Special Bag Charges Start from April 1st

British Airways will introduce consistent maximum dimensions for baggage and a "special bag charge" for certain items to cover the additional cost of handling these items, with effect from 1 April 2009.

Changes are:

• Maximum dimensions of items that can be checked in without incurring the special bag charge at all airports worldwide will be 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins).
   
• Introduction of a £25 handling charge for bags between 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) and 240cm x 75cm x 65cm (94.5ins x 29.5ins x 25.6ins) which will become the new maximum dimensions for baggage.
   
• Introduction of a £25 handling charge for firearms.
  
  The changes will apply to all passengers who travel from April 1, 2009.
  
  The changes recognise that additional manual processes are required to handle these items and that firearms must be handled securely through a third party specialist agent.
  
  Customers' standard baggage allowance does not change as a result of the introduction of the special bag charge.
  
  Customers who are travelling after 1 April with items that incur a handling charge will need to pay at the airport when they check in.
  
  British Airways gives more information.
  
  Why are these charges being introduced?
  Our global baggage policy is designed to bring greater consistency at all airports worldwide, which is why we are introducing revised maximum dimensions for items we are able to accept. Introducing maximum weight and size limits helps us to reduce injuries to our staff and helps us to simplify our manual handling processes.
  
  Additional processes are required to handle larger items or certain items that are unable to go through the airport baggage system. Firearms are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf.
  
  Will customers who have already been booked be affected by these changes?
  The changes apply for travel from 1 April 2009 for customers travelling in World/Euro Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) cabins.
  
  Can I pay these handling charges online?
  No. These must be paid for at the airport when you check in.
  
  What happens if I have items that exceed the maximum dimensions of 240cm x 75cm x 65cm?
  Items that exceed the maximum dimensions will not be accepted. Customers will be asked to re-pack into smaller bags that do not exceed the dimensions or to make arrangements for their items to be sent cargo.