New Continental Baggage Rules for International Flights

[dnhill]

I just received this from Continental:

This makes it a little harder to get there with all of the scuba and camera gear.

International Travel (except Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) Applies only to customers with tickets issued on or after September, 7, 2005
Economy Class Free Baggage Acceptance

* 2 Checked Bags: Maximum 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece.
* 2 Boxes instead of two free checked bags: Maximum 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece

Boxes are accepted on a voluntary separation and limited liability basis only (space available only, in good condition and labeled). Boxes are not accepted on Expressjet Airlines, Inc. dba Continental Express ExpressJet destinations to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to boxes and their contents.

* During an Excess Baggage Embargo, when no excess baggage is accepted: 1 Box, instead of 1 free bag; Maximum 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) will be accepted free of charge.

Charges will apply for:

* Extra Pieces: Over your two checked pieces -- Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rate based on destination
* Oversize: Over 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) -- Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rate based on destination
* Overweight:

Over 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and not exceeding 70 lbs (32 kg) - $25.00 per piece

Over 70 lbs (32 kg) and not exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) - Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rate based on destination

OnePass Elite Members Economy Class Free Baggage Acceptance

* 2 Checked Bags: Maximum 70 lbs (32kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece.
* 2 Boxes instead of two free checked bags: Maximum 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece

Boxes are accepted on a voluntary separation and limited liability basis only (space available only, in good condition and labeled). Boxes are not accepted on Expressjet Airlines, Inc. dba Continental Express ExpressJet destinations to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to boxes and their contents.

* During an Excess Baggage Embargo, when no excess baggage is accepted: 1 Box, instead of 1 free bag; Maximum 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) will be accepted free of charge..

Charges will apply for:

* Extra Pieces: Over your two checked pieces -- Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rate based on destination
* Oversize: Over 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) -- Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rate based on destination
* Overweight: Over 70 lbs (32 kg) and not exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg)

First Class, BusinessFirst and International Business Class Free Baggage Acceptance

* 3 Checked Bags: Maximum 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece. Ticket must reflect confirmed seat for segment in which customer is checking in.
* 3 Boxes instead of three free checked bags: Maximum 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece

Boxes are accepted on a voluntary separation and limited liability basis only (in good condition and labeled). Boxes are not accepted on Expressjet Airlines, Inc. dba Continental Express ExpressJet destinations to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to boxes and their contents

* During an Excess Baggage Embargo, when no excess baggage is accepted: 1 Box, instead of 1 free bag; Maximum 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) will be accepted free of charge.

* BusinessFirst Customers/ First Class/International Business Class Customers (ticket must reflect confirmed seat for segment in which customer is checking in) - 3 checked bags; Box does not travel standby.

Charges will apply for:

* Extra Pieces: Over your three checked pieces
* Oversize: Over 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height)
* Overweight: Over 70 lbs (32 kg) and not exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg)

Note: Contact Continental Airlines Reservations at 1-800-525-0280 to obtain specific rates based on destination

 

[docmartin]

thanks for the info. i am glad i got elite status i.e. 40lbs extra allowance.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Looks like I won't be flying Continental unless their prices are significantly less than a competitors, at least $50 ($25 x 2 bags), but probably more like $100 just out of principle.

 

[DiveMaven]

They're just following the rest of the industry. American went to a 50# limit on international flights earlier this year. Delta and United still allow 70#, but don't be surprised if that changes soon.

There's two reasons the airlines are lowering the weight limits (according to a friend in the industry). 1) The baggage handler's injury rates are lower, and 2) (and more important) The airlines can carry more cargo. One reason that airline tickets don't cost more is because of the amount of cargo that a passenger jet carries. Passengers are not big money makers for an airline, cargo is.

My husband and I have a 48.5# dive bag with both of our gear in it (we carry on our regs/computer/camera). We also only typically check 2 bags total (we're very light travelers), so if we have to start packing a 3rd bag we will.

 

[bikefox]

It took a few trips to figure out exactly how to pack my bag but when I went to Costa Rica in July it was 49 lbs. I guess that means no more gear for me!

 

[DandyDon]

thanks for the info. i am glad i got elite status i.e. 40lbs extra allowance.

Yep - my last trip saw me checking two bags in the low 50s, so I guess I could trim back to 50# bags if I had to, but ain't it nice to get the extra allowances - as well as the Presidents Club membership.

It took a few trips to figure out exactly how to pack my bag but when I went to Costa Rica in July it was 49 lbs. I guess that means no more gear for me!

I don't know. I've know divers to put heavier stuff in their roll-ons so they could transport more, i.e. spare batteries and such. I've never seen them weigh a roll-on, as long as the traveler can get it overhead, but dang - wouldn't you hate for the overhead to drop those bags on your head...!!

 

[Sue-ba]

I have been able to pack everything I need for a week plus all my gear, (except my reg and computer which I carry-on) at 64 lbs. Too bad about this. It wont be much longer before I become an Elite onepass but until then, I guess I will have to go to 2 bags.

"I guess that means no more gear for me!" Heaven forbid!

 

[kidspot]

One of our local carriers has a 40lb total weight limit ie 2 bags, 1 @ 38lbs & 1 @ 2lbs ... made it really tough to travel with my gear, but I made it, lead too ... barely (42lbs actually, but they let it by) As mentioned above I put as much heavy "stuff" in my carry on bag (BP, battery etc..)

Aloha, Tim

 

[Mike Veitch]

I'm screwed!

I can only travel on Continental as i live in Micronesia, i got here with 2 bags each at the limit of 70# and i have bought more stuff in the meantime....
I own 8 cameras and housings.....!!!!

 

[DandyDon]

I'm screwed!

I can only travel on Continental as i live in Micronesia, i got here with 2 bags each at the limit of 70# and i have bought more stuff in the meantime....
I own 8 cameras and housings.....!!!!

Yep - you're screwed. :11:

But, $25 each for two bags up to 70# won't kill. You may have to have a yard sale beyond that...??