23 October 2008

Families penalised by airline baggage allowances

Restrictive policies on baggage allowances are unfairly penalising families with young children, according to The Co-operative Travel.

A study by the independent travel retailer found that on average an infant on holiday requires essential items weighing between 14kg to 15 kg.

But only two of the top seven airlines used by British holidaymakers provide an additional baggage allowance for infants, leaving parents with very young children subject to high excess baggage charges.

Virgin and British Airways came out tops for families, offering an infant allowance in addition to generous normal baggage allowances (23kg).

However, their excess baggage charges were also the highest, ranging from Ã&#pound;30 to Ã&#pound;120 (charge per bag not kg).

The worst for families was Ryanair, which only offers a 15kg baggage allowance and no extra allowance for infants. Parents needing to take extra items have to pay an excess charge of Ã&#pound;12 per kg.

Co-operative Travel is calling on airlines to be more generous to families with young children.

It said parents need to be aware that some airlines such as Ryanair donÃ¢â¬â¢t allow passengers to pool or share baggage allowances even when travelling on the same booking.

Even if parents are under the weight allowance combined they could still be charged if they donÃ¢â¬â¢t check relevant baggage information before they travel.

The Co-operative Travel head of retail distribution Trevor Davis said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe situation can be confusing and we believe itÃ¢â¬â¢s important that families know what charges they might incur before they book.Ã¢â¬~

It advised parents that they might be able to save money by checking in or booking additional weight/bags whilst making the booking.

By Bev Fearis