Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
03 April 2012 12:32
The baggage belts in Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport.
British air passengers were charged a total of £186 million for excess baggage last year.
On average, limits were exceeded by 3.5 kilos (about 7.7lb), according to a survey by website Kelkoo.
Around 27% of those due to fly this summer are expected to exceed baggage limits and these charges are likely to total almost £1 million a day during the peak holiday season.
Of those who faced charges in 2011, 37% were travelling on low-cost airlines and 20% on charter flights.
On average, the excess-baggage charges on low-cost carriers is £13.20, with the charter charge being £7.15 and the scheduled airline charge being £7.46.
The survey showed that the no-frills carriers took 47% of the total charges collected. The propsect of being hit for excess luggage charges underscores how important it is to geet a great deal on your travel insurance policy.
It was also revealed that 9% of travellers either guessed or had no idea what their hold baggage weight limit was and 22% said they did not weigh their luggage before checking in.
Also, 8% who had to pay charges said they would not use the airline again. In addition, 42% said that when they last went on holiday, they knew they were over their baggage limit and so were not surprised when they were faced with an additional fee.
Of these, almost a third (32%) complained but still had to pay, 15% re-arranged their belongings to avoid the charge and 10% actually had the fee waived as a result of their complaint.
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
[more...]
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?