New baggage rules for Air Jamaica
Published:Tuesday | November 30, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
As of tomorrow, passengers travelling on Air Jamaica will only be allowed 16lb (7kg) in hand luggage, while executive business-class travellers will see a reduction from three to two pieces.
Although executive business-class passengers will now only be allowed to check two pieces of luggage, the weight has been moved from 50lb to 70lb each.
The airline made the announcement on its website, www.airjamaica.com, but many passengers and even some travel agents are not yet aware of the changes.
In a quick move, Air Jamaica's competitor, American Airlines, has increased its checked-luggage allowance from two to three, capitalising on the change made by the island's national carrier. American Airlines also does not charge for checked luggage, in comparison to other carriers that fly into Jamaica's airports.
"Allowing business passengers three pieces of checked luggage has never happened before," said senior agent at Total Travel Service in Kingston, Anne Fulton, in response to the American Airlines initiative.
The United States carrier has aggressively marketed to business passengers, particularly those who visit South Florida regularly. On American Airlines, it is also noted that carry-on items may only be up to 45 dimensional inches but not restricted to 16lb.
On JetBlue, carry-on should fit in the overhead bin, and the item must not exceed, for its Airbus A320, 26 inches (66 centimetres) length x 18 inches (45.72 centimetres) width x 12 inches (30.48 centimetres) height.
Fulton said the decision by Air Jamaica to cut the hand-luggage weight to 16lb might cause some passengers, particularly those who travel for business purposes, to become upset. However, she also noted that airlines worldwide are shying away from persons taking luggage on-board.