The head of a travel management company believes British Airways will drop its charges for second bags in economy because of a backlash among travellers.
BA introduced the charges – £30 per sector short-haul and £120 long-haul – last week. But FCm Travel Solutions managing director Alan Spence predicted: “BA will modify the policy.
“It’s a surcharge for going in economy class. It’s an awful hassle and BA could lose out.”
The carrier risks alienating the many business travellers who fly economy on short-haul routes, often with a suit carrier as well as an overnight bag and briefcase.
With only one item of cabin luggage allowed through airport security, suit bags must be checked in – meaning a £30 charge each way on a short-haul economy flight.
Spence said: “BA has not thought this through. The airline has had all these problems and then does this.”
The airline faced severe criticism from customers and commentators when the charges were introduced on February 13.
BA justified the charges as “simplifying procedures”. It has also banned bags heavier than 23kg in all classes, but insists check-in staff will treat passengers who breach the rules “sympathetically” until October.
Baggage-forwarding firm First Luggage reported a quadrupling in enquiries following BA’s introduction of charges.