Got this info from my T:
Baggage Charges for USA Carriers as at 25 March 2010
In recent months, US carriers have introduced fees for check in baggage. There are charges for checking in luggage on domestic flights and in some cases, charges for additional bags on international flights
As a general rule:
Customers on international through tickets that have domestic sectors are exempt from paying. For example if you are on a fare that is SYD – NYC via LAX, you will be exempt from the luggage fee(s) for your domestic sector if the fare is all on the same ticket.
If you travel to the USA on one fare and your onward flights are separate sector fares, you will pay for your check in luggage. For example, if you travel SYD – LAX on QF on one ticket and then pick up domestic sector fares, you will pay for your luggage. If you are transiting LAX and your luggage has been checked all the way through, the people at check in may exempt you but technically, the fees apply.
If you book USA domestic sector fares in isolation, the luggage fees will apply as per the carriers’ rules.
Check in baggage fees generally also apply for flights to / from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Some USA carriers now charge a fee for additional luggage (2 or more check in bags) on other international services.
Passengers travelling in business or first class are generally exempt from charges as are active US military personnel – there may also be exemptions for silver, gold and platinum frequent flyers depending on the carrier.
All luggage fees are charged in USD and can be paid online or at check in by cash or credit card
The important thing is to check with the applicable carrier(s) as each has slightly different policies and fees.
I'm flying MEL to LAX via AKL then HNL to MEL via AKL with Air New Zealand and all my internal flights are with United airlines/Hawaiian Airlines.
According to the UA site, I now have to pay a total of $60USD for 2 suitcases. I'm allowed 2 suitcases on ANZ at no charge, but have to pay for the UA sectors.
Not fair.
Baggage Charges for USA Carriers as at 25 March 2010
In recent months, US carriers have introduced fees for check in baggage. There are charges for checking in luggage on domestic flights and in some cases, charges for additional bags on international flights
As a general rule:
Customers on international through tickets that have domestic sectors are exempt from paying. For example if you are on a fare that is SYD – NYC via LAX, you will be exempt from the luggage fee(s) for your domestic sector if the fare is all on the same ticket.
If you travel to the USA on one fare and your onward flights are separate sector fares, you will pay for your check in luggage. For example, if you travel SYD – LAX on QF on one ticket and then pick up domestic sector fares, you will pay for your luggage. If you are transiting LAX and your luggage has been checked all the way through, the people at check in may exempt you but technically, the fees apply.
If you book USA domestic sector fares in isolation, the luggage fees will apply as per the carriers’ rules.
Check in baggage fees generally also apply for flights to / from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Some USA carriers now charge a fee for additional luggage (2 or more check in bags) on other international services.
Passengers travelling in business or first class are generally exempt from charges as are active US military personnel – there may also be exemptions for silver, gold and platinum frequent flyers depending on the carrier.
All luggage fees are charged in USD and can be paid online or at check in by cash or credit card
The important thing is to check with the applicable carrier(s) as each has slightly different policies and fees.
I'm flying MEL to LAX via AKL then HNL to MEL via AKL with Air New Zealand and all my internal flights are with United airlines/Hawaiian Airlines.
According to the UA site, I now have to pay a total of $60USD for 2 suitcases. I'm allowed 2 suitcases on ANZ at no charge, but have to pay for the UA sectors.
Not fair.
