Air France/KLM has decided to introduce a fee for checking in a second bag on all passengers on Economy Class on flights between Europe and the United States. Passengers will have to pay US$50 for flights leaving from the United States and EUR50 for flights departing from Europe.

”Passengers will be able to check one bag, weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilos), free of charge. If passengers would like to check a second bag … they may do so for a fee of $US50 ($53.79) for all flights departing from the US or E50 ($80.87) for all flights departing from Europe,” Air France said.

Charges will not apply to passengers who are Flying Blue Platinum, Gold and Silver members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus Frequent Flyer members.

Air France said this measure comes after a similar move by Delta, American Airlines and British Airways. They also said only 14% of passengers on Economy Class check in a second bag. These airlines charge US$50 for a second bag on most flights, while US Airways charge US$55. Virgin will also introduce new rules for second checked-in luggage.

The fee will be implemented starting November 1th and will also be applied to flights from the US to Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.