On May 6th, Iberia will launch a new luggage policy designed to reduce both complications and costs for passengers. On domestic and European routes, the free luggage allowance for Tourist Class passengers will be raised from 20 to 23 kg, while Business Class passengers will get an allowance of 30 kg. On long-haul flights to the Americas or Africa, the allowance for Tourist Class passengers will be 46 kg. in two pieces, each weighing a maximum of 23 kg., and for Business passengers it will be 69 kg. in three pieces, each weighing a maximum of 23 kg.

Iberia customers will also benefit from changes in excess baggage rules. First, calculations will be simplified, thanks to the weight limit on individual pieces of luggage. Second, the rates charged will be cut by an average of 50%. In addition, when the excess baggage charge is paid in advance and via the www.iberia.com web site, an additional reduction of 30% will be given. Customers must click on the “Information” tab on the site, then the “Before travelling” button, and finally on “Purchase excess baggage”, when they can buy a web-voucher that is valid for one year from the purchase date, remains associated with a particular point of departure and of destination, and is refundable at any Iberia office or via the airline’s Call Center.

Customers may also pay in cash for excess baggage at Iberia airport counters, or, as of May 6th, at with a credit card at the check-in counter.

Iberia web site www.iberia.com supplies detailed information about weight allowances and excess weight charges for each destination, as well as data about luggage requiring special treatment (bicycles, surfboards, wind-surf equipment, etc) and transporting animals, etc.

Today, Iberia is Spain’s leading airline and also market leader on flights between Europe and Latin America. In 2007 it posted operating income of more than 5.52 billion euros and net earnings of 327.6 million, with an Ebitdar of 932 million. Iberia is also distinguished by its social, corporate, and environmental policies. Along with its franchise partner Iberia Regional, it operates some 1,000 flights every day to about 100 destinations. In 2007 Iberia carried 32.5 million passengers. It is a member of the oneworld airline alliance along with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, JAL, LAN, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian.