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MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Airlines will limit free check-in baggage to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per person on its North American service as it battles to keep costs down amid rising fuel prices, the airline said Monday.
The weight cap will take place from July 1, it said. At present passengers are allowed 70 pounds for free.
"Record-high fuel prices have forced PAL to follow the lead of most major carriers in reducing baggage allowance on trans-Pacific routes, as a way of cutting operational cost," the airline said.
Major US carriers have gone even further and are now charging passengers for check-in baggage.
PAL said the measures are part of efforts by airlines worldwide to stay afloat in the face of surging fuel prices.
Oil touched a record $139.12 a barrel on June 5 and currently trades at around $135.
"Prices are double what they were a year ago and have surged six-fold since 2002," PAL said.
