2 items of free checked baggage up to 23 kg max/item for travel involving the U.S. and Canada
On December 3, Asiana Airlines announced free checked baggage for all international flights will be restricted by weight and number of baggage items, starting next year on January 1.
Asiana has set the limit on the number of free baggage items for travel to/from the U.S. and Canada, whereas the maximum weight of bags excluding the limited number applies to non-U.S. and Canada travel.
From next year, Economy Class passengers traveling to/from the U.S. and Canada are allowed 2 items of checked baggage weighing up to 23kg max per item, 2 items up to 32kg max per item for Business Class, and 3 items up to 32kg max per item for First Class free of charge.
For non-U.S. and Canada travel, all passengers in Economy Class are able to bring 1 item of checked baggage up to 23kg max per item, 2 items up to 32kg max per item for Business Class, and 3 items up to 32kg max per item for First Class free of charge.
The total maximum weight was 20kg for Economy, 30kg for Business, and 40kg for First Class.
The airlines said, “The updated baggage allowances are aimed at improving customer experiences and the efficiency of flight connections in regard to the automated systems equipped in all international airports.” Currently, most airlines in the Star Alliances that include Asiana Airlines, and the SkyTeam Alliances including Korean Air, have operated baggage services based on standardized allowances.
The new baggage policy helps passengers reduce the possibility of lost luggage and allows for smoother connections between flights.
In addition, it benefits the airlines in terms of cost since the weight per bag is strictly scanned.
Prior to Asiana, Korean Air started to put restrictions on the number of free checked baggage on January 1, 2013.
In case of international itineraries involving the U.S. and Canada, the policy allows 2 free checked baggage items within 23kg max per item for Economy, 2 items within 32kg max per item for Prestige, and 3 items within 32kg max per item for First Class. Next year, both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will have the same service charges over checked baggage.
