A relative flew out on KLM on 10/17 and was surprised to find at check-in that a new rule was in effect which lowered the per bag weight limit from 70 to 50 lbs. Her bags were at 55 lbs but, luckily, the agent let her slide. The issuing ticket agency had not mentioned this rule change and when we checked with them afterword we were told that the rule was not supposed to go into effect until November 1st. Another relative is leaving on BA shortly and when they checked with the airline regarding this rule they said the limit was and will continue to be 70 lbs/bag. Does anybody know about this new rule?

Check out britishairways.com

It's still 70lb to/from the US and a few other countries.

Anyways, I figure you already know that one. As for the new 50lb rule, it's being implemeneted by many US airlines, and international airlines flying to the US.

At 50lb x 2, it's still much more generous than the rule used on most flights outside the US, which is 44lb per person.

Only airline I see do that is Jetblue for the dominican republic flights.

venusfan - What do you mean by "only airline"? AA allows 50lb x2, CO allows 50lb x2, NW allows 50lb x2. That is the new standard.

For international airlines on non-US flights, it's always been 20kg (44lb) for each passenger. I looked up BA's website, and they allow 22kg (51lb), which is more generous than others.

Interesting posts. My family flys internationally (US to Europe) about 2-3 times per year and the weight limit has always been 70 lbs/bag. The 50 lbs/bag change really shocked them. None of us fly domestically and we tend to use the same airlines (SAS previously, KLM/Northwest, BA and United). I guess this is just another issue that needs to be clarified with each airline prior to the flight.

For United, it is effective for economy tickets purchased on/after September 7. There are a few exceptions for Premier Execs/1Ks, first/business, etc. Check the website for details.

I heard about the AF/KL change recently. They're probably doing it to bring their weight per piece limit more in line with US carriers.

Sorry, meant to say is that whenever I book on jetblue to Dominican Republic it stresses the maximum weight. Talk is that Jetblue wont be expanding anytime soon to the dominican republic because most people who go there are not tourist and they carry too much luggage.

for the international carriers that still have the 70 pound weight limit, (weight concept) belive me...they will follow soon. i'm certain it has to do with reducing fuel costs...

Flew Continental recently and the check-in agent weighed each of my luggages. The first bag came in at over 70 lbs, luckily I weighted it myself before leaving the house and know that it should be just below 50. Turns out the Continental agent had her foot on the scale.

My experience has been that luggages get checked-in without having the weight checked more often than otherwise for domestic flights. Is this the same for everyone else?

An update: I'm leaving on United shortly and while the 50 lb rule is in effect, according to their website excess baggage fees will be waived for travelers who purchased their tickets prior to Sept. 6, 2005. Also, it would appear that the 50 lbs. rule only applies to coach. I'm flying BC and as I understand it 70 lbs. is still allowed.

KLM are tightening up... I just travelled to Kenya with 30kg and they told me that the limit was 20kg. Frankly that's nothing!!

Shame on you KLM.

SHAME ON YOU!!!!

Pumbavu - Where are you flying from? The international standard, as I've said, has always always been 20kg/44lb. Unless your flights are direcetly to/from the US, where the limit is higher. It's been like that for decades.

What on earth do you pack in your luggage? We travel all over the world and for two of us we have almost always only two duffle bags and never ever our bags were more than 50 lbs and that includes a couple trips to Africa when each of safari/beach trips were one month long.

Booze, cigs, salami, ham, Maglights, shotgun ammo, etc. You name it, we're bringing it since my parents now live half the year in the old country where everything, especially alcohol and food, is outrageously expensive. I'm meeting my parents for a cruise shortly and I'm hauling a heavy bottle of fine Tequilla. Since the bottle is plastic I'm going to put it in checked luggage to free up my carry-on space. Other things like ammo, which my father uses as a hunter and sportsman, must be in checked luggage by law and that stuff is heavy.

People who live around the world, students and others on longer (if not permanent trips) are heavily impacted by the rules.

It is not just the cost to ship the remainder of your stuff separately.... many of the countries people are flying to don't have safe or reliable shipping.