British Airways have been forced into a climbdown over new baggage charges, telling staff to exercise discretion over the fees. Check-in staff at airports across the UAE were told to be “sympathetic” after the first day of the new system caused widespread confusion among passengers.
From yesterday, BA customers were due to be charged up to dhs1,730 extra to take more than a single piece of hold luggage on return flights from the UAE. But the airline has stated any passenger having “obvious” problems with the new system would be exempted. Last night news of the decision, expected to remain until the policy is officially launched in September, was greeted with relief by airline passengers in the UAE.
Adbul Majid, travelling to Heathrow Airport from Dubai International Airport, said: “It’s good for the airlines if they relax the rules because no-one will ever pay this when there are many other good airlines with no hassle. These new changes were too much for any passenger.”
Debbie Carter, taking an Emirates flight to Heathrow agreed, adding: “I’ve heard about the new system and am glad I’m not flying with the airline. But my friend is due to fly with BA this week and she was wondering how to fit all her luggage into one bag. She will definitely be glad to hear that they have relaxed the rule.”
British expat Christopher Johnson told 7DAYS: “I know people who are taking BA flights with just one bag after hearing about the new rules. They will now be really disappointed they didn’t carry more baggage on their flights.” The new rules state customers should only check-in one bag, with a maximum weight of 32kg, in the hold. This limit will reduce to a maximum of 23kg from September.
A BA spokesman said: “We have no intention of discriminating against passengers who cannot comfortably carry one bag. Where it is clear a passenger cannot manage one bag we will let them check-in an additional bag provided the total weight is within the limit.” The spokesman added BA staff would be sympathetic to passenger requests to check-in more than one item of luggage, provided the overall weight was below the new 23kg limit being introduced later this year.
Source: 7Days
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