The Hindu Business Line : Only one free check-in bag: BA plans new economy-class rules from Feb 13

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New Delhi Feb. 9 From February 13, flying with more than one check-in suitcase in economy class of British Airways when travelling to the UK or Europe could prove to be a costly affair. The airline plans to introduce a new free check-in baggage allowance policy that allows only one check-in suitcase for economy class passengers travelling to the UK or Europe from various parts of the world, including India.

Economy class passengers travelling with more than one check-in suitcase will be charged £120 or Rs 10,200 per bag. The new rule, however, would not apply to economy class passengers travelling or connecting to the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico, who would be allowed to check in two suitcases. While the new baggage policy allows a maximum weight of 23 kg per suitcase, the airline plans to continue to accept suitcases weighing slightly more for those passengers who will complete their journey by September 30 this year. Explaining the rationale behind the new move, a senior airline official said: "Our vision for Heathrow Terminal 5 is to create the best possible airport experience. With this in mind, the airline has announced a new simpler checked and excess baggage policy." Jet Airways, Air India and Virgin Atlantic Airways, the other carriers operating on the India-UK sector, do not have any immediate plans to introduce such a policy, officials said.