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Airlines Bag Profits From Ulster Flyers; Long Haul Travellers Hit By Charges for Luggage

Posted on: Monday, 8 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Domestic airlines have been accused of ripping off Ulster's travellers by failing to relax baggage weight restrictions for international passengers.Some airlines are increasing their profits by imposing charges on luggage that is as little as one kilo heavier than the permitted weight, even though many passengers are on the leg of a long haul journey.Because Belfast has so few direct international flights, international travellers are forced to make connecting flights at many of the UK's other main airports.Maximum luggage weight for international flights is much higher than the weight permitted on domestic flights.However, passengers using different airlines for their connecting flights into or out of Belfast are often paying tariffs for being over the maximum domestic luggage restrictions.One local passenger, who was travelling from America and got a connecting flight from London to Belfast with BMI, was left furious when she and her husband were charged an extra [Pound]35 for their luggage.The woman said it is ridiculous that BMI are not prepared to be flexible for long haul passengers and claimed it was a money-making exercise."This is just a way for BMI and the other airlines to make some easy extra money."It does not have as big an impact on domestic passengers,but because of limited opportunities to fly directly anywhere from Belfast connecting passengers are not being looked after."A BMI spokeswoman said: "Excess baggage on BMI operated domestic and European flights is charged at [Pound]5/7.50 euros per kg outbound, and [Pound]5/7.50 euros per kg inbound

. "This is a standard charge for all passengers based on the weight and balance of the plane, and in the interest of safety is applied across the board." EasyJet, BMI, Flybe and Jet2 permit a maximum of 20kg for hold luggage.BMI will permit a total of 64kg in hold luggage on their long haul flights.Eddie Lynch, Senior Consumer Affairs Officer at the Consumer Council advised passengers to be aware of the maximum permitted weight.

Source: Belfast Telegraph

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