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BA to charge £240 for extra bag BA to charge £240 for extra bag
(about 2 hours later)
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 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 of the airline covering costs and possibly of smoothing its move to Heathrow's Terminal 5 next year.Analysts said the tactic was a way of the airline covering costs and possibly of smoothing its move to Heathrow's Terminal 5 next year.
But some said it may damage BA's image as a full-service carrier.But some said it may damage BA's image as a full-service carrier.
'Simpler''Simpler'
Until now customers have been allowed to check in more than one bag as long as they did not go over weight restrictions.Until now customers have been allowed to check in more than one bag as long as they did not go over weight restrictions.
They obviously see it as a way to actually make some more money out of carrying additional baggage John Strickland, independent air travel consultantThey 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 come in from Tuesday 13 February, will apply even if the combined weight of the two bags is below the allowance.The fees, which come in from Tuesday 13 February, will apply 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.
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 discount by pay in advance via the internet.Passengers will get a discount by pay in advance via the internet.
The extra charge will be £168, £84 and £42 for return long-haul, short-haul and domestic flights when booked on line, up until 30 September.The extra charge will be £168, £84 and £42 for return long-haul, short-haul and domestic flights when booked on line, up until 30 September.
BA said that flights to America, 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 America, Canada, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico would be exempt from the new charges to bring policy "in line with the local government regulations".
SurpriseSurprise
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 obviously see it as a way to actually make some more money out of carrying additional baggage rather than carrying it as a cost and taking up sport but it's a risk and it may backfire.
"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 form consumer groups. The move has already provoked outrage from consumer groups.
A spokesman for Help the Aged told the Daily Telegraph the issue it raised "serious issues" for older travellers. A spokesman for Help the Aged told the Daily Telegraph the issue raised "serious issues" for older travellers.
"For many older people it is important that they can travel independently," he said."For many older people it is important that they can travel independently," he said.
"But many will not be able to manage one bag.""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.