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Czech Airlines continue to carry baggage for its passengers free of charge up to a certain weight limit; but, the carrier has made charges for excess baggage. Now, destinations have been divided into three zones, where the price is CZK 300, 600, of 900 per excess kilogram. For most destinations, the prices are lower than they have been thus far.
A Transparent System with Lower Prices
The new, clear system with lower prices took effect on 15-Jan-09. It applies to flights operated by Czech Airlines. Passengers will pay the same amounts in Prague and at all other Czech Airlines stations, where rates will be converted to the particular local currency at the current exchange rate. Passengers will be able to pay the price of excess baggage directly at the check-in desks at Prague Airport, using a payment card. In the past few days, Czech Airlines equipped them with payment terminals. On average, five to ten percent of Czech Airlines’ passengers check in baggage that is heavier than the free allowance.
For checking in overweight baggage, a passenger will pay a fee of CZK 150 plus the specific price for each kilogram over the limit, depending on the zone in which his final destination lies. On flights to more remote locations, the price will be CZK 600. These include flights to destinations such as Athens, Barcelona, Larnaca, St. Petersburg, Damascus, and Cairo. The highest price for baggage exceeding the free baggage allowance will be charged on long-haul flights, such as the service to Almaty or Yekaterinburg.
The weight limits for the free carriage of baggage remain at the standard level that is usual among other carriers. In Czech Airlines’ Economy Class, passengers can carry baggage with the maximum weight of 20 kg free of charge, and 30 kg in Business Class.
An entirely different system is applied in the USA and Canada, and on flights to and from North America, Czech Airlines therefore carries free of charge a maximum of two pieces of baggage, whose weight, per piece, must not exceed 23 kg in Economy Class and 32 kg in Business. Flights originating or terminating in the USA and Canada therefore constitute the only exceptions to the new system, and overweight charges in relation thereto will continue to be applied in the same way as up to now. On all flights, passengers are entitled to carry cabin baggage and personal items with a total weight not exceeding 12 kg in Economy and 18 kg in Business Class.
Passengers Will Save on Carrying Oversized Baggage
From 15-Jan-09, the weight of oversized baggage will be included in the free carriage limit, regardless of its type. If the weight limit is exceeded, the passenger will pay CZK 250 for the handling of the oversized bag and the standard price based on the new system, i.e., CZK 300, 600, or 900, depending on the destination.
(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 19-Jan-09
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Czech Airlines reduces excess baggage rates 
