All You Want to Know About Central Mountain Air Baggage Policy

Air travel is usually a labyrinth of rules and regulations, with bag allowances standing out as one of the most vital but complicated issues for passengers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or taking your inaugural flight with Central Mountain Air (CMA), knowing about their bag policy can help avoid surprises in terms of extra charges and annoyances. In this extensive guide, we take a closer look at all there is to know about CMA’s bag allowances, charges, restrictions, and practices.

Central Mountain Air Baggage Structure Basics

Central Mountain Air has engineered its baggage policy to support diverse traveler requirements while ensuring operating efficiency. Similar to most regional airlines, CMA organizes its baggage policy under a tiered structure, with different fees and allowances based on your fare category and membership level.

Flying with Central Mountain Air has your baggage experience long before you get to the airport. The airline rewards planning with their prepaid baggage choice that will save you money compared to paying at check-in. This innovative thinking doesn’t just save travelers money but also reduces CMA’s check-in procedures and improves aircraft weight management.

Central Mountain Air’s Checked Baggage Policy 

Central Mountain Air’s checked baggage policy varies according to the fare type. Passengers traveling in the Economy class don’t have checked baggage for free. They have to pay for the first checked bag. However, in the Flex and Flex+ travel classes, the first checked baggage is complimentary. A fee is charged for the next checked baggage. 

Checked Baggage Fees – Prepaid vs. Check-in 

One of the most notable aspects of Central Mountain Air’s baggage policy is the price difference between prepaid and check-in baggage fees. The airline encourages passengers to plan by offering discounted rates for baggage fees paid in advance.

Economy class passengers, as mentioned already, has to pay for the first checked baggage itself. So, for the first checked bag, those who prepay will be charged $36.75 each way, while those who prepay at check-in will be charged $47.25 – a saving of $10.50 for advance planners. 

Likewise, for the second checked bag, the prepaid charge is $57.75 each way, versus $68.25 when prepaid at check-in. This price applies to Economy and Flex passengers. Those traveling in the Flex Plus fare get to carry the second piece of baggage free of charge. 

These variations may appear small upon initial review, but they can quickly add up, particularly for those traveling with families or on round-trip flights. For one family of four who checked one bag per person on a round-trip flight, paying for baggage ahead of time could mean saving $84, not a small sum that could be used for vacation activities or mementos.

It should be mentioned that the prepaid baggage facility can be availed of twenty-four hours before the listed departure time. Beyond this deadline, however, passengers will be charged the regular check-in fees no matter whether they are going to make plans in advance or not. This measure prompts travelers to organize their packing schemes way ahead of their travel day, which contributes positively towards the airline’s preparations to carry out flight loading processes efficiently.

Central Mountain Air Premium Passenger Advantages

Central Mountain Air offers free baggage allowances to some travelers. From what is presented, some fare classes come with a free first checked bag, while others offer a free second bag in addition.

These free allowances are usually reserved for premium fare classes, frequent flyers, or special credit card rewards. This tiered baggage allowance system is one of the ways CMA is structuring value to its most loyal customers without sacrificing competitive pricing to all passengers.

For those who fly often with Central Mountain Air, these free allowances can amount to a lot of money over time. Frequent flyers may want to weigh whether paying for a fare class that comes with baggage allowances would be less expensive than paying à la carte baggage prices time and time again.

The Standard Checked Baggage Specifications At Central Mountain Air

Central Mountain Air upholds industry standards for baggage checked. Each bag should not be over 23kg (50lb) in weight and should have linear dimensions (length + width + height) of no more than 158cm (62in). These restrictions hold whether you’re checking the first, second, or third bags. These weights and dimensions are relevant for all three fare classes – Economy, Flex, and Flex+. 

These specifications have several purposes: they make baggage handling safe for people, keep baggage handling systems structurally sound, and assist in managing aircraft weight and balance issues. Compliance with these standards is not only important to avoid extra charges, but also to maximize flight safety and efficiency.

Central Mountain Air’s Carry-on Baggage Policy

As per Central Mountain Air’s carry-on program, they allow two articles-one sky check or standard article, and one personal article. You aren’t allowed to bring an oversized carry-on to the aircraft. They should be of the weight and dimension specified below: 

The carry-on bag must have a dimension of 23 x 40 x 55 cm or 9 x 15.5 x 21.5 inches. The dimension includes wheels and handles. The maximum weight of carry-on shouldn’t exceed 10 kg or 22lbs. 

The personal article may include items like a laptop or a briefcase or a diaper bag or cartons, or a camera case. 

Ensure your carry-on is light enough to be stored in the overhead bin. The personal item identified by a white tag should be placed below the seat in front. 

If you have a lap infant, then you are allowed to bring an extra standard article that will contain the child’s belongings. 

Central Mountain Air Additional Baggage Policy 

For more than the standard baggage, Central Mountain Air charges extra bags at a flat rate of $100.00 for each direction (plus taxes). This charge is irrespective of passenger status or fare type and represents the operational cost for carrying extra baggage.

The same size and weight limits hold for extra bags as for regular checked bags. Travelers need to be aware that although CMA accepts extra baggage, it is subject to space in the cargo bin of the plane. On a small plane or a flight, there can be limitations on extra bags taken.

Central Mountain Air Overweight and Oversized Baggage Considerations

Occasionally, conventional baggage limits just don’t cut it for travel requirements, particularly for people with specialized gear or moving. Central Mountain Air recognizes this fact and provides overweight and oversized baggage options, although at an extra charge.

Bags with a weight of 50-70lb (23-32kg) are overweight and have a charge of $100.00 per direction, taxes included. Likewise, bags with the same linear dimension of 158-292 cm (63-115in) qualify as oversized and have the same charge.

In a show of customer-friendly policy, CMA only charges this fee once, even when a bag is overweight and oversized. This is a significant departure from some airlines that would charge both fees separately, which could double up for passengers who have non-standard baggage requirements.

It should be mentioned that there are strict limitations to what CMA can handle. Bags weighing over 70lb or measuring linear dimensions greater than 292cm could not be accepted as checked baggage because of operational and safety limitations. Travelers with unusually large or heavy bags should call the airline ahead of time to explore alternative shipping arrangements.

What You Can Carry On Central Mountain Air Flight and What You Cannot?

If you have booked a Central Mountain Air flight, you would be keen to know what you can bring along and what you cannot. Here is a detailed analysis of some of the many items that you may or may not carry, alongside the rules and regulations for the same.

• Musical Instruments: CMA will try to accommodate musical instruments as part of your carry-on, provided they are within the specified dimensions. You should be able to stow them underneath your seat or in the bin overhead. They should also be properly packaged, lest the airline will deny carrying them onboard. Oversized musical instruments like double basses, tubas, and some kinds of guitars won’t be permitted onboard. You must get in touch with the cargo sales office. 

• Wedding Dress: You can take it as a carry-on bag provided it meets the carry-on baggage dimensions. You should store your dress in garment bags. Fold it in half; this way, you may lessen wrinkling. 

• Liquid/Aerosols/Gels: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, drinks, and lotions should be in containers, not exceeding 100 ml or 3.4oz. Containers should be in resealable plastic bags that are transparent. 

• Drones: You can take drones in your carry-on bag. However, you must turn them off and stow them safely. You cannot use them on the aircraft. If carrying drones in your checked baggage, removing the lithium batteries is important. 

• Sports Equipment: If you are carrying bicycles, they will be charged CAD 78.75 for each direction. You have to fix the bicycle sideways, take out the pedals, and deflate the tires partially.  You can take golf equipment in a soft-shelled or hard container. You can carry a hockey bag alongside two sticks, which will be counted as a checked item. You can also bring along skis, snowboards, water skis, footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, etc. However, the balls should be deflated to prevent damage of any kind during the flight. 

• Firearms: Firearms like handguns, shotguns, and rifles should only go in as checked baggage. Those traveling with firearms must fill out the Firearms Declaration form. This should be done while completing the check-in formalities. If carrying restricted firearms, additional government documentation is needed. One firearm is considered as a single checked baggage piece, additional fees apply. 

• Perishable items: Meat and fish in their fresh or frozen form are only accepted as checked baggage. You must package the perishable items properly in a 100% impact-proof and leak-proof container.  Any items that leak won’t be accepted for transport. Styrofoam coolers aren’t accepted; only gel packs are approved for cooling purposes.  

You can bring along certain foods like nuts, fruits, and sandwiches on board. However, in the case of liquid foods such as jams, pudding, sauces, yogurts, and soups, the liquid restrictions for carry-ons apply. 

• Collapsible strollers: The umbrella-type strollers are allowed in the cabin baggage. You must stow them in the bin overhead. You can even store them below your seat near a side wall. However, if you are seated in a restricted row, you cannot store your collapsible stroller there. However, if you have non-collapsible or large collapsible strollers you must check them. 

• Duty-free Purchases: Duty-free gels, creams, and liquids over 100 ml are allowed in the carry-on, if they are properly sealed during the purchase with the receipt placed inside. You should not tamper with or open the sealed bag before going through security checks. If you have a connecting flight, you shouldn’t open the bag, particularly if you leave the airport and return in a while. You have to go through security checks again. The security tamper bags have a 48-hour validity.  

• Pets: A small dog or a cat is permitted inside the cabin on condition that the pet’s size comfortably fits below the seat in front of you. The carrier must be properly ventilated and leak-proof. The carrier should have a height of 8.5 inches, a width of 15.5 inches, and a length of 17.5 inches. 

The maximum weight of the pet and the carrier combined mustn’t exceed 22 lbs or 10 kg. For the safety and comfort of their passengers, CMA can transport either a small cat or a dog. If any passenger has allergies, in such cases the pet has to travel at the extreme end (back) of the aircraft, or should be transported in the cargo hold.   

When you have pets in the cabin, it is regarded as a single carry-on item. The charge is $52.50 per direction. Pets as checked baggage cost $105 per direction. Service dogs can travel free of charge.                                                

When Things Go Wrong – Central Mountain Air’s Delayed and Damaged Baggage Policy

Even with the best efforts, baggage problems sometimes happen. Central Mountain Air has put together extensive procedures for dealing with delayed, lost, or damaged bags, showing their dedication to passenger satisfaction even when there is a problem.

Delayed Baggage

In case your luggage does not accompany your flight, CMA follows a systematic process to return your items to you. The airline prepares a Baggage Irregularity Report and fills out the details in their tracking system. As per CMA, the majority of delayed bags arrive at the passengers’ doorstep within 24 hours.

As an act of goodwill, CMA refunds any baggage charges you incurred if your bag does not arrive on your flight. The airline also pays for reasonable expenses you incurred for being delayed, usually up to $25 per day for two days.

In the unlikely instance that a bag goes unlocated for 21 days, passengers may file a claim for the contents and value of the bag, with payments capped at a maximum of $2,100. This is consistent with the international airline liability convention for baggage.

Damaged Baggage

For damaged bags that arrive, CMA has several options available for resolution. Following evaluation of the damage (except for normal wear and tear or pre-existing flaws), the airline will replace the bag, repair it, or issue a travel voucher if the passenger so desires. Like delayed luggage, CMA also refunds baggage fees in these cases.

To have proper handling of mishandled baggage claims, passengers must report damage at the destination airport if possible, with CMA baggage tags attached. If this is not possible, claims should be submitted in writing within 7 days of receiving the baggage.

Also Read: Bering Air Baggage Policy

Understanding Liability Limitations Of Central Mountain Air

Though Central Mountain Air takes every effort to treat all baggage with care, they have standard industry liability restrictions. Central Mountain Air is not liable for damage due to normal wear and tear, improper packing, or inherent defects in the baggage itself.

Notably, CMA mentions that they do not carry fragile, valuable, or perishable items in checked luggage. Passengers are always advised to carry vital medicines, valuable pieces, crucial papers, and delicate items in their hand baggage.

CMA’s highest liability for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage is 1,131 Special Drawing Rights per passenger (around $2,100). The limit is consistent with global practice under aviation conventions and follows the realities of air travel.

Central Mountain Air Baggage Fees

For ease of reference, here’s an in-depth table detailing Central Mountain Air’s baggage charges and policies:

Baggage Type	Prepaid Fee (CAD)	Check-in Fee (CAD)	Weight/Size Limits
1st Checked Bag (For Economy, free for Flex and Flex+)	$36.75 per direction	$47.25 per direction	23kg (50lb), 158cm (62in)
2nd Checked Bag(For Economy and Flex, free for Flex+)	$57.75 per direction	$68.25 per direction	23kg (50lb), 158cm (62in)
3rd Bag & Additional	$100.00 per direction	$100.00 per direction	23kg (50lb), 158cm (62in)
Overweight Bag	$100.00 per way	$100.00 per way	23-32kg (50-70lb)
Oversized Bag	$100.00 per way	$100.00 per way	158-292cm (63-115in)

Note: Certain types of fares include a free first or second checked bag. Prepaid is available until 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Tips for Successfully Navigating CMA’s Baggage Policy

To get the best value out of Central Mountain Air’s baggage policy and prevent surprise fees or hassles, follow these handy tips:

1. Prepay baggage whenever possible. The cost savings are considerable, particularly for round-trip flights or group travel.

2. Check your luggage weight and size before traveling to the airport. This easy precaution can prevent overweight or oversized baggage charges.

3. Consider taking bags together when traveling with family. Because charges are per bag instead of by weight (up to the limit), fewer bags at full weight can be cheaper than multiple lighter bags.

4. Place valuable, breakable, and necessary items in your carry-on. Not only will this safeguard your most precious items, but it will also comply with CMA’s liability limits.

5. Keep your baggage tags until you’re certain your baggage is intact. They will be needed for any claims you may have to make.

6. Report problems immediately. CMA has deadlines to report issues – within 1 hour at the airport in case of bags not received, or within 7 days in writing for delayed notification or damage claims.

7. Save receipts for any costs associated with baggage delays. These will be required for claims for reimbursement.

Conclusion

Central Mountain Air’s baggage policy balances passenger needs with operational efficiency. By understanding the subtleties of their fee system, allowances, and procedures, travelers can make educated choices that enrich their travel experience and, in some cases, save them money.

Whether you’re flying light or must carry important items, CMA has provisions to fit most demands. The secret to a hassle-free baggage experience is planning – comparing your packing requirements to the fee policy, taking advantage of prepaid options when offered, and adhering to size and weight limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions