Baggage
Baggage
Hand baggage
Hand baggage, is the one you can take to the aircraft with you. The weight of the hand baggage is defined by the airline, most commonly a 6 - 10kg maximum bag weight applies. The bag dimensions are: 55cmx40cmx23cm.
For safety reasons sharp items (scissors, knives, penknives, nail files etc.) are not allowed in the hand baggage. Moreover the following items are forbidden in the hand baggage: fire weapons, replica guns, explosives (ammunition, firecrackers, fireworks) and chemicals (solvent, rectified alcohol, paint, pesticides etc. ). Compressed gases, radioactive materials, matches and lighters are also forbidden, however you can buy them after the baggage and passport control.
Liquids (drinks, perfume, pastes, creams, gels etc. ) are allowed on the plane in maximum 10 individual containers not exceeding 100ml. All the containers must be kept in a transparent plastic bag. Baby food to be consumed during the flight and medication, which must be taken during the flight is allowed. Electronic equipment such as: MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones (switched off during the flight) can all be take on boards.
Additionally, a hand bag, a laptop, an and a coat can also be carried on to the plane free of charge.
Items purchased in duty-free shops must be kept in sealed bags.
Checked baggage
Checked baggage, registered during the ticket check-in and baggage drop-off times is transported in a baggage compartment. The weigh and number of baggage allowance varies among the carriers, routes and classes.
On Europe-North America routes there is one free piece of baggage allowance. The weight of checked baggage cannot exceed 23kg in Economy Class and 32kg in Business and First Class. Additional fee will be charged in case of excess baggage.
Passengers travelling around Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America are allowed total baggage allowance of 20kg in Economy Class, 30kg in Business Class and 40kg in First Class (regardless of the number of pieces).
The above mentioned allowance is a general one. Carries can alter the baggage allowance depending on routes, therefore you should always check the baggage allowance prior to departure.
Excess baggage fees vary greatly. Some airlines offer discounts for purchasing excess baggage on the website. Charges and conditions for outsized baggage apply (special and sporting equipment, musical instruments) and can vary among the carriers.
Most commonly sporting equipment is treated as normal baggage, while for musical instruments (i.e. cello) there should be purchased additional room on the board. Outsized baggage should be declared at the moment of ticket purchase.
Majority of low-cost airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage. Please see below:
|
Airline |
Checked baggage fee (one way) |
|
Wizzair |
68PLN to 3h / 90PLN above 3h |
|
Ryanair |
63PLN / 15kg |
|
Easyjet |
80 PLN / 20kg |
Lost, damaged and delayed baggage
Passenger rights related to lost and damaged baggage are regulated by the Montreal Convention from 1999. Specific conditions can be found on each airline website.
Lost baggage
What should we do in case our baggage does not arrive to the destination? First of all this fact should be reported to the lost baggage point. To do so, a passenger will need their baggage receipt, which they receive during the baggage drop off and their boarding card. The report of damage (PIR) will be written, which will be necessary at the moment of baggage collection and while making a complaint. Once the baggage is found, it should be delivered to an address given by the passenger within 5 days. If the baggage is not delivered within that time, the passenger has 7 days for making a complaint. In case of a late delivery, the passenger has 21 days to do so. Complains should be made to the carrier, the agreement was made with, therefore to the carrier the ticket was purchased from. Passengers may claim compensation from the carrier up to 1000SDR (around 1200EUR) for baggage that have been lost. Some airlines provide the passengers with ‘basic necessities’.
Damaged baggage
A passenger should immediately report damage baggage to the lost baggage point. In case the damage has been noticed later, it can be reported within 7 days. The report of damage will be written and on its basis the passenger will be able to claim compensation. An operating air carrier accepts liability for any damage to the checked baggage, regardless of whose responsibility it is, however, in case of the non-checked baggage the carrier is responsible for the damaged caused only by the carrier. Passengers may claim compensation from the carrier up to 1000SDR (around 1200EUR) for baggage that has been damaged.
Delayed baggage
The airlines are responsible for baggage delay. The situation when the carrier has undertaken all possible actions to prevent the delay or when such actions were not possible is an exception.
Air France and KLM baggage policy
Free baggage allowance for passengers flying with Air France and KLM vary depending on the route and class; for instance within Europe baggage allowance is 23kg. Golf equipment can be transported free of charge on all routes. Sporting equipment can be transported with no extra charge, within the baggage allowance. If the total weight or the number of baggage pieces exceeds the limits, additional fees apply. Excess baggage can be paid for during on-line check in. The fee charged on-line is 30% lower than the one charged at the airport.
