Virgin Atlantic latest to cut baggage allowance

Virgin Atlantic has become the latest in a long line of airlines to reduce its baggage allowance.

From November 25, the transatlantic carrier will replace its checked luggage policy with a simpler but less generous allowance of one bag per passenger per flight.

The new economy-class rule will apply to almost all services with the airline, which previously permitted up to two items of checked luggage for several destinations.

Flights to Nairobi and Lagos are still privileged with the old two-bag policy, while on all other services the allowance drops to one item weighing less than 23kg.

Extra bags will now cost £32 if booked online or £40 at the airport, mirroring the fees levied by Virgin's main rival, British Airways. However, unlike BA, Sir Richard Branson's airline will continue to transport sporting equipment such as skis for no extra charge.

"Passengers can now benefit from one of the simplest and most generous baggage policies in the industry," said Virgin spokesman Chris Birch. "It means lower charges for passengers wishing to take additional bags and a great allowance for those going on a sporting trip."

The move follows BA's announcement that it is limiting most passengers to a single item of luggage, though some of its routes will also retain the two-bag allowance.

It comes as the airline industry struggles to find new sources of revenue in the midst of one of the most prolonged downturns in its history. The trend is perhaps most noticeable in the no-frills sector, with Ryanair hiking its baggage fees by 50 per cent just last week.

According to recent research carried out by US firm IdeaWorks, the airline industry raked in a staggering £6.73 billion for extras such as baggage fees last year.

© Cheapflights Ltd

Comments

[Tony]

Its seems that African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria know that keeping a generous baggage allowance boosts their economy.

Surely it's time to let the passenger decide if they want cheaper travel instead of 2 bags. In effect air fares have gone up by £32, instead of allowing the passenger to opt to take 1 less bag in return for a £32 reduction.

Its time for passengers to start a campaign for clear price indications and a minimum baggage allowance for all international travellers.