British Airways is halving the free checked baggage allowance for World Traveller passengers with fully-flexible tickets.
From August 11, the airline's fully-flexible Y class fare will only permit one piece of checked-in luggage weighing a maximum of 23kg.
Passengers who have already booked travel for after that date will still be allowed to place two bags in the hold, but BA has advised to "print off your original e-ticket receipt and bring it with you to the airport as proof of your baggage allowance".
BA said the move brings the fully-flexible economy ticket's baggage allowance in line with all other World Traveller fares.
The airline has also increased the charges it levies for excess baggage on World Traveller tickets. All fees are one-way.
A second bag now costs £60, up from £55, when booked in advance or £65 at the airport. Each additional bag then costs £120 each or £140 at the airport.
On short-haul and domestic flights from Heathrow and London City airports, Euro Traveller passengers will also now be charged £60 for excess luggage, if paid in advance, a 50 per cent increase on the previous £40 fee. This increases to £65 if paid at check-in.
On hand baggage only fares, the first checked bag will cost between £20 and £40, depending on the route, if booked in advance and £65 if paid at the airport.
Prices at London Gatwick remain the same. Full details of BA's extra and overweight baggage policy can be read here.
BA said in a statement: "British Airways offers customers a generous free 23kg baggage allowance (except those who opt for hand baggage-only fares), and the vast majority of our customers will not need to pay any excess baggage charges.
"The increase in the price of carrying additional baggage reflects the rising cost of transporting bags, including fuel requirements, handling and airport charges.
"Our excess baggage rates remain competitive when compared with those of our competitors."
Yesterday, BA announced it is reducing the size of carry-on baggage permitted on board its flights (see news, July 29).
Graham Smith
