New baggage allowances for British Airways

British Airways has made some changes to its baggage allowances, including relaxing the weight restrictions of hand luggage but cutting the maximum weight of free checked-in bags on some flights.

From October 11, passengers on domestic and European flights will be able to check in baggage weighing up to 23 kilograms for free – a reduction of nine kilograms. The number of bags that can be checked in will vary depending on the seat class and route.

Additionally, passengers will be able to check in one piece of sports equipment - such as golf clubs - for free, alongside their regular baggage allowance. Those travelling with infants will be able to take a collapsible buggy free of charge.

Meanwhile, changes to hand luggage restrictions will begin on July 5. Passengers will be able to take one bag, measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, along with one briefcase, laptop bag, or equivalent. There will be no weight restriction for the bag, but the passenger must be able to lift it into the plane's overhead locker unaided.

Meanwhile, excess baggage charges are to be standardised and will depend on the length of the flight. Passengers will be able to pay these charges ahead of time online and those doing so will receive a 20 per cent discount.

British Airways says the new regulations will reduce queuing times and that the baggage allowances "remain comparable to or more generous than our current policies and our main competitors".

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Comments

[Lola Sodiya]

I think that British Airways is making a big mistake by introducing these new extra baggage fees on some flights. I have always flown with British Airways for the past 20 years and I am proud of my patriotism, but now I will surely be flying with a different airline.

[Raxita]

I can't believe how strict BA are on the luggage allowance! I can't believe they are saying that they are being generous compared to their competitors. Well, I for sure will be flying with their competitors next time!

[Tony Dyer]

The catalogue of industrial troubles, plus the new baggage restrictions, plus the new additional checked-bag charges will make me look elsewhere for my flights in the future. I have always flown BA in the past but will definitely now only do so if there is no alternative.

[Brice]

I've flown BA a few times and it typically has great in-flight service, but for some reason it is the only airline at Heathrow or Gatwick that seems to constantly have strikes which makes it very scary to make reservations. You never know if you'll be stuck in a tent for three days! Now they add this baggage restriction. Why would anyone want to put themselves through the frustration and annoyance of flying with BA anymore?

[Andre]

I flew with British Airways twice and I was appalled at the long delays, one hour delay at departure and three hours delay on return.

Seats are tiny, meals are kid’s meal sandwiches, and what is even worse is the luggage restriction and tight security; makes the whole journey so exhausting.

[ruwayne swartz]

I have travelled with BA before; good service very friendly, but I am afraid my return trip to South Africa will be the last. With the introduction of the very high price on excess baggage, £120 for a second bag is absolutely outrageous, regardless of what weight it is.

[nikita]

I think it's disgraceful to only allow 23kg, I mean by the time you put your shoes and toiletries in the suitcase, you wont be able to put nothing else in there. It's really bad. Come on BA, get it together!

[Rob]

We have always flown with BA to Bulgaria, where we have a house. We have brought loads of stuff from the UK and never paid an exess baggage charge. The lifting of restrictions in hand baggage weight means we can now take even more weight between us on each trip. The last trip was 2 x 23kg in hold luggage and 22kg in one hand luggage plus 29 kg (heavy items) in another. I make that 97kg in total. How much stuff do you lot want to carry?!

We will continue to fly with BA and be proud of it.
PS. Yes, the inflight "snack" is a bit dire.

[Ade]

Except BA wants me to fly to Nigeria using Ghana Must Go bags for my luggage, I tell you 23kg is not much for the suitcases themselves already weigh much. Your competitors e.g. Arik air takes 2 x 32kgs and are getting more of your customers. Isn't it time you rethink and earn more flying to Nigeria?

It is dangerous carrying heavy cases as hand luggage and not fair on the physically handicapped.

[Gilbert]

I never flew with British Caledonian but used to see beautiful adverts on TV in my country when I was young and dreamt one day I would. Now BA: I made my decision to fly BA on a round trip from Africa-Sweden-UK-USA-UK-Africa. Mostly we are eager to take clothes and other goodies home for our family. The restrictions on maximum baggage simply make that wonderful opportunity difficult. We appreciate the sacrifices made by BA staff to keep the airline afloat, but please minimise the impact on your faithful clients new & old. Maintain age racial / ethnic / gender balance on cabin crew members too. We like our stewards but include younger generation as well. Checking other airlines balance is a great marketing strategy. Thanx