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Passengers flying with Iberia, to and from Spain, are being warned about a new surcharge that could add as much as €140 to the cost of their journey if their suitcase does not meet standard shape requirements.

 

Iberia’s baggage policy has changed, with the airline confirming it will begin charging passengers a supplement for certain irregularly shaped items. The new fee will vary depending on the route and whether the journey is one way or connecting.

 

In a statement explaining the change, the airline said: “Irregularly shaped baggage is considered to be any package whose shape, material, or dimensions could interfere with the airport’s automated systems.” Examples include soft bags, plastic-wrapped packages, round or oval cases and non-rigid packaging.

 

If a traveller arrives at the airport with luggage of this type, its acceptance will first be assessed at the check-in desk. If approved, “the passenger will be charged a specific supplement according to the current fare,” Iberia confirmed. In some cases, the bag could even be refused for security reasons. The airline added that “in exceptional cases, it may not travel on the same flight as the passenger and instead be transported in a special hold or on a later flight.”

 

The surcharge depends on the destination. For a one-way domestic flight, excluding the Canary Islands, the additional fee would be €35. For flights to the Canary Islands, Europe or Africa, it rises to €60, while routes to the Americas and Asia would carry a €125 charge. On connecting flights, the supplement increases to €40 for domestic services, €70 for Canary Islands, Europe and Africa, and up to €140 for the Americas and Asia.

 

Importantly, Iberia points out that “this charge is added to the baggage fee,” meaning it is payable on top of any standard checked luggage costs.

 

At present, Iberia’s checked baggage allowance is 158cm in total dimensions and up to 23kg in weight, extendable to 32kg with an overweight payment. Cabin luggage remains limited to 56 x 40 x 25cm and 10kg, plus a small personal item.

 

The move comes months after the European Union gave airlines the green light to introduce hand luggage fees, paving the way for additional passenger charges. For travellers, it is another reminder to always double-check baggage rules before heading to the airport.

 

 

 

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