British Airways is altering its aircraft carry on bag policy following a rise in people taking luggage on board with them.
The airline is limiting one of the two pieces of luggage allowed in the cabin of the aircraft to handbag or laptop size or no larger than 40x30x15cm.
The size of the second cabin bag remains unchanged but should be no larger than 56x45x25cm and can weigh up to 23kgs.
“Customers travelling in all cabins, except First and Club World will receive a yellow tag for handbag/laptop sized bags which are within the new dimensions,” BA said in a message to Executive Club members.
“We guarantee that you can take this bag on board with you. Please have the tag visible for boarding and place the bag under the seat in front of you.
“We encourage you to carry any valuables or items such as medication in your handbag/laptop sized bag to ensure you have everything you need in the cabin.
“Customers who travel with hand baggage which is outside of their allowance will be asked to check this into the hold.”
The airline added: “On very busy flights we may have to ask some of our customers to check bags without yellow tags into the hold if the overhead lockers are full.”
The changes will be introduced across the network “in the coming weeks”.
“In recent months we have seen an increase in customers travelling with hand baggage that exceeds their allowance. We always try to accommodate our customers where we can but to make sure the aircraft is ready to depart on time we are making the changes,” BA said.
The aircraft boarding process is also changing.
“Customers will now be invited to board based on the cabin they are travelling in and in order of Executive Club status,” BA said.
“All of our other customers will be asked to board by seat row number. If you are travelling with an infant or are a customer who requires extra assistance, you will continue to be invited to board before everyone else.”