Dick
June 17th, 2006, 07:59
BA has announced changes to its Baggage Policy effective 5th July. The allowances to/from USA routes remain unchanged. BA Website/Baggage (http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagpolicy/public/en_gb)
All passengers irrespective of class, will be allowed 1 piece of hand baggage ~ now no weight limit, but passengers must be able to lift it into the overhead locker unaided, and the luggage must conform to the prescribed size limits. In addition everyone is allowed 1 briefcase, laptop or equivalent, which must fit under the seat in front.
Economy passengers are allowed to check in 1 piece of luggage; enhanced economy, business, and first are allowed to check in two pieces. A checked bag must not exceed 23Kg. Any additional bags above the allowance will be charged a flat fee of ┬г120 (long haul rate), or pay online in advance and get a 20% discount.
So bonus all round... cram you hand baggage with as much as you can lift, but make sure your suitcase(s) do not exceed 23Kg. Enhanced economy upwards benefit from 2 bags @ 23Kg = 46Kg weight allowance, compared with the previous 23Kg for enhanced economy, and 30 Kg for business.
Downside... if your checked bag(s) are over 23 Kg, you will have to take out the excess weight. If you can't cram that excess into your hand baggage, then presumably you would either discard it or face putting it into an additional bag for which the flat excess fee would be applied. And I expect BA will now get tough with those many travellers who hitherto took onboard as hand luggage what would rightfully be construed as a suitcase... now to go in the hold for that excess charge.
I wonder how long before other airlines adopt a similar policy.
All passengers irrespective of class, will be allowed 1 piece of hand baggage ~ now no weight limit, but passengers must be able to lift it into the overhead locker unaided, and the luggage must conform to the prescribed size limits. In addition everyone is allowed 1 briefcase, laptop or equivalent, which must fit under the seat in front.
Economy passengers are allowed to check in 1 piece of luggage; enhanced economy, business, and first are allowed to check in two pieces. A checked bag must not exceed 23Kg. Any additional bags above the allowance will be charged a flat fee of ┬г120 (long haul rate), or pay online in advance and get a 20% discount.
So bonus all round... cram you hand baggage with as much as you can lift, but make sure your suitcase(s) do not exceed 23Kg. Enhanced economy upwards benefit from 2 bags @ 23Kg = 46Kg weight allowance, compared with the previous 23Kg for enhanced economy, and 30 Kg for business.
Downside... if your checked bag(s) are over 23 Kg, you will have to take out the excess weight. If you can't cram that excess into your hand baggage, then presumably you would either discard it or face putting it into an additional bag for which the flat excess fee would be applied. And I expect BA will now get tough with those many travellers who hitherto took onboard as hand luggage what would rightfully be construed as a suitcase... now to go in the hold for that excess charge.
I wonder how long before other airlines adopt a similar policy.