Continental announces new policy for excess baggage

Continental Airlines on Tuesday announced modifications in its free checked-bags policy for international travel, to reflect new weight limits of 50 lbs. each for up to two pieces.

To assist customers with the transition to the new policy, Continental is waiving excess weight charges up to 70 lbs. each for up to two pieces of free checked baggage for international travel purchased through Sept. 6, 2005. Excess baggage charges will be applied for international travel purchased on or after Sept. 7.

The new U.S. Department of Transportation-approved policy, which makes Continental’s international checked baggage allowance consistent with its domestic baggage policy, is necessary to recoup increased handling and fuel costs associated with carrying heavier bags. It will apply unless prohibited by specific foreign governments for travel to/from their countries.

Summary of Continental’s international free checked baggage allowance
• Two pieces of checked baggage free of charge: Maximum weight: 50 lbs. each; Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches each.
• OnePass Elite members: Two pieces of free checked baggage up to a maximum weight of 70 lbs. each; Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches each.
• BusinessFirst or First Class customers: Three pieces of free checked baggage up to a maximum weight of 70 lbs. each; Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches each.
• Military passengers on tour: May check free of charge two duffel bags, sea bags or B-4 bags up to 70 Ibs./115 linear inches.
• Certain items may be carried free in lieu of one suitcase. See continental.com for details.
• Checked baggage over 50 lbs. and not exceeding 70 lbs. will be charged at the rate of $25.00 per piece.

Complete information on Continental’s free baggage allowance policy can be found on www.continental.com.

Continental Airlines is the world’s sixth-largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 150 domestic and 131 international destinations, more than any other carrier in the world. Nearly 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines, which include Aeromexico, Air France/KLM, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. With 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 56 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.

For the second consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No.1 Most Admired Global Airline on its 2005 list of Most Admired Global Companies.