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The Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has tightened controls on luggage on flights to Cuba and warned that round bags without a base, known as “ball bags,” could be classified as special luggage.
The alert spread widely on social media following the notice from Cuba Tulike, one of the main travel agencies to Cuba in Madrid, which specified that the measure may involve check-in at a specific counter, possible additional costs, and delays or inconveniences on the day of travel.
At the same time, he urged travelers to avoid this type of luggage to not complicate the check-in process.
"Nobody wants stress at the airport. Even less so when you're loaded down to see your loved ones," emphasized the agency while explaining that the change could lead to additional procedures and delays.
The decision comes in a context where flights to Cuba typically carry an unusual amount of cargo per passenger.
The lines to check in for flights to the island are often characterized—according to travelers and companies in the industry—by the number of bags, boxes, and packages accompanying those who travel to visit their relatives or bring them hard-to-find items in the country.
In that context, the term “ball suitcases” has become popular because they maximize cargo capacity; however, their shape and lack of a stable base make them difficult to handle on conveyor belts and automated systems.
According to reports, AENA, the airport management organization for Madrid-Barajas, confirmed the measure and referred airlines for further operational details.
Meanwhile, the practical recommendation for passengers is to avoid round or base-less luggage and opt for square or rectangular suitcases, which are easier to handle and compatible with the standard check-in system.
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