British Airways has announced that an extra bag might cost passengers up to £240 for a return long-haul flight.  The new rules will come into force from 13th February, and will apply even if the combined weight of the luggage is below the allowance.

There are exceptions for sporting equipment and certain transatlantic flights, but the new policy is likely to cause surprise and confusion for many passengers.

utellus says that BA has learned from the experience of low-cost carriers. “Processing a bag through an airport costs money, regardless of its weight.  It would appear that BA is trying to encourage passengers to go for a single bag to reduce its handling costs.”

Some consumer groups, such as Help the Aged, have raised concerns that a policy which penalises more, smaller bags in favour of one, larger bag, will penalise those who are less able.