Airline alliance Skyteam plans to introduce a standard extra baggage policy across all its 13 member airlines for senior loyalty scheme members.
The new policy, which will come into force on September 1, will see all Elite and Elite Plus members of Skyteam’s frequent flyer programme (FFP) entitled to the same extra luggage allowance.
Regardless of which of the 13 carriers they are flying with, and which of the airlines’ FFPs they belong to, Elite members will be able to check 10kg of extra baggage into the hold, or one extra piece, on top of the airlines’ basic allowance.
Elite Plus members meanwhile will be able to take 20kg extra, or one extra piece, in addition to the airlines’ basic allowance.
Passengers who belong to the airlines’ own FFPs automatically become members of Skyteam’s pan-alliance scheme.
For example, Silver members of Air France’s Flying Blue FFP are given SkyTeam Elite level, while Gold and Platinum members are given SkyTeam Elite Plus level.
Passengers will still need to check the basic luggage allowance for each airline, however, as this does vary.
For example economy passengers flying with Air France to the Americas can take one bag weighing up to 23kg, while passengers flying with Korean Air to the Americas can take two bags weighing up to 23kg.