What travellers should know about Iberia's new charges for odd-shaped luggage

Most people travel with a regular suitcase, but there are also those who travel with musical instruments, ski equipment, sculptures from abroad and more.

Spain’s national airline Iberia, however, has recently become fed up of customers trying to bring other items on board its flights.

Since January 28th, the airline has been applying an additional fee to all luggage which has an “irregular shape”.

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Up to €140 extra can be added as surcharge for anyone wanting to check-in these types of items.

Irregularly shaped baggage is defined as “any item whose shape, material, or dimensions may interfere with the airport's automated systems (for example: soft bags, plastic packages, round or oval bags, or non-rigid packaging),” the airline confirms on its website.

For domestic flights it will charge an extra €35; to the Canary Islands, Europe and Africa it will charge €60; and €125 for flights to the Americas or Asia. For connecting flights up to €140 is added for irregularly shaped bags for flights to the Americas or Asia.

The charges are as follows: 

The airline states acceptance of the bag will be assessed at the special baggage check-in counter upon arrival at the airport.

Irregular-shaped bags may also be refused for operational or security reasons, so it's important that you're aware of the new rules before you arrive. 

In exceptional cases, the airline says your bag may not travel on same flight as you and instead travel in a special hold or on a later flight. 

“To ensure safe transport and minimise problems, we recommend using rigid, rectangular or proportionately sized suitcases,” they state.

In short, it's best not to risk it and just travel with a regular suitcase. If you know you're going to be travelling with an irregular item, you should contact the airline beforehand to see if it will be ok and be prepared for the extra charge.