Excess Baggage UK – Avoid Fees and Frustration
Airlines are now placing restrictions on the number of cases travellers can check and carry on, as well as the weight and size of each case. Excess baggage is subject to fees imposed by the airline, with each individual airline determining the amount. The fees range from £7.50kg of weight over the limit to £30kg. Often the traveller isn’t aware that his luggage exceeds the limit until he’s at the airport with his cases on the scale and dozens of impatient people in line behind him. He has to pay the fee or unpack the case in the middle of the airport.
Several varieties of reliable portable luggage scales are available to today that eliminate the stress of excess baggage at the airport. Retailing from £5 to £20 they are a good investment against the possibility of airline baggage fees and airport frustration. Cases are attached to the scale and then lifted off the ground for a couple of seconds. The scale registers the weight and keeps it displayed after the bag is put down to allow the user to read it easily and comfortably. Luggage scales are durable, portable, and accurate to within 100g and fit easily inside hand luggage for use on the return trip.
Travelling companions can maximize their luggage space and distribution by using luggage scales. If one person has 3kg of excess baggage, some of that can be transferred to the case of someone with weight to spare. Holiday travellers often return home carrying more than they left with in souvenirs and gifts. The luggage scale can be taken along on holiday to the potential of baggage exceeding the limit. Weighing the cases before getting to the airport allows time to make the necessary adjustments. Savvy travellers often carry an extra empty case on holiday in which to tote the new things home.
Baggage restrictions and fees for excess baggage vary by airline and charter group and can change often. Different restrictions apply to different fare levels. Infants and children are not permitted the same luggage allowance as adults unless more than 50% of the applicable adult fare is paid for their ticket. Travellers are strongly encouraged to consult the airline or tour operator when booking a trip and to check with the Department for Transport for up-to-date information on checked baggage allowances, hand baggage restrictions and other security measures that may impact their trip. Knowing these things ahead of time make travel more pleasant for everyone.
