This guide as written was based on the last policy update, dated 01 March 2013. Effective, 30 September 2014 the policy changed as follows [message I received from our Corporate TA yesterday, originating from BA]
Revised baggage charges - effective from 30 September 2014 (today)
Key Message
For all tickets issued from 30 September 2014, the following revised Excess Baggage charges will apply:
- For Short haul flights to or from London Heathrow (LHR) and London City (LCY), the excess baggage charge at airports for baggage above the free allowance will increase from £40/$60/€50 to £65/$100/€75. Short haul excess baggage charges at airports to or from London Gatwick (LGW) will be unchanged.
- The Heavy Bag Charge will increase from £40/$60/€50 to £65/$100/€75 for both long haul and short haul journeys.
- For Short haul transfer journeys (i.e. Edinburgh (EDI) to Nice (NCE), or Prague (PRG) to Belfast (BHD) the excess baggage charge at airports will increase from £40/$60/€50 to £65/$100/€75, regardless of which London airport is used.
- A discount for pre-purchase of excess baggage on ba.com and in the call centres will continue to apply, but with the following changes – flights to and from LHR and LCY, and short haul transfer journeys increase from £34/$51/€43 to £40/$60/€50, and flights to and from LGW increase from £34/$51/€43 to £36/$54/€45.
- Changes are being made to the Hand Baggage Only first bag charge which is levied when customers on Hand Baggage Only fares buy their first hold bag online. Exact charges vary by route – please see ba.com for details.
- Long haul excess baggage charges (and online discounts) for additional bags above the free allowance are unchanged.
GENERAL Q&As
Do these changes apply to hand baggage only fares as well as with bag fares (Standard/Semi Flex and Fully Flex)?
We are making two sets of changes – our baggage charges for customers buying Hand Baggage only fares are moving from £20 to a range of £20 to £40 depending on route.
For customers buying fares that already include one free 23kg bag in economy, or two free 23kg bags in Club Europe, the excess baggage charge is rising from £40 to £65 on LCY and LHR routes.
LGW routes remain unchanged.
The change to the Heavy Bag Charge applies to all short haul and long haul flights where baggage weight exceeds 23kg (except to and from Brazil)
What happens to someone’s baggage rates if they already have a ticketed booking but travel after the new policy comes into force?
We will honour the old excess baggage rates online, in call centres and at the airport on all bookings ticketed prior to 30 September 2014
What happens if a booking is not ticketed prior to 30 September 2014?
In this scenario, the new rates will apply.
Is the free baggage allowance on Standard/Semi Flex and Flexible fares (non hand baggage only fares) changing?
No – we will continue to give one free 23kg bag on these fares. Customers booked in Club Europe will receive 2 free bags.
How do passengers pay for excess baggage?
Excess baggage can be prepaid online at a discount at ba.com/Manage My Booking, or through our call centres. Alternatively they can be paid on departure at the airport at full cost.
How far in advance can a customer benefit from paying online for your baggage?
As soon as you make your booking you can go to ba.com/managemybooking and buy excess baggage, and this is open right up to when you check in
Are there any changes to carrying hand baggage?
The hand baggage policy will remain unchanged. Customers will still be entitled to carry one standard-sized bag and one laptop-sized bag, handbag or briefcase
Regards,
British Airways