From next Tuesday some British Airways passengers will be forced to pay ”240 ($467) for checking in two extra bags for most long haul destinations whether they make the total 23kg limit or not. ”These new BA luggage rules are selective, open to abuse and commercially naive,” said a very senior travel industry insider.
The rules, however, do not apply to the USA, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Mexico and Brazil. Customers for these destinations will still be able to check in two pieces of luggage free of charge. The free 23kg allowance for economy class customers to other destinations will be limited to a single item of luggage. If you are travelling with two small pieces, say 10 and 12 kilo each you will be charged for the second piece, typically ”30 ($58) per bag or ”21 ($41) per bag if paid online (includes 30% discount available when travel is completed by 30 September 2007) for domestic flights. Premium class travellers do get better allowances.
In a statement BA also said: ”British Airways has absolutely no intention of discriminating against passengers who cannot comfortably carry a 23kg bag. Where it is clear that a passenger cannot manage one bag, we will let them check in an additional bag (or more) provided the total weight is within the 23 kg limit.” BA will also allow what they term ”sporting gear”, commercial goods, and various other items providing they are notified 24 hours ahead. The same rule is supposed to apply to electric wheel chairs but as our travel agency man pointed out: ”if some little old lady tried to check-in having not pre-warned the airline, and was turned away, the media would have a field day. Defend that Mr Walsh! The whole idea is complicated, anti-passenger and total nonsense. I can see a passengers” revolt. British Airways says that only 2% of passengers will be affected. In any event who defines what a person can carry? Is it worth the trouble?!”
The scheme is thought to be part of the transfer programme for the new Terminal 5, now due open in 13 months” time. Under health and safety rules that maximum baggage unit is being reduced from 32kl to 23kl from 30 September, although this too is somewhat flexible.