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Notice: Continental Airlines is implementing a $25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on Economy fare tickets between Latin America* (excluding Brazil and the Dominican Republic) and the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. The fee will apply for tickets purchased on or after May 8, 2008, for travel commencing on or after May 19, 2008.
Continental Airlines previously implemented a $25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on Economy fare tickets purchased on or after April 5, 2008 for travel commencing on or after May 5, 2008 within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
Certain customers are exempt from paying the new fee and will be allowed to check second bags free of charge (bags must meet weight and size restrictions). These customers include:
- OnePass Elite members
- SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
- Any customer traveling on a ticket purchased in Y class of service
- Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders
- Active military personnel traveling on orders
- Any customer traveling to/from Brazil or the Dominican Republic
Customers traveling with the above exempt customers are also exempt as long as they are traveling in the same reservation. This exemption will not apply to group reservations including 10 or more customers.
All customers may continue to check one bag free of charge. Additionally, there is no charge for car seats, strollers and wheelchairs.
To learn more, see our list of FAQs below.
*Pending government approval.
FAQs - New fee for second checked bag
When did the new policy take effect?
For customers traveling within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, the new service fee applies to customers traveling on or after May 5, 2008.
The fee for travel between Latin America (excluding Brazil and the Dominican Republic) and the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada will apply to tickets purchased on or after May 8, 2008, for travel commencing on or after May 19, 2008.
Does the new policy apply to international travel?
The new baggage policy applies to flights within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and for flights between the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and Latin America (excluding Brazil and the Dominican Republic).
An itinerary such as Austin to Houston and connecting to London, or Beijing to New York/Newark and connecting to Mexico City will not be subject to the new fee.
Who is exempt from the fee for a second checked bag?
The following customers will not be charged a $25 service fee to check a second bag:
- OnePass Elite members
- SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
- Any customer traveling on a ticket purchased in Y class of service
- Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders
- Active military personnel traveling on orders
- Any customer traveling to/from Brazil or the Dominican Republic
Is the second bag charge per passenger?
Yes. For example, a family of four traveling on the same reservation will be able to check four bags free of charge, one each per passenger. Each second bag per passenger would be assessed the $25 fee.
Does new fee for the second checked bag also apply to customers on Continental Express and Continental Connection flights?
Yes, this policy applies to all Continental Express flights, which are operated by ExpressJet and Chautauqua Airlines; and all Continental Connection flights, which are operated by Gulfstream International, CommutAir, Colgan Air and Cape Air.
Does the $25 fee cover my entire trip?
You may check a second bag and pay a $25 service fee each way of your trip. The charge applies for each flight and includes any connections as long as your baggage is checked to your final destination. A roundtrip flight would cost a total of $50 to check a second bag. If the second bag is not within 50 lbs and/or 62 linear inches, overweight and oversize charges will be assessed in addition to the service fee.
What is the cost to check three or more bags during non-excess baggage embargoes periods?
The service fee is $100 per bag to check excess baggage, as long as the bag meets the weight and size requirements. If your bag exceeds the weight and size requirement, then you will also be asked to pay an additional fee for overweight or oversized baggage.
What is the fee for an overweight bag during non excess-baggage embargoes periods?
Customers who travel in Economy Class with checked baggage over 50 lbs (23 kg) and not exceeding 70 lbs (32 kg) will be charged at the rate of $50 per piece. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage. Baggage weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
What is the fee for an oversized bag during non excess-baggage embargoes periods?
Customers who travel with checked baggage exceeding 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) will be charged at the rate of $100 per piece. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage. Baggage measuring more than 115 in (292 cm) (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Is sporting equipment subject to the second bag fee?
Yes, sporting equipment counts toward your baggage allowance and you would be charged a second bag service fee. If you only check your equipment, you would not be charged a second bag service fee.
My child is under the age of two years and sits on my lap. When I check my one free bag, will I be charged a service fee to also check my child's car seat or stroller?
No. When traveling with a child, you may check a car seat or stroller as your second bag free of charge.
I travel with a wheelchair. If I check one free bag, will I also be required to pay a service fee for my wheelchair when I check it?
No. Continental does not charge customers for checking a wheelchair.
What happens when my trip includes travel in Economy Class that is exempt from the new baggage policy and my return flight is not exempt?
If any part of your trip on Continental contains a segment that is not exempt from the new policy, then you will be required to pay the second bag service fee on the segment that is not exempt.
When I check in for a flight and pay for a second checked bag, what happens if the flight is cancelled and I do not travel that day?
You are eligible for a refund for the second bag service fee when you involuntarily do not travel. You may request your refund through the Continental refund process either by e-mail, phone or regular mail. See details at continental.com.
Can I pay for my second checked bag at curbside?
Yes, you may pay the service fee at curbside check-in by credit card.
Can I pay for my second checked bag while checking in online for my flight?
No. The ability to pay the new fee is not currently available when checking in online.
If I obtain my ticket by redeeming OnePass miles, does the ticket require me to follow the new policy when I travel in Economy Class?
Customers, without Elite Status, redeeming OnePass miles for travel in Economy Class will be charged a $25 service fee to check a second bag. Customers redeeming OnePass miles for First Class travel will be exempt from the second checked bag service fee.
If I upgrade to First Class on an Economy ticket, will I be charged the second bag service fee?
Whether you pay a service fee depends on what your status was at the time you dropped off your bags. If at the time you checked in your bags you are in the Economy cabin for seating, then you would be charged a service fee for checking a second bag. If you change from Economy to First Class status before you drop off your bags, then you do not pay the service fee. There is no refund for a service fee paid if you check your bags in while still holding the status of Economy and then later upgrading to First Class.
How will this affect the carry-on policy?
The new policy for checked bags does not impact the carry-on policy and customers are still allowed one one bag and one personal item.
What if I am connecting onto a codeshare or SkyTeam Alliance partner?
When a customer travels on a codeshare flight or on an aircraft operated by a SkyTeam Alliance partner, then policy regarding checked bags follows the rules determined by the originating operating carrier.
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