Alaska/Horizon to charge extra for bags above 50lbs

30 July 2003, 10:56

For all those traveling out west and into Alaska this hunting season, you might be interested in the following.

-Steve

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2003
ALASKA AIRLINES/HORIZON AIR CHANGE BAGGAGE RULES TO REDUCE WORKPLACE
INJURIES
SEATTLE-
In an effort to reduce workplace injuries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are modifying excess baggage requirements by reducing the weight for the free baggage allowance.

Beginning October 1, passengers with bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will be charged a $25 excess baggage fee, while those with bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will be charged a $50 fee. All baggage in excess of 100 pounds must be
shipped as cargo.

"We initiated the effort as a way to reduce injuries to our station employees who lift heavy bags everyday," said Dave Prewitt, Alaska's vice president of safety. "We anticipate that the added fee will encourage people to pack lighter bags." Back injuries from lifting heavy bags are the most common workplace injury in the airline industry.

Previously there was no fee for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and a $50 fee for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.

Alaska and its regional partner, Horizon Air, together serve 85 cities in the Lower 48, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com.