More and more airlines are starting to charge additional fees for checked baggage. Commercial Baggage fees for the first bag can range from $10 – $50 with a second baggage fee of $80 and over, according to weight. Some airlines have even added fees for carry-on baggage. “It’s time to draw the line,” Sen. Schumer said. “Airlines should not be allowed to charge for overhead luggage.” Schumer has received commitments by other airlines who have vowed to not charge for carry-on baggage.[1]
Below is information from the FTR geared towards carriers under the City Program contracts. To make sure you get the most current information on baggage allowance policies you can check with your agency’s Travel Management Center or Commercial Travel Office or with the individual airline.
Federal Travel Regulation 301.12.2 identifies excess baggage as a miscellaneous expense. You should verify your agency’s policy and procedures regarding miscellaneous expense policy on excess baggage fees.
The following Federal Travel Regulation excerpt is applicable to payment of baggage expenses when the respective agency determines the miscellaneous expense is in interest of the government.
§301-12.2 What baggage expenses may my agency pay?
Your agency may reimburse expenses related to baggage as follows:
a) Transportation charges for authorized excess;
b) Necessary charges for transferring baggage;
c) Necessary charges for storage of baggage when such charges are the result of official business;
d) Charges for checking baggage; and
e) Charges or tips at transportation terminals for handling Government property carried by the traveler.
Many times there is not only one fee but can be subject to other fees, such as; one for just having an extra bag, another if you exceed the weight limit and then on top of that they can add a fee if the size of your bag is not within their restrictions. The list can go on and on, even checking the restrictions for all scenarios of baggage fees can be rigorous. Travelers will soon be paying more for their baggage then they are for the actual flight. News programs have indicated that travelers going on vacations are taking action by concentrating on bringing only what is necessary and opting to do more laundry while they are traveling. One man was traveling back from visiting his home town and family and had to make a decision to throw away his Mother’s prized quilt so that he could afford to fly back to his residence. Getting rid of personal items such as the quilt would not necessarily affect a government traveler but the cost of traveling by air has made all travelers, government and civilian alike, to take a closer look at how their travel needs are met.
By: Debra Hardman
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Bureau of the Government or my Agency.”
[1] CBS New York.com