A new WWF-UK report – Excess Baggage: the case for reducing government flying – reveals the full extent of flights taken by government ministers and officials over the past three years. And a shocking 90% of those flights were within the UK.

The most common domestic routes were London-Edinburgh and London-Belfast, while the top non-UK short-hauls were to Brussels, Geneva, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. All reachable by lower-carbon train and ferry, or entirely replaceable by video-conferencing.

Our report found that if government departments followed their own best practice, they could cut at least 600,000 flights, reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 59,000 tonnes and save well over £100 million of taxpayers’ money over the next three years.

More immediately, it would help them meet the government’s commitment to reduce its own carbon emissions by 10% in the next year.

Government department flying records
Of the 22 government departments we contacted for our report, less than half had reduced the number of flights taken from 2007 to 2009.

The two best performing departments are Defra (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Education, which together have reduced flight costs by 39% over the last three years.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change spent £715,115 on 1,378 flights last year – 676 of which were domestic.

The worst performers include the Department of Health and HM Revenue & Customs, both of which increased their flying during this period.

Some departments were unable to provide any data at all in response to our ‘Freedom of Information’ requests. Less than half were able to give us all the data we asked for. This suggests there’s an urgent need for government departments to improve the way they record flight data, as well as introducing clear travel standards.

Our director of campaigns, David Norman, says: “Businesses have done everything in their power to cut out wasteful spending on unnecessary flights during the recession. Yet our report shows that very few government departments have made similar efforts. They should start by cutting out at least one flight in every ten over the coming year.”

We’re delighted that the Scottish government has already agreed to join WWF’s One in Five Challenge, which will help them reduce their flights by 20% (cutting one in five flights) by 2015. We’d like to see the UK government do the same.

The European Commission announced yesterday that all European airports will have to install scanners that are able to identify liquid explosives quickly and easily. Since 2006 there has been a restriction on containers that hold more than 100ml of liquid.

The ban will be lifted by April 29, 2013, at the latest.

Yesterday, Ryanair confirmed another get rich scheme that is sure to wind up even more holidaymakers than normal – a substantial increase in its cabin luggage charges which just so happens to kick in at peak summer holiday period.

The airline presently charge £15 for the ‘luxury’ of taking hold luggage on board rising to £20 during the summer holidays.

With a one finger salute to its customers the no-frills budget airline will reduce the luggage charge in September after it has cashed-in at the expense of travelling families during the busy season.

Although Ryanair claims many of its customers travel light, increasing the case calculate during the school holidays effectuation many families who are unable to pack light for their children and babies module be penalised and landed with a higher fee.

Rochelle Turner, head of research for Which? magazine, said: ‘Ryanair might claim that they are incentivising people to travel light but we think it is more a case of penalising those families who crapper only go away on pass during this time.

‘Flying with Ryanair is not as cheap as it first appears and we would advise passengers to factor in these player costs when choosing who to fly with.’

Colourful fully adjustable personalised luggage straps that fit snugly and securely around a case can make the identification process easier and more secure.  The straps can be made of elasticated polyester, nylon, leather or even metal, come in a wide assortment of colours and designs, and can be personalised with names and company designs.  They are adaptable for many uses and have become the latest fashion accessory for travellers of all ages.

For added security, many straps come equipped with locks to prevent uninvited guests into your personal belongings. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff is at all US airports are now instructed to open straps to allow security screening.  TSA screeners have tools that enable them to open certain locks without permanently damaging them.  Straps with key locks on baggage will be cut open, but luggage straps with TSA accepted and recognised locks will be left intact.  If you are travelling outside of the UK be certain that you are using straps that are approved for use in the airports of the countries you are visiting.

Adjustability of the straps makes them useful for other purposes.  Luggage straps can be used to secure loose items such as books, parcels, and sporting equipment, tie down an overstuffed car boot and attach belongings to bicycles and motorcycles.  Sportsmen, campers and students keep several on hand to assist them with gear and bulky equipment.  Straps are a must-have for motor caravanners for their durability and dependability in keeping items securely in place.  Pet owners use them for leashes from time to time as the need arises.  Straps can be used outdoors to secure patio umbrellas and loose items that could blow away in strong wind.

Luggage straps are a welcome and cost-effective gift and promotional item.  The price depends on the material, length, width and features such as personalisation and locks.  A typical elasticated 127cm polyester band that stretches to 186cm is £9.99, including a lock and key on the buckle and up to 18 characters of personalisation.  Leather straps run anywhere from £20 to £50.   The added security of straps for checked and hand luggage, including notebook computers and other valuables, makes them a good investment.  Their style, personalisation and multitude of uses make straps a good purchase for anyone who has things to carry or tie down.

The DfT has allowed airports in the UK to remove the limit of one piece of cabin baggage per person.  Hand luggage restrictions now apply to cabin baggage and personal items that can be carried on board, including laptops, briefcases, garment bags, infant supplies and items for the disabled.   Items that are too large to fit safely inside the cabin must be checked, but special provisions are possible for musical instruments.  It is highly advisable to make the necessary arrangements for musical instruments in advance with the airport and airline. During screening, electrical devises will need to be removed and screened separately.

Limits on the amount of liquid in hand luggage are strictly imposed.  Hand luggage restrictions require that any liquids must be in containers no larger than 100ml and stored in a transparent resealable bag. Travellers with young children may be permitted to carry on more than 100ml of milk or baby food but may be asked to taste it in the presence of a security officer.  Anyone carrying on essential medical equipment must have supporting documentation of need from a doctor and will be screened separately.  Pushchairs, wheelchairs and walkers are usually permitted in the cabin but will be security screened.

Hand luggage restrictions do not allow passengers to carry corkscrews, darts, large scissors, hypodermic syringes (unless required for documented medical purposes), knives and metal cutlery.  Pointed or edged weapons and sharp objects, including ice skates, knives of any kind, open razors and blades, drills, drill bits, box cutters and screwdrivers are not allowed on board.  Blunt instruments such as baseball bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks are likewise prohibited.  Of course, firearms and explosives as well as chemical, toxic and flammable substances are expressly forbidden.   The only exception is that a traveller is permitted to carry one small lighter on his person or in his hand luggage

The secong piece of luggage must not exceed 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. The purpose of this is to ensure that personal belongings such as a laptop case, briefcase or handbag can fit under the seat in front.

Should the hand luggage exceed  the new dimensional criteria then the carrier will be asked to check-in on of their items of hand baggage in to the aircrafts hold. A consequence of this for the customer is the possibility of an excess baggage charge.

The current dimensional criteria for the first piece of hand luggage will not be effected. The dimensions for this are 56cm x 45 cmx 25 cm (including any case parts such as wheels and the handle etc).

If you are seated in World Traveller or World Traveller Plus and you are flying to the States then you will be permitted to take one piece of hand luggage on board with you. This is due to current travel restrictions.

Customers travelling in First and Club World are permitted two pieces of hand baggage as standard. If the customer is an Executive Club Gold or Silver member travelling in any cabin, they will now permitted two pieces of hand baggage.