The Dominion Post in NZ says that Air New Zealand passengers will soon have to pay to check in a second bag – but they will be able to take more than twice as much baggage.
From September 15, on domestic flights the first bag up to 25 kilograms will be free, but the second, also up to 25kg, will cost $15.
The current free limit is 20kg, regardless of the number of bags, plus $5 for every excess kilogram.
Pacific Blue said last week it would charge $8 for checked bags up to a combined 23kg. Excess would cost $8 a kilogram.
Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand’s head of short-haul airlines, said its change would help to take the stress out of travel.
“Customers told us they wanted to pay less for extra baggage and have a simple system they can understand.”
Under the new rules passengers with two or three small bags could pack them together in a large “flea market bag” supplied free at check-in, as long as the combined weight did not exceed 25kg, Mr Parton said.
Passengers would also be able to take baby or medical equipment such as a pram, car seat or wheelchair for free.
A Report by The Mole from The Dominion Post
