British Airways is planning to add up to £240 to the cost of a return long-haul flight if passengers want to check in an extra bag.
British Airways (BA) is planning to add up to £240 to the cost of a return long-haul flight if passengers want to check in an extra bag.
Travellers on shorter international trips will face a bill of £120 and those on domestic journeys, £60.
Travellers on shorter international trips will face a bill of £120 and those on domestic journeys, £60.
Analysts said the tactic was a way for the airline to cover costs - and possibly to ease its move to Heathrow's Terminal 5 next year.
Analysts said the tactic allowed BA to cover costs - and possibly to ease its move to Heathrow Terminal 5 next year.
But some said it could damage BA's image as a full-service carrier.
Yet BA said it would make exceptions for passengers who "cannot comfortably carry" one heavy bag.
'Simpler'
'Simpler'
Until now, customers have been allowed to check in more than one bag as long as they did not exceed weight restrictions.
Until now, customers have been allowed to check in more than one bag as long as they did not exceed weight restrictions.
Some commentators said the change could damage BA's image as a full-service carrier.
They obviously see it as a way to actually make some more money out of carrying additional baggage John Strickland, independent air travel consultant
They obviously see it as a way to actually make some more money out of carrying additional baggage John Strickland, independent air travel consultant
The fees, which apply from Tuesday, 13 February, will be imposed even if the combined weight of the two bags is below the allowance.
The fees, which apply from Tuesday, 13 February, will be imposed even if the combined weight of the two bags is below the allowance.
However, passengers will be able to carry one piece of sporting equipment free of charge.
However, passengers will be able to carry one piece of sporting equipment free of charge.
From 30 September, the maximum weight of a bag that can be checked-in free of charge will be 23kg - down from the current limit of 32kg.
From 30 September, the maximum weight of a bag that can be checked-in free of charge will be 23kg - down from the current limit of 32kg.
In a statement on its website, BA said the new system aimed for a "single allowance system based on the number of bags that can be checked in".
In a statement on its website, BA said the new system aimed for a "single allowance system based on the number of bags that can be checked in".
"Our vision for London Heathrow Terminal 5 is to create the best possible airport experience before you fly," it said.
"Our vision for London Heathrow Terminal 5 is to create the best possible airport experience before you fly," it said.
"With this in mind, we have announced a new simpler checked and excess baggage policy."
"With this in mind, we have announced a new simpler checked and excess baggage policy."
Passengers will get a 30% discount by paying in advance via the internet.
Passengers will get a 30% discount by paying in advance via the internet.
The extra charge will be £168, £84 and £42 per extra bag for return long-haul, short-haul and domestic flights respectively when booked on line.
The extra charge will be £168, £84 and £42 per extra bag for return long-haul, short-haul and domestic flights respectively when booked on line.
BA said that flights to the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico would be exempt from the new charges to bring policy "in line with the local government regulations".
BA said that flights to the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico would be exempt from the new charges to bring policy "in line with the local government regulations".
And passengers flying to any destination will be exempt from the new rules if they cannot easily manage one 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 23kg limit," said a BA spokesman.
Surprise
Surprise
The carrier said its "overall baggage allowances remain highly competitive when compared with other airlines".
The carrier said its "overall baggage allowances remain highly competitive when compared with other airlines".
"For more than 98% of customers, there is no real change as most people already travel within their free hold and cabin luggage allowances," it added.
"For more than 98% of customers, there is no real change as most people already travel within their free hold and cabin luggage allowances," it added.
Independent air transport consultant John Strickland told the BBC he was surprised by the move.
Independent air transport consultant John Strickland told the BBC he was surprised by the move.
"In some ways, they are taking a leaf out of a low-cost airline's book by charging," he said.
"In some ways, they are taking a leaf out of a low-cost airline's book by charging," he said.
"They are seen as a full service airline and certainly not as a low-cost carrier."
"They are seen as a full service airline and certainly not as a low-cost carrier."
The move has already provoked outrage from consumer groups.
The move has already provoked outrage from consumer groups.
A spokesman for Help the Aged told the Daily Telegraph the news raised "serious issues" for older travellers.
A spokesman for Help the Aged told the Daily Telegraph the news raised "serious issues" for older travellers.
"For many older people, it is important that they can travel independently," he said. "But many will not be able to manage one bag."
"For many older people, it is important that they can travel independently," he said. "But many will not be able to manage one bag."
Budget airlines such as Ryanair already charge passengers for carrying any check-in luggage at all.
Budget airlines such as Ryanair already charge passengers for carrying any check-in luggage at all.
Are you affected by this additional cost? Send us your views using the form below.
Are you affected by this additional cost? Send us your views using the form below.
