Continental Airlines has made changes to its checked baggage policy for customers traveling between Europe and the United States, including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Published: 27 Aug 2009

Continental Airlines has made changes to its checked baggage policy for customers traveling between Europe and the United States, including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers who purchase certain economy class tickets for travel on or after the effective date will be able to check one bag for free and will pay $50 for a second checked bag. Customers checking in and pre-paying for bags at continental.com receive a $5 discount. The new policy takes effect immediately for tickets purchased August 27, 2009 for travel on or after September 15, 2009. The changes apply to transatlantic travelers on all flights operated by Continental Airlines between the United States and Europe.

In another development, US Airways has stated that it will match the $20 first checked bag and $30 second checked bag fees put into place by American Airlines earlier this summer. In addition, the airline will also match a $50 second checked bag fee on its trans-Atlantic flights, a change recently introduced by some competitors. The new trans-Atlantic second bag fee will apply to all European destinations served by the airline. The fee changes will become effective on tickets purchased starting today for travel on or after October 7.