British Airways makes Baggage a Breeze!

British Airways has announced that it has introduce significant changes to its baggage policies to make the the whole long haul flying experience easier for passengers – now isn’t that refreshing, that the customer comes first!

The changes, while aimed at increasing customer satisfaction and reducing queues at airports, will also bring British Airways bring in line with the UK Department for Transport’s recommendations and requirements of the UK’s main airport operator, BAA.

So what will this mean for BA travellers?

It will mean changes to hand, checked and excess baggage allowances which will be phased in from early July across the airline’s global network.  

Martin George, British Airways’ commercial director, said, “Making the airport experience simpler and speedier for our customers is one of our key objectives as we move towards the opening of Heathrow airport’s Terminal 5 in March 2008″.

He added, “We have created new policies which are easier to understand and will reduce queuing time at airports and as a package, with our new baggage allowances being comparable to or more generous than our current policies and our main competitors.”

Hand Baggage

The changes to the amount of hand baggage air travellers can carry on board British Airways’ aircraft will be introduced from July 5, 2006, with all passengers able to carry one standard-sized bag and one briefcase, laptop computer bag or equivalent on all flights, with the maximum size of the bag having to comply with the UK Department for Transport, BAA and International Air Transport Association requirements of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

The great news is also that weight restrictions will be removed but flyers must be able to lift their bag unaided into the overhead lockers of the aircraft and/or the briefcase, laptop computer bag or equivalent must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. 

Checked-In Baggage

These changes to the airline’s free checked-in baggage allowances will consolidate two existing policies, which are based on the number of bags or total weight and depend upon route and class of travel.

A single allowance system for checked-in baggage will be introduced from October 11, 2006 based upon a set number of bags, with the number of bags that can be checked-in varying according to the class of travel and route. 

The maximum weight for any checked bag will be reduced to 23kg to comply with health and safety recommendations.  

British Airways customers will also be able to carry one piece of sporting equipment, such as golf clubs and skis, free of charge in addition to their checked-in baggage allowance.

Customers travelling with infants will benefit from a substantial increase in their checked-in baggage allowance from October 11, with the free entitlement for infants being one bag weighing up to 23kg plus a collapsible pushchair or buggy and in addition, a parent will be allowed to carry a standard-sized bag onto the aircraft for their infant when flying as well as their own allowance.

The airline is also standardising its excess baggage charges from October 11, with bags that exceed a customer’s free checked-in baggage allowance being charged at a fixed fee and the charges applying to all customers and dependent on journey length. 

In the majority of cases the new charges will be less than those currently levied by the airline.

As an industry first, BA is offering its customers the opportunity to pre-pay for their excess baggage on-line before arriving at the departure airport, with those taking advantage of the new scheme will benefit from a 20 per cent discount.

Changes to the carriage of some sporting goods and pets will also be introduced from October 11, with details of these and all baggage allowances being found on the airline’s website:

http://www.ba.com/baggagepolicy

Ah well, it is about time, we have all looked on in astonishment at the guys arriving with the kitchen sink and getting away with it at our expense – well done BA – the Mole will just have to send that trunk ahead by steamer!

Report by The Mole