BA is to introduce new baggage allowances from 13 February, due it is claimed, to the move to Heathrow Terminal 5 and health and safety recommendations. The new limit per single item is 23kg (50lbs) or oversized items exceeding 2.5m x 1.00m x 0.80m (98in x 39in x 31in). For exceptional items that weigh between 23kg - 45kg (50 - 99lbs) and which cannot be repacked e.g. musical instruments, electrical wheelchairs, some sporting items, TV news cameras and commercial spares, the airline says it must be notified a minimum of 24 hours before departure.
First and Club World customers will be able to check three bags into the aircraft hold free of charge. For Club Europe and World Traveller Plus it is two bags, whilst for World Traveller, Euro Traveller, BA Connect and UK domestic the limit is one bag into the aircraft hold free of charge. The charges are for long haul ”120 ($237) per bag or ”96 ($189) per bag if paid on-line, short haul ”60/”48 ($118/95) and UK domestic ”30/”24 ($59/47) per bag.
BA says that in the majority of cases the charges are cheaper than previously and emphasises the 20% discount for online payments. However if you are World Traveller customers travelling/connecting to or from the US, Canada, Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico you will continue to be allowed two checked bags in line with the local government regulations.