The Hindu Business Line : BA places limit on single baggage

BRITISH Airways (BA) is introducing a maximum weight limit for single-item baggage to comply with health and safety requirements from January 1, 2003.

E-mails to frequent fliers said this measure was being introduced to reduce damage to the baggage and injuries to ground handling staff.

The airline will no longer accept any single item of baggage that exceeds 32 kg except as musical instruments, electric wheelchairs, pets as baggage, sporting equipment, TV news cameras, spares and diplomatic baggage.

The new policy relates only to single items of baggage and will not affect the overall baggage allowance as per the ticket.

The current baggage allowances to and from or via North, Central and South America and the Caribbean will be two pieces each weighing no more than 32 kg. On one domestic sector within the UK, one piece weighing no more than 32 kg. On all other routes, the baggage allowance will be 40 kg for First, 30 kg for Club World and Club Europe, 23 kg for World Traveller Plus, World Traveller and Euro Traveller.

According to information on the airline Web site, from January 1 passengers with baggage which exceeds 32 kg and which has not been approved for carriage by BA at least 24 hours prior to travel will be asked to reduce the weight of the bag by repacking. Re-pack bags will be made available for those who do not have another bag to repack their belongings.

These re-pack bags have a zipper that can be secured with seals that BA currently offers to passengers when their cabin baggage has to be carried in the aircraft hold. If the passenger does not comply, the airline will refuse to carry the baggage.

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