantic code is VS. VA is Virgin Australia
Also note Virgin Atlantic code is VS. VA is Virgin Australia
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
Thanks. But doesn't US DOT Regulation 14 CFR 399.87 take effect? I was under the impression that the following stipulation takes effect:
The marketing carrier for the first flight on the ticket is free to apply the allowances and fees of the most significant carrier, and that allowance would apply on all the remaining flights on that ticket.
But if Delta (the marketing airline) defers to VA (the most significant carrier), doesn't then the following stipulation take effect?
For passengers whose ultimate ticketed origin or destination is a US point, US and foreign carriers must apply the baggage allowances and fees that apply at the beginning of a passenger’s itinerary throughout his or her entire itinerary.
The marketing carrier for the first flight on the ticket is free to apply the allowances and fees of the most significant carrier, and that allowance would apply on all the remaining flights on that ticket.
But if Delta (the marketing airline) defers to VA (the most significant carrier), doesn't then the following stipulation take effect?
For passengers whose ultimate ticketed origin or destination is a US point, US and foreign carriers must apply the baggage allowances and fees that apply at the beginning of a passenger’s itinerary throughout his or her entire itinerary.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
But yes - one ticket. If VS accepts my bag without any fretting (considering their giant allowance), is it safe to assume that Delta then defers to their rules and ergo, AF has to honor that?
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
Thanks. But doesn't US DOT Regulation 14 CFR 399.87 take effect? I was under the impression that the following stipulation takes effect:
The marketing carrier for the first flight on the ticket is free to apply the allowances and fees of the most significant carrier, and that allowance would apply on all the remaining flights on that ticket.
But if Delta (the marketing airline) defers to VA (the most significant carrier), doesn't then the following stipulation take effect?
For passengers whose ultimate ticketed origin or destination is a US point, US and foreign carriers must apply the baggage allowances and fees that apply at the beginning of a passengers itinerary throughout his or her entire itinerary.
The marketing carrier for the first flight on the ticket is free to apply the allowances and fees of the most significant carrier, and that allowance would apply on all the remaining flights on that ticket.
But if Delta (the marketing airline) defers to VA (the most significant carrier), doesn't then the following stipulation take effect?
For passengers whose ultimate ticketed origin or destination is a US point, US and foreign carriers must apply the baggage allowances and fees that apply at the beginning of a passengers itinerary throughout his or her entire itinerary.
#7




Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,872
You’re talking about a total of less than 2 inches over the AF (and also DL) cumulative measurements requirement. I think it’s unlikely that this would be noticeable enough for anyone to want to measure the bag.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
This is my thought as well - I can't see them busting out measuring tape and being all anal about this but... you know, weirder things have happened.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
DL is the marketing carrier and therefore DL's rules apply. DL does not use MSC and therefore MSC is irrelevant.
Both VS and AF check-in agents will see this on their screens at check-in and your e-ticket receipt should show this as well. While there are occasions when this can be an issue, within ST, it won't be.
Thus, 157 it is. Most likely they let it slide, but the better practice, given the exorbitant cost of excess baggage, is to use a bag which you know will not be an issue.
Both VS and AF check-in agents will see this on their screens at check-in and your e-ticket receipt should show this as well. While there are occasions when this can be an issue, within ST, it won't be.
Thus, 157 it is. Most likely they let it slide, but the better practice, given the exorbitant cost of excess baggage, is to use a bag which you know will not be an issue.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
DL is the marketing carrier and therefore DL's rules apply. DL does not use MSC and therefore MSC is irrelevant.
Both VS and AF check-in agents will see this on their screens at check-in and your e-ticket receipt should show this as well. While there are occasions when this can be an issue, within ST, it won't be.
Thus, 157 it is. Most likely they let it slide, but the better practice, given the exorbitant cost of excess baggage, is to use a bag which you know will not be an issue.
Both VS and AF check-in agents will see this on their screens at check-in and your e-ticket receipt should show this as well. While there are occasions when this can be an issue, within ST, it won't be.
Thus, 157 it is. Most likely they let it slide, but the better practice, given the exorbitant cost of excess baggage, is to use a bag which you know will not be an issue.
Thanks.

