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Possible exemption from payment for second suitcase

Baggage. Iberia is charging passengers 60 euros for a second piece of luggage

C.M.W.Maó08/03/10 0:00

Iberia has started to charge passengers 60 euros for booking in a second suitcase on the company's flights, a measure which has not been well-received in the Balearic Islands where residents and visitors are more reliant on air travel than those on the mainland.

The Balearic Government is currently negotiating with Air Nostrum, the subsidiary of Iberia which operates in the archipelago, to have the charge dropped on flights both to and from the islands, arguing that flying is the most-used method of transport to connect the island with the rest of the world and that having to pay for luggage could reduce movement and the islands' competitiveness. The Government also believes that charging for excess baggage could be detrimental to tourism in the archipelago and reduce the number of arrivals or the average length of holiday.

The Canary Islands face a similar situation and the region's president, Paulino Rivero, has called on citizens to rebel against the measure.

Whilst travellers flying to and from the Balearic Islands may be exempted from paying for a second suitcase, they will have to pay for excess weight. However, in this aspect preferential treatment will be given to passengers in both the Balearics and the Canaries. Whereas those travelling on the majority of Iberia's flights will have to pay 60 euros per kilo overweight, in the two archipelagos this sum will be reduced to 15 euros per kilo.