Finnair introduces new baggage rules for long-haul passengers

Passengers who want to carry on both a regular carry-on bag and an under-seat bag will have to purchase a light ticket, which are available for long-haul flights and for business-class customers on flights within Europe.

The maximum dimensions of an under-seat bag are 40 centimetres by 30 centimetres by 15 centimetres. Similarly, a regular carry-on bag, whose dimensions are 55 centimetres by 40 centimetres by 23 centimetres, must not exceed the dimensions of 55 centimetres by 23 centimetres.

The airline will also reduce baggage allowances for business-class passengers on continental flights and adopt additional fees for all special baggage, such as golf bags and ski equipment.

The changes to ticket types and baggage restrictions will enter into effect on June 1st.

Finnair on Tuesday said the changes had been made due to the impact on passenger comfort and punctuality of carry-on baggage.

The objective is to ensure smoother boarding, on-time operations, and comfortable travel on all our flights. The amount of excess carry-on baggage on all flights is a visible challenge on all flights, affecting both flight punctuality and travel comfort, said Valtteri Helve, Finnair's director of products.

We receive feedback from our customers and staff on a regular basis. Helve said the airline will step up the tracking of carry-on baggage at airports to ensure boarding is smooth and flights depart on time during the busy summer season.

Excess carry-on baggage will be added to the bill for an additional charge, he said. If you're a passenger, it's a good idea to inspect the baggage allowance associated with your ticket and adhere to it. At the airport, fees for additional baggage are higher than in advance. Finnair said passengers who use superlight, light or classic tickets would have to cough up an additional charge in order to choose their seat. Passengers opting not to do so will be assigned a seat by the airport staff.

Finnair's director of communication, Heidi Lemmetyinen, told Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday that the airline has received both positive and negative feedback for the changes. The changes are aimed at improving customer service, rather than squeezing more money out of passengers.

Passengers have at times had a lot of baggage, which has slowed down boarding as people try to make their baggage fit. Flights have been delayed as we ve had to move baggage to the cargo hold at last minute, she said.

Delays at any stage can ripple across what is an operation of small margins.

There is a butterfly effect. At worst, a delay in one stage is repeated for other airline flights and passengers, she said.

Although pilots can sometimes make up for delays by flying faster, that is neither easy nor particularly responsible, according to Lemmetyinen. The increase in fuel consumed by fast flights results in a rise in both flight costs and carbon-dioxide emissions.