BA reducing baggage allowance

[Katys Grandad]

Looks like BA's money worries are beginning to feed through to passenger charges.

Free checked baggage allowance in economy to the US will be just 1 bag each weighing no more than 23kg. Each additional bag will cost £35 and if any 1 bag weighs between 23-30kg it will attract a further fee of £30.

Even if you keep within the weight limit, a family of 4 with 2 checked bags each will now pay £280 more on a return trip.

New charges take effect for trips booked after 6 October 2009. In November, Airport Departure Tax will also go up.[msnsad]

[website link edited]

[jolliffee]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Looks like BA's money worries are beginning to feed through to passenger charges.

Free checked baggage allowance in economy to the US will be just 1 bag each weighing no more than 23kg. Each additional bag will cost £35 and if any 1 bag weighs between 23-30kg it will attract a further fee of £30.

Even if you keep within the weight limit, a family of 4 with 2 checked bags each will now pay £280 more on a return trip.

New charges take effect for trips booked after 6 October 2009. In November, Airport Departure Tax will also go up.[msnsad]

[website link edited][/quote]Bit of an opps there!
The allowance you refered to does not apply to the USA plus some other countries where the min checked bagged allowance is regulated. The min allowance is still 2 bags at 23Kg per person to & from the USA. The other changes were made or published quite some time back now.

[Katys Grandad]

Well, here's what BA's website says:(MY highlights)


# Customers travelling in [u]World Traveller on flights to and from the Americas* (except Brazil) will have a free allowance of one bag weighing no more than 23kgs.</u> This means that the World Traveller allowance will be the same for the majority of British Airways routes
# World Traveller customers travelling to and from Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and on through-checked journeys between India and the USA, Canada and Bermuda will retain a two-bag free allowance of up to 23kgs per bag
# Gold and Silver Executive Club cardholders will be entitled to two pieces of luggage on all routes when they travel in World Traveller, Euro Traveller and Domestic
# There will be a reduction in charges for the first bag in excess of the free allowance on longhaul
# The cost of extra bags on UK domestic routes will be brought in line with other shorthaul European services at £35 per bag
# Heavy bag charge for bags between 23kgs and 32kgs will increase from £25 to £30. The special bag charge for items that exceed the maximum dimension will no longer apply.
[u]
* Americas routes affected: USA,</u> Canada, Bermuda, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean

Not sure what you mean by an 'opps' but I'm just posting what BA's site has said since Saturday.

When I look closer, it's actually not precise on what the charge will be but does say it will be 'reduced' so my £35 might be overstating it. Even so, I don't see how it can possibly be concluded that this doesn't apply to USA-UK flights.

[Jill]

My understanding from this link on the BA site, which covers the new baggage rules, is that we will keep our 2 bags as standards [website link edited]

Unfortunately whereas several countries have removed APD tax to help boost tourism our government seems to want to increase it, on the grounds it is a green tax.[msnmad]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
My understanding from this link on the BA site, which covers the new baggage rules, is that we will keep our 2 bags as standards[website link edited]

Unfortunately whereas several countries have removed APD tax to help boost tourism our government seems to want to increase it, on the grounds it is a green tax.[msnmad][/quote]I'm sure that link won't last on the thread Jill but I don't see how you can come to that conclusion. I did look at it and it says that the allowance is 1 bag in World Traveller except for:

"Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and direct connections between India and the USA, Bermuda and Canada" (which remain at 2 checked bags)

For reasons I don't understand, it seems that you have to fly direct to the USA from India to get the 2 bag allowance!

[Katys Grandad]

Just checked with BA Customer Relations - definitely just 1 free checked bag up to 23kg for economy bookings to and from USA made after 6 October.

What with the new policy on in flight meals, BA's beginning to look more like a low cost carrier every week.

[ellie]

Wow, BA certainly know how to entice passengers back! Wonder if they have thought of charging for using the loos like Ryan air considered. They could make a mint from that on a transatlantic fight! :D

[Sniff]

I certainly read that as affecting routes to USA [msnsad]

[pieman790]

We are booked to fly to MCO via Gatwick with BA in November/December. Can you confirm this is for bookings made after 6 October 09 that will be affected?

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pieman790
We are booked to fly to MCO via Gatwick with BA in November/December. Can you confirm this is for bookings made after 6 October 09 that will be affected?
[/quote]

Yes. BA tell me that it's when you BOOK that matters so anything in place now or booked before 7 October will keep the 2 bag allowance. I suspect that there'll be a bit of a mess at check-in until all those bookings are exhausted - given that you can book almost 12 months in advance, that will take a while.

I fear that other airlines will follow this lead but in the meantime you won't find me flying economy on BA.

[pieman790]

Thanks for your info but whats wrong with flying economy on BA?

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad

Originally posted by pieman790
I fear that other airlines will follow this lead but in the meantime you won't find me flying economy on BA.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pieman790
Thanks for your info but whats wrong with flying economy on BA?

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad

Originally posted by pieman790
I fear that other airlines will follow this lead but in the meantime you won't find me flying economy on BA.

[/quote]

Sorry - just referring to this change.[msnsmile2]

Probably should have said that I won't be making any economy bookings post October 6th!

[taylona]

Haven't seen a change on their website. It reads FIRST and Club World: Three standard-sized bags
World Traveller Plus and World Traveller: Two standard-sized bags. These bags need to weigh no more than 23kgs. (I think this is now an international rule for health and safety). If a bag weigh over this you will need to pay £25 ($45 for journeys from all US airports) at the check-in desk for each bag or item that is over the maximum free allowance weight limit of 23kg (51lbs). This fee will be converted into the local currency during the check-in process.

I'm travelling on Thursday and will ask at check in - if they are changing the goal posts their website should reflect the changes from 6 October. My families allowance is 12 bags but we never take our allownace! Sadly life is tough for all airlines at the moment.

[jolliffee]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Well, here's what BA's website says:(MY highlights)


# Customers travelling in [u]World Traveller on flights to and from the Americas* (except Brazil) will have a free allowance of one bag weighing no more than 23kgs.</u> This means that the World Traveller allowance will be the same for the majority of British Airways routes
# World Traveller customers travelling to and from Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and on through-checked journeys between India and the USA, Canada and Bermuda will retain a two-bag free allowance of up to 23kgs per bag
# Gold and Silver Executive Club cardholders will be entitled to two pieces of luggage on all routes when they travel in World Traveller, Euro Traveller and Domestic
# There will be a reduction in charges for the first bag in excess of the free allowance on longhaul
# The cost of extra bags on UK domestic routes will be brought in line with other shorthaul European services at £35 per bag
# Heavy bag charge for bags between 23kgs and 32kgs will increase from £25 to £30. The special bag charge for items that exceed the maximum dimension will no longer apply.
[u]
* Americas routes affected: USA,</u> Canada, Bermuda, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean

Not sure what you mean by an 'opps' but I'm just posting what BA's site has said since Saturday.

When I look closer, it's actually not precise on what the charge will be but does say it will be 'reduced' so my £35 might be overstating it. Even so, I don't see how it can possibly be concluded that this doesn't apply to USA-UK flights.
[/quote]

Travel to the USA remains unchanged [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
BA - for Adults and children (aged 12 years and over).
FIRST and Club World: Three standard-sized bags
World Traveller Plus and World Traveller: Two standard-sized bags

As I said previously the minimum baggage allowance is regulated to the USA and is the same for all airlines.

We must be looking at different web sites, the info you posted has been around a long while, and does not change the minimum allowance to the USA. My web info [website link edited]

[Katys Grandad]

The extract posted above is straight off their website so it's definitely there Denise.

Can't post the link of course but go to 'Baggage Essentials' and you'll see a link to 'changes from 7 October'.

[wilfy]

It's not really suprising as 2 of the US airlines now have this policy, Delta is one of them, i cannot remember the other. Delta introduced their change around May this year. A 2nd bag is $50, but it's not clear if this if per 1 way trip or per return.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by jolliffee
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Well, here's what BA's website says:(MY highlights)

# Customers travelling in [u]World Traveller on flights to and from the Americas* (except Brazil) will have a free allowance of one bag weighing no more than 23kgs.</u> This means that the World Traveller allowance will be the same for the majority of British Airways routes
# World Traveller customers travelling to and from Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and on through-checked journeys between India and the USA, Canada and Bermuda will retain a two-bag free allowance of up to 23kgs per bag
# Gold and Silver Executive Club cardholders will be entitled to two pieces of luggage on all routes when they travel in World Traveller, Euro Traveller and Domestic
# There will be a reduction in charges for the first bag in excess of the free allowance on longhaul
# The cost of extra bags on UK domestic routes will be brought in line with other shorthaul European services at £35 per bag
# Heavy bag charge for bags between 23kgs and 32kgs will increase from £25 to £30. The special bag charge for items that exceed the maximum dimension will no longer apply.
[u]
* Americas routes affected: USA,</u> Canada, Bermuda, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean

Not sure what you mean by an 'opps' but I'm just posting what BA's site has said since Saturday.

When I look closer, it's actually not precise on what the charge will be but does say it will be 'reduced' so my £35 might be overstating it. Even so, I don't see how it can possibly be concluded that this doesn't apply to USA-UK flights.[/quote]Travel to the USA remains unchanged [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
BA - for Adults and children (aged 12 years and over).
FIRST and Club World: Three standard-sized bags
World Traveller Plus and World Traveller: Two standard-sized bags

As I said previously the minimum baggage allowance is regulated to the USA and is the same for all airlines.

We must be looking at different web sites, the info you posted has been around a long while, and does not change the minimum allowance to the USA. My web info [website link edited][/quote]Sorry Dave, but it's changing on 7 October.

Go to BA's homepage, then then click the Information Tab at the top. Then look at Baggage Essentials - the very bottom bullet point shows "New Baggage Policy from 7 October 2009"

As posted above, BA Customer Relations confirmed it when I called them this morning.

[Sniff]

Originally posted by jolliffee
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:As I said previously the minimum baggage allowance is regulated to the USA and is the same for all airlines.
[/quote]
I don't think that's true. There may well be reciprocal agreements in place between the airlines (especially between airlines that are in the same alliance) but I do not believe there are any regulations that can enforce the 2 free bags rule. That is determined by the airlines themselves, and many of them are clearly reviewing their policies these days.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Sniff
Originally posted by jolliffee
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:As I said previously the minimum baggage allowance is regulated to the USA and is the same for all airlines.
[/quote]I don't think that's true. There may well be reciprocal agreements in place between the airlines (especially between airlines that are in the same alliance) but I do not believe there are any regulations that can enforce the 2 free bags rule. That is determined by the airlines themselves, and many of them are clearly reviewing their policies these days.[/quote]Agreed Keith.

There's a difference between regulating the amount of baggage that's permitted and the issue of whether airlines can charge for it. BA aren't prohibiting people checking more than 1 bag, they're just now charging for anything beyond that. It's something Delta have already done for tickets purchased after 16 July 2009 for travel after 4 August. Further, anybody flying with a Charter will know that they have very different free allowances but I'm not aware of that being in breach of a regulation. I'm certainly not in a position to dispute the existence of the regulation Dave is referring to, but without knowing what it says, it's pure speculation.

In contrast, on the question of whether BA are going to charge for a second checked bag, it couldn't be much clearer. It's also not correct that it's been on BA's site for some time - it was added as a revised policy on 31 July.

[Katys Grandad]

More detail on this move in The Times travel section. It will cost £32 for the second bag if checked in online or £40 if checked at the airport. If anybody has a third bag, that'll be a massive £90 thank you! Sporting goods like golf clubs, skis or snowboards will count as a bag for charging purposes.

BA said:

"...these are unprecedented economic times and we believe this can generate revenue for British Airways and help us return to profitability"

At least they're honest about it.

[FraserLynn]

Are you sure about all this KG, I know that you have seen it on the website, had it confirmed by the customer service department and you have now read about it in the Times, perhaps when you have your fourth point of collaborating evidence we will be certain![msnwink]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by FraserLynn
Are you sure about all this KG, I know that you have seen it on the website, had it confirmed by the customer service department and you have now read about it in the Times, perhaps when you have your fourth point of collaborating evidence we will be certain![msnwink]
[/quote]

Must admit Fraser, I have serious doubts about it. If only there were some clues!

Any wisdom from the Orient you might be able to contribute?:D

[FraserLynn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by FraserLynn
Are you sure about all this KG, I know that you have seen it on the website, had it confirmed by the customer service department and you have now read about it in the Times, perhaps when you have your fourth point of collaborating evidence we will be certain![msnwink]
[/quote]

Must admit Fraser, I have serious doubts about it. If only there were some clues!

Any wisdom from the Orient you might be able to contribute?:D
[/quote]

Wisdom is one thing I am finding in short supply in my bit of the orient[msnwink] Well of the practical kind anyway!

[Steve Robbins]

Hi, this is word of mouth but i work for the afore mentioned airline and am flying out on the 26th. The web site says 2 bags at 23kg so sought verbal clarification today (6th) and was told by our check in staff that it is for 2 bags at up to 23kg each.
Hope this helps
steve

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Steve Robbins
Hi, this is word of mouth but i work for the afore mentioned airline and am flying out on the 26th. The web site says 2 bags at 23kg so sought verbal clarification today (6th) and was told by our check in staff that it is for 2 bags at up to 23kg each.
Hope this helps
steve
[/quote]

Hi Steve

I promise this is my last posting on this thread.

The staff you have spoken to are right to the extent that if you have your flights already booked or do so before 7 October, it is indeed 2x23 kg bags in the hold without charge.

However, anything booked after 6 October 2009 will only have 1 checked bag without charge. It's definitely on the website if you look at "New Baggage Policy - from 7 October 2009". Look at the menu on the left hand side of the page you're referring to.

I'm not altogether surprised that BA aren't shouting about this change they discretely added to their website at the end of the business day last Friday.

[alastair]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Steve Robbins
Hi, this is word of mouth but i work for the afore mentioned airline and am flying out on the 26th. The web site says 2 bags at 23kg so sought verbal clarification today (6th) and was told by our check in staff that it is for 2 bags at up to 23kg each.
Hope this helps
steve
[/quote]

Hi Steve

I promise this is my last posting on this thread.

The staff you have spoken to are right to the extent that if you have your flights already booked or do so before 7 October, it is indeed 2x23 kg bags in the hold without charge.

However, anything booked after 6 October 2009 will only have 1 checked bag without charge. It's definitely on the website if you look at "New Baggage Policy - from 7 October 2009". Look at the menu on the left hand side of the page you're referring to.

I'm not altogether surprised that BA aren't shouting about this change they discretely added to their website at the end of the business day last Friday.


[/quote]

Yes, the same day they removed the information they had previous added to the website and media adverts comparing themselves favourably against Easyjet and Ryanair in terms of baggage allowance and other add on charges.

[blott]

Just had an Executive Club newsletter from BA. On logging in the following is confirmed:

British Airways is introducing changes to its baggage allowances

The new baggage allowance include the following changes:

Gold and Silver Executive Club members will be given a two-bag allowance on all routes when they travel in World Traveller or Euro Traveller from 7 October

A change to the free World Traveller allowance from two bags to one bag at 23kgs on flights to and from the Americas (except Brazil) for customers booking and travelling from 7 October (except Gold and Silver Executive Club members)

Sporting equipment will only be accepted free of charge if it is within the free allowance for customers booking from 31 July and travelling from 7 October

Changes to baggage charges, including a reduction for the first extra bag from £90 to £40 from 7 October. Gold and Silver Executive Club members will continue to be exempt from heavy bag charges for bags weighing 23kgs - 32kgs.

Customers with an existing booking for travel from 7 October will not be affected. The free allowance for customers travelling in World Traveller Plus, Club World, First, Euro Traveller and Club Europe also remains unaffected.

[FraserLynn]

Hey KG, that looks like the fourth bit of collaborating evidence from Blott.

So now that is, their website, the customer services department confirming the change, the story in the Times newspaper and the executive club mailing. It sounds convincing, but you just can't be sure[msnwink]

[Robert5988]

I have it from an absolutely reliable source(an internet chat room) that it is just 'dirty tricks' by Richard Branson to discredit BA

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
I have it from an absolutely reliable source(an internet chat room) that it is just 'dirty tricks' by Richard Branson to discredit BA
[/quote]:D:D

[Lyn]

Agree with Blott, I had the same newsletter, however does anyone know oif there is any mention of them changing the hand luggage allowance?

[alastair]

I don't believe there have been any changes to the hand baggage allowance announced, but we may need to wait 3 or 4 days for approx 4 or 5 similar postings to confirm.

[domster]

Well they certainly know how to entice people back to their airline!

BA over the past few years have chipped away at their service to a point people won't see any benefit of paying the higher premium over other airlines. IMHO BA are making things worse and before long people will not see them as the worlds best carrier and go out their way to choose them as an automatic choice.

Take a short haul flight with BA - unless you are flying business you don't even get a sandwich anymore. Lets face it on short haul you are not really interested with the frills, but take long haul I think people do still expect these extras as standard. Probably why Ryanair have not started an Orlando route yet!!

I have flown to the US the past few years and have to say some of the best service (and seat pitch) has been on the Charter airlines. Yes you have to pay extra for the drinks etc, but the price of the ticket is far cheaper, so swings and roundabouts.

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by domster
people will not see them as the worlds best carrier
[/quote]
Does anyone other than BA themselves still see them as the "World's Favourite Airline" (TM) anymore? :D

BA made the strategic decision to focus on the business sector, and that's collapsed in the past 12 months. That, and some disastrous fuel-hedging decisions, have led to the airline's biggest loss since privatisation.

BA are merely following most other airlines in reducing the free baggage allowance, but unfortunately it doesn't do their reputation as a premier carrier any good.

[blott]

According to a Virgin Newsletter I've just received, it looks like Virgin are doing something similar although the USA allowance looks like it remains the same?

From 23 September 2009, we will be changing our checked-in baggage policy. We will be moving to a 'Piece Policy' for the whole of the network.

NEW BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Number of Bags: Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
USA, Caribbean, Kenya, Nigeria 2 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos
All other International destinations 1 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES:
Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
Bags weighing anything above 23 kilos up to a maximum of 32 kilos. GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50
Additional bags over free allowance up to 23 kilos. GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150

If the additional bag weighs more than 23 kilos, but up to 32 kilos, excess charges will also apply. Bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted and should be carried as freight or cargo.

For passengers travelling from a Virgin Atlantic to another Virgin Atlantic fights, the most generous allowance will apply.

Passengers transferring to/from another airline should adhere to each airline's allowance when travelling.

[FraserLynn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
According to a Virgin Newsletter I've just received, it looks like Virgin are doing something similar although the USA allowance looks like it remains the same?

From 23 September 2009, we will be changing our checked-in baggage policy. We will be moving to a 'Piece Policy' for the whole of the network.

NEW BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Number of Bags: Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
USA, Caribbean, Kenya, Nigeria 2 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos
All other International destinations 1 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES:
Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
Bags weighing anything above 23 kilos up to a maximum of 32 kilos. GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50
Additional bags over free allowance up to 23 kilos. GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150

If the additional bag weighs more than 23 kilos, but up to 32 kilos, excess charges will also apply. Bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted and should be carried as freight or cargo.

For passengers travelling from a Virgin Atlantic to another Virgin Atlantic fights, the most generous allowance will apply.

Passengers transferring to/from another airline should adhere to each airline's allowance when travelling.

[/quote]

I think that this is a step up in baggage allowance for flights to destinations other than the US. A few flights back (to Shanghai) I had 63kg (was moving some stuff over ahead of our move here), was flying U/C and was told that the limit was 32Kg total. They wanted 1,200 pounds excess luggage. I said that for that price I want the suitcase sat on the seat next to me and I want them to feed it all the way over. As I have a gold membership with them they dropped it to 800 quid. Still criminal[msnmad]. In the end I went to the excess luggage store and shipped it for 85 pounds!

Now - as it was spread across 3 cases anyway, i would be able to bring the same for free. Looks like Virgin are bucking the trend again.

[wilfy]

Is this (virgin) a change to premium economy? I've got the notion that when we flew last year in PE we had a 32kg limit per case , this is now showing as 23kg.

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
According to a Virgin Newsletter I've just received, it looks like Virgin are doing something similar although the USA allowance looks like it remains the same?

From 23 September 2009, we will be changing our checked-in baggage policy. We will be moving to a 'Piece Policy' for the whole of the network.

NEW BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Number of Bags: Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
USA, Caribbean, Kenya, Nigeria 2 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos
All other International destinations 1 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES:
Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
Bags weighing anything above 23 kilos up to a maximum of 32 kilos. GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50
Additional bags over free allowance up to 23 kilos. GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150

If the additional bag weighs more than 23 kilos, but up to 32 kilos, excess charges will also apply. Bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted and should be carried as freight or cargo.

For passengers travelling from a Virgin Atlantic to another Virgin Atlantic fights, the most generous allowance will apply.

Passengers transferring to/from another airline should adhere to each airline's allowance when travelling.

[/quote]
Interesting that they talk about moving to a "piece policy"...and then the rest of the announcement talks about weight. That sounds to me like a 'weight policy' :D

[alastair]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Sniff
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
According to a Virgin Newsletter I've just received, it looks like Virgin are doing something similar although the USA allowance looks like it remains the same?

From 23 September 2009, we will be changing our checked-in baggage policy. We will be moving to a 'Piece Policy' for the whole of the network.

NEW BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Number of Bags: Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
USA, Caribbean, Kenya, Nigeria 2 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos
All other International destinations 1 x 23 kilos 2 x 23 kilos 3 x 23 kilos

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES:
Destination:
(to and from) Economy Premium Economy Upper Class
Bags weighing anything above 23 kilos up to a maximum of 32 kilos. GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50 GBP35/USD50
Additional bags over free allowance up to 23 kilos. GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150 GBP90/USD150

If the additional bag weighs more than 23 kilos, but up to 32 kilos, excess charges will also apply. Bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted and should be carried as freight or cargo.

For passengers travelling from a Virgin Atlantic to another Virgin Atlantic fights, the most generous allowance will apply.

Passengers transferring to/from another airline should adhere to each airline's allowance when travelling.

[/quote]
Interesting that they talk about moving to a "piece policy"...and then the rest of the announcement talks about weight. That sounds to me like a 'weight policy' :D
[/quote]
Using economy as an example I believe that currently you can take as many bags as you want for your free allowance as long as the total weight of all bags added together does not exceed 23 kgs. The new policy will be 1 bag only not exceeding 23 kgs.

[steph_goodrum]

At the moment you can take 2 pieces per person on Virgin to USA none of them to exceed 23kgs each (used to be 32kgs each). You arent allowed to total the weight allowance, So that hasnt changed except they have reintroduced the excess charge for 23-32kgs. It was said that they had restricted the weight to 23kgs for health and safety of baggage workers.

[bargainqueen]

I thought the luggage allowance for Premium Economy was changed to 2 x 28 kgs when they reduced the Economy down to 23 kgs a couple of years back.

I believe Upper were the only class where the luggage allowance remained at 32 kgs per bag.

I've been really good on my last couple of trips and now only have one bag which gets close to the 28kg limit. On my first trips each bag was bordering close to 32kgs, once it was over and I had to move things between bags to get the weight down. DH was standing over me with the "told you so look". [msnembarrased] Don't have a problem now though as after flying Upper for his 50th birthday he won't fly anything else, 3 bags - no problem :D

[domster]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by steph_goodrum
At the moment you can take 2 pieces per person on Virgin to USA none of them to exceed 23kgs each (used to be 32kgs each). You arent allowed to total the weight allowance, So that hasnt changed except they have reintroduced the excess charge for 23-32kgs. It was said that they had restricted the weight to 23kgs for health and safety of baggage workers.
[/quote]

I did call Virgin the other day to confirm that I could take a long bag on the way out and way back (as I will be buying something in the US that needs a big carrier), They told me exactly what you have above. 2 x Bags up to 23kg each. My larger carrier is allowed as long as it does not weigh over 23kg and then takes the place of one of my normal bags.

[alastair]

Virgin now implementing the same reduced economy baggage policy as BA for flights to and from USA from UK from 25th November 2009.

"Virgin Atlantic will be changing it's check-in baggage policy to a 'Piece System' across the entire network for all tickets booked from 25 November 2009. This replaces the change originally intended for launch on the 23rd September and now includes a revised allowance for passengers travelling Economy.

The changes are being made to allow us to simplify our policy, save costs, and lower our charges for passengers wishing to take additional bags. In the majority of cases, passengers who wish to fly with excess baggage in addition to their free allowances will pay less than they do now.

Our Gold card holders will also be able to take one additional bag on top of the free allowance, irrespective of the cabin flown.

We will continue to offer one of the most generous allowances in the industry for passengers wishing to take sporting goods."

[Katys Grandad]

Did Virgin say what their charges are going to be?

[steph_goodrum]

Excess Charges from 25 November 2009:
Online**: Airport:
1st Extra Bag GBP32/USD48 GBP40/USD60
2nd & Subsequent Bags GBP32/USD48 GBP90/USD140
Overweight (23-32kg) Not available GBP30/USD50
The above fees will be converted into the local currency where applicable.


- Any bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted.

**Online payments will be available from 25th November 2009.

these are the prices on their website. So if you have a bag that is between 23 and 32 khs you are better off taking paying for an extra bag and having 23kgs instead of just the extra 9kgs.

[Lizb]

I read that as - an extra piece of luggage weighing between 23 & 32 kilos will cost an additional £62.00

[ShirleyD]

The heavy bag charge is £30 for 9kg, as Steph says, you are better off paying for an extra bag at £32 for 23kg!

I see United are going to charge for an additional bag now. Is there anyone left offering two?

[Tonish]

US Airways have just announced the same policy - one bag up to 23kg for trans atlantic flights, charges for everything else.

[lafifille]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ShirleyD
Is there anyone left offering two?[/quote]Air France

[orlandochris]

Literally just this second booked out flights for next year before the deadline. Got a bargain on the BA Hotline too so it was a double bargain when you consider the saving on the extra bags [msnsmile2]

[ShirleyD]

Did the same Chris :D

[BIGEYE]

Is this baggage charge just a case of Joe Public getting stiched up again much like the gas & electricity charges?

[steph_goodrum]

This was their reply to my email about the baggage allowance

Thank you for getting in touch recently. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply to you.

We're sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with our Economy baggage allowances. Virgin Atlantic has always offered an extremely generous free baggage allowance.

Firstly, we need to be consistent with other airlines when passengers purchase 'through tickets' requiring them to change airline in order to reach their final destination. It's confusing and frustrating for passengers travelling on different carriers offering different baggage allowances, and often results in unexpected expense and inconvenience should they find themselves carrying excess baggage after their journey has commenced.

In addition to this we must reduce how much weight we can carry in view of the ever increasing cost of fuel. We've taken the decision that it would be fairer to ask only those passengers carrying the higher levels of baggage to absorb the cost of the extra fuel required to carry it.

For more information on baggage allowances please visit our website http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/passengerinformation/baggage/index.jsp