bmchris

I saw this on the BA site - If you are travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare, checking in baggage costs extra. However, if you’re travelling with an infant or a child up to 11 years old, you can check two items, such as a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller), a car seat or a travel cot for free for each infant or child.

So this seems like a great benefit. I have a child just under 12 with me. Although it says "such as" stroller or car seat, I can still check regular bags. Is that right?

Can I help you

Can I help you

Andriyko

I am not sure where you see that language - your child's allowance will be the same as yours (none). What can be taken in addition (the 2 items) is also listed and does not include bags.

TribalistMeathead

The first link you provide doesn't say "such as," it pretty clearly states that you can check two of the following: Stroller, carseat, carrycot, baby back carrier. The website isn't especially clear, but that could be interpreted as only for children traveling on infant fares (which isn't especially fair, since children older than 2 use/need strollers and carseats, but that's neither here nor there).

However, infants are entitled to one cabin bag (small rolling suitcase), and everyone older than an infant gets a cabin bag and a bag that will fit under the seat in front of you, so that may help your situation.

bmchris

Here: "If you are travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare, checking in baggage costs extra. However, if you’re travelling with an infant or a child up to 11 years old, you can check two items"..."for free for each infant or child."

If you go to this link https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...ge-allowances#, then select Hand Baggage only (Basic) tickets, the language is there.

Can I help you

bmchris

You are correct. My understanding is that BA uses such as in a way that it is an example but not fully inclusive. They also use "If you're looking to make a smooth start to your journey, you need to make sure you have the right documents, such as a valid passport and the relevant visas.". https://www.britishairways.com/en-us...-visas-and-api So I would take this to mean that passports and visas are some of the things that may be included, but is not conclusive.

Basically my question comes down to what is included in the free item list. Is the "such as" just an example, or fully conclusive. And if you can check bags as the child "item", then is this a loophole? I definitely don't think BA wants folks to take advantage (hence the non inclusive language) but I wonder if people can, given the wording. And finally there is any interpretation by gate agents. So I was more wondering what people know from experience.

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Andriyko

BA lists 4 specific items, two of which one can check-in for free. Follow the link that explains what can be checked in for free when one is travelling with a child. Bags are unfortunately not there.

NWIFlyer

As others have said, I think it’s pretty obvious what the intent is here if you look at the baggage allowance (or lack of, more accurately!) on a Basic fare against the need to carry essentials for young children such as pushchairs etc. BA is actually being relativity generous here with provision for two pieces of ‘extraordinary’ luggage.

If you try to argue anything else, expect to be asked for a reasonable wedge of money ...