Following a planned five to 13 percent increase in ticket prices later this month, several air carriers will slash the total weight of luggage for most passengers traveling between Taiwan and North America beginning in mid-April.

Both China Airlines (CAL) and EVA Airways presently allow each customer with economy class tickets to transport two pieces of luggage cases weighing below 32 kilograms each on flights to the U.S. or Canada, with no extra charge for the luggage transport.

Beginning on April 15, the two air carriers will reduce the load to 23 kg for each luggage case, meaning a total reduction of 18 kg for each ticketholder.

For customers buying first class and business class tickets, CAL will allow only two pieces of luggage weighing under 32 kg instead of three pieces as permitted now.

EVA presently allows two 32 kg pieces of luggage for business class customers, but it will cut that weight to 28 kg each.

For customers purchasing top class tickets, they can ship three cases weighing 32 kg each now. According to the new price list, they will only be able to take two 32 kg suitcases plus one under 23 kg.

Extra charges will be levied depending on excess weight and the additional number of pieces of luggage.

Customers, especially young people pursuing studies in North America, are complaining about the hike in ticket prices and the reduction in no-cost luggage shipment.

Executives of the airlines explained they were forced to take the step to cope with soaring fuel prices.

In fact, U.S. air carriers had adopted similar measures a long time ago, they said.

Singapore Airlines is set to implement similar measures on April 1 while other airlines said they plan to take moves after observing market developments.

Travel industry experts suggested that passengers travel light to cope with rising travel costs. Students, for example, may want to transport heavier items like books by sea cargo and purchase other items after arrival rather than taking everything aboard planes from Taiwan.