Air France and KLM are launching hand baggage only fares on transatlantic routes.
The two sister carriers have unveiled a new range of economy fares that have gone on sale for flights departing Europe from April 10, 2018.
There will be three main economy tariffs for flights between Europe and the US and Canada:
Light – a hand baggage only fare (checked luggage is charged at €50 per bag)
Standard – some flexibility with one piece of luggage included
Standard Plus – a range of more flexible fares plus one piece of checked luggage
Despite these changes, all economy passengers will continue to receive free catering and drinks as they do now, regardless of which type of ticket they have purchased.
Meanwhile Delta Air Lines, which operates a joint venture across the Atlantic with Air France-KLM and Alitalia, is also expanding its Basic Economy fare on to more than half of its transatlantic services for flights from the same date – April 10, 2018.
Delta’s Basic Economy fare includes a fee for the first checked bag on transatlantic flights. While the tickets also do not allow seat assignment or any changes.
Tim Mapes, Delta’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said: “Expanding Basic Economy is one more way Delta is providing customers more choice and control in their travel.
“This is a great solution for price-conscious customers flying across the Atlantic who still want the high-quality cabin experience Delta has to offer.”