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BA baggage charges cause confusion

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- British Airways on Tuesday introduced extra charges for excess baggage but told check-in staff to apply them "leniently" amid passenger confusion over the new rules.

From Tuesday, passengers checking in an extra bag on a one-way long-haul flight must pay a charge of $235 ($120). Short-haul travelers will face a $118 (£60) per bag fee, while those taking UK domestic flights will have to fork out $90 (£42) for each additional case.

BA said the new policy was causing "uncertainty" but said it had always planned to operate a grace period until September, the UK's Press Association reported.

"We will introduce it sympathetically," said a spokesman.

"We have always said that the policy would be introduced now but fully brought in later, in September. That remains the case. Check-in staff have been advised to apply the policy leniently."

From September travelers will be charged an extra $58 (£30) each way on domestic routes, $116 (£60) on European flights and $232 (£120) each way on some long-haul routes if their checked-in luggage -- in one bag -- is over 23kg.

But passengers at London's Heathrow Airport told the Evening Standard newspaper they were baffled by the new rules. Many claimed they had not been warned of the charges when they bought their tickets.

"I thought we only had to have one piece of luggage, now they're saying we can have two. It would be good to have a bit more clarity," said Amal Farhan.

"Every time they told me something different. One lady told me that we were only allowed 23kg but to help introduce the new restrictions they would allow 32kg as a maximum. But then I called again and was told there was no extra allowance. Now my sister has two bags and is just hoping it will be okay."

BA's changes follow similar steps taken by budget airlines. Last year Ryanair introduced charges for check-in luggage to cut costs and speed up the check-in process.

As Europe's third largest carrier, BA has claimed that the new luggage rules are part of a simpler policy to fit in with its vision for "the best airport experience" when the carrier moves to Heathrow's new Terminal 5 next year.

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