Passengers traveling to Cuba have expressed frustration as World2Fly, an airline, has begun imposing a €150 surcharge for luggage that doesn't meet specific shape and structure requirements, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
According to a traveler speaking to CiberCuba, additional fees have been charged to those carrying fabric bags with wheels and handles, an elderly person with a shopping cart made of fabric and a metal frame packed with miscellaneous items, and passengers with boxes or the traditional plaid "Chinese laundry bag" made of durable polypropylene.
The airline states that the charge is categorized as a fee for "special baggage," applying to luggage that doesn't feature a rectangular or square shape with smooth surfaces, as outlined in the rules posted on the World2Fly website.
World2Fly specifies, “To qualify as check-in luggage, the item must have a rectangular or square shape with all smooth surfaces. Any item with a circular, oval, irregular shape, or uneven surfaces will be considered special baggage, subject to specific conditions.”
The airline also emphasizes that checked luggage must not exceed 23 kilograms. However, it allows up to 27 kilograms with an additional payment and advises against including medicines, jewelry, or important documents in checked baggage.
“The luggage should not exceed 158 cm (height + width + length). Handles, pockets, and wheels should be included in these dimensions,” they warn. Additionally, each passenger is permitted one carry-on item up to 10 kilograms and a small personal item.
Several affected passengers described being told during check-in that their bags did not meet the "smooth surfaces" or "rectangular shape" criteria, necessitating the extra charge.
This strict policy has caused discontent among travelers arriving at the airport unaware of this change in check-in baggage rules. Moreover, reports of "underground suitcase sellers" have surfaced, though CiberCuba has not verified the prices these sellers demand for their goods.
Airport sources noted that such issues often arise from the special baggage classification each airline applies, with check-in staff following each airline's internal guidelines.
Madrid-Barajas Tightens Baggage Controls Since December, Madrid-Barajas Airport has intensified its baggage checks for flights to Cuba. The agency Cuba Tulike warned of potential costs and delays for round or unstable base luggage, popularly known as “ball bags.”
In this context, World2Fly's new formal requirement is causing concern among Cuban passengers, who typically travel with large amounts of luggage for family members on the island.
Some passengers argue that this measure complicates their flight planning and raises costs during a period of high demand and economic constraints.
Luggage Policies and Customer Concerns
What is the new luggage policy imposed by World2Fly?
World2Fly has implemented a policy charging €150 for any luggage that does not conform to a rectangular or square shape with smooth surfaces, categorized under "special baggage."
How has this policy impacted passengers?
The policy has led to frustration and confusion among travelers, particularly those traveling with non-standard bags, as they face unexpected additional charges at the airport.
What are the weight and dimension limits for checked luggage on World2Fly?
Checked luggage must not exceed 23 kilograms, though up to 27 kilograms is allowed with an extra fee. Dimensions should not surpass 158 cm (height + width + length), including handles, pockets, and wheels.