British Airways increases short-haul heavy baggage charges

British Airways announced on Monday that it has, with immediate effect, increased the charges for ‘heavy baggage’ on short-haul flights.  There is also an increase in baggage charges for anyone on a ‘hand baggage only’ fare.

If your suitcase weighs more than 23kg, and you do not have oneworld status, you will be required to pay an extra £65 each-way at the airport for short-haul flights.  This is a £25 increase on the current £40 fee.

This rule does NOT apply to departures from London Gatwick where the fee will remain at £40.

The maximum case weight remains 32kg.  Bags heavier than this will not be accepted and must be sent as cargo.

For passengers booked on ‘hand baggage only’ fares, there is also a change in the fee if you realise at the last minute that you do need to take a suitcase after all (or if BA decides that your hand baggage is too large to take onto the aircraft).  The current fee is £20 each way.  This now increases to a sliding scale of £20 – £40 each way based on the destination.

If your ticket was booked before 30th September, you do not need to pay the new, higher rates.  There is bound to be some confusion at check-in desks so you may need to remind them to look at the booking date in the system.

Full details of the old and new rates can be found on this page at ba.com.