Virgin 32kg promise what to do?

[wayneg]

Hi Boo
Click link below for one of the tag off the cases, We bought them from matalan, Not the best quality but we have had good ones before and luggage handers do not care what brand they, are they get hammered.
Our cases get a lot of stick as we go abroad upto 8 weeks a year so won't expect more than 18month to 2 years from them then replace.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/wayneg1/IMG_2082.jpg

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Hi Boo
Click link below for one of the tag off the cases, We bought them from matalan, Not the best quality but we have had good ones before and luggage handers do not care what brand they, are they get hammered.
Our cases get a lot of stick as we go abroad upto 8 weeks a year so won't expect more than 18month to 2 years from them then replace.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/wayneg1/IMG_2082.jpg

Hi wayneg

Thanks you very much - that is helpful . Yeah, I bet some "more expensive" luggage probably gets the "special" treatment (and God help anything with a "fragile" sticket on it ).

Our current cases measure they measure 26" x 18" x 10" (that's 66cm x 46cm x 25cm). That worries me, because your are 71 x 48 x 28 - so bigger than the ones I have at the moment. Last time we took ours abroad it was about 55lbs (so just over the 50lb limit...) BEFORE they were expanded. I only tend to pack clothes and shoes in them (although maybe I have been packing some concrete blocks by mistake... ).

You have tried packing your new cases and they come up under 50lbs/23kgs?

Also, how do you weigh them? I think I need to get some scales to weigh mine...

Boo

 

[wayneg]

Hi Boo
Yes we have tried them but going to repack this weekend (DW enjoys packing) I am not sure but I think the sizes quoted are expanded sizes. In the top of each case we have a bag which takes up space but not heavy so if we buy anything we have extra bags with us, that will be why they come in under the limit. We have bathroom scales to weigh them, always compare to airport weights and they are very accurate.
Will try to remember to let you know how we have done after the weekend, any smaller they will be classed as hand luggage in US.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Hi Boo
Yes we have tried them but going to repack this weekend (DW enjoys packing) I am not sure but I think the sizes quoted are expanded sizes. In the top of each case we have a bag which takes up space but not heavy so if we buy anything we have extra bags with us, that will be why they come in under the limit. We have bathroom scales to weigh them, always compare to airport weights and they are very accurate.
Will try to remember to let you know how we have done after the weekend, any smaller they will be classed as hand luggage in US.

Do you hire DW out? Maybe she could come and do some packing for us...

Ok, interesting that bathroom scales are fairly accurate (for some reason, I had thought that they wouldn't work too well). We have some, so maybe that will be ok.

Yes, if you think of it, it would be GREAT if you could post your suitcase weights - if you have time

I don't know, maybe our current cases are just heavy to begin with... we need knew ones anyway (one of the two suffered badly after BA misplaced it on our last trip), but I want to get a size that will restrict me from packing too heavy... so your advice and experiences are really helpful

Thanks,
Boo

 

[CHRIS F]

This news sent my wife into panic mode, not on travelling out but coming back, I thought it was an excellent idea so I would have some money left lol [ok it is not my money it is hers apparently lol]
We booked with jetlife flying with virgin, they told me that as we booked the holiday before 1st April 2006 our allowance was still 32kg per bag x 2 per person. Should point out this was after they told me no it was 23kgs had to speak to a supervisor I was told all I had to do was take the booking confirmation letter.

I can guarantee if we have a problem at check in there will be a bloodbath with my wife, I may hide just in case, well her make up and hair care products must weigh 32kg on their own lol

 

[Boo Boo Too]

This news sent my wife into panic mode, not on travelling out but coming back, I thought it was an excellent idea so I would have some money left lol [ok it is not my money it is hers apparently lol]
We booked with jetlife flying with virgin, they told me that as we booked the holiday before 1st April 2006 our allowance was still 32kg per bag x 2 per person. Should point out this was after they told me no it was 23kgs had to speak to a supervisor I was told all I had to do was take the booking confirmation letter.

I can guarantee if we have a problem at check in there will be a bloodbath with my wife, I may hide just in case, well her make up and hair care products must weigh 32kg on their own lol

I think that you should be ok - if you take your printed confirmation of the original allowance. BUT, you might want to phone Virgin Atlantic to double check...

I booked BA flights in March - which was before they announced the reduction in baggage allowance. Our flights are in October (after the reduction to 23kg max per bag is introduced - EVEN for business/first class passengers!).

I will be aiming to keep our bags below 23kg (although taking three between the two of us). I don't want the possibility of any troubles AND we have an internal flight (Orlando to LA) and I know that American Airlines are getting very keen on the 23kg limit...

Even if you don't have problems this time (which hopefully uou wont), you need to bear it in mind for next time

Boo

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Weight li9mit hasn't changed for PE passengers though. (Oh, and neither for us UC pax)

Well, it looks like the BAA have now got into the act regarding hand baggage:-

From 5 July 2006, The BAA (British Airport Authorities) will be introducing new hand baggage policies to speed up and reduce the time you spend queuing through their security procedures at the airports.

Virgin Atlantic’s current hand baggage allowance policies are already inline with the BAA and the UK Department for Transport recommendations, but we advise all passengers to check our baggage allowance policy to ensure all hand baggage meets our required guidelines before travel.

Hand baggage size gauges will be made available at check in. Oversize hand baggage not complying with our baggage guidelines need to be checked in at our check in desks.

and for all baggage allowance sizes go here
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/passengerinformation/baggage/allowances.jsp

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Weight li9mit hasn't changed for PE passengers though. (Oh, and neither for us UC pax)

MIGHT see some people who normally book WT+/CW/First on BA move across to Virgin then...

Although it is possible that Virgin will follow suit and go to 23kg for all classes (like BA, AA, United etc...) - COULD be a matter of time.

Boo

 

[wayneg]

Ok Boo we repacked. DW put things in, I took them out. There is no need to take more than 2 pairs of shoes, you only have 2 feet. Anyway we compromised (no doubt she will sneak some more in).
We have not expanded the cases and got all 3 at very similar weights around 18.5kg They take 25% more capacity when expanded which is roughly 3.5kg extra we could bring home, still making them under the 23kg limit.
Hope this helps, I think its a good rule they are bringing in 32kg is too much to be lifting about, I am a big strong lad but my 40th in January and was starting to struggle a bit with 2x 32kg. Must be a nightmare for the luggage handlers having to do it all day.
Wayne

 

[#1MMFan]

Does anyone know if BA are going to honour customers who purchased tickets prior to this announcement, in a similar way to Virgin?

 

[Claire L]

Does anyone know if BA are going to honour customers who purchased tickets prior to this announcement, in a similar way to Virgin?

Yes I think they are as long as the tickets were bought before the announcement of a reduction in weight. Same I would thought would apply for a package.

Claire

 

[#1MMFan]

My tickets were bought January 2006, is this before the announcement was made?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

My tickets were bought January 2006, is this before the announcement was made?

It is before yes, the announcement was made in April.

 

[Tron[ADS]]

We had booked middle of last year for last May/June's trip, obviously well before the weight lowering announcement...but the doccumentation that arrived with our tickets stated the new lower figure. I wasnt too fussed as if there were problems Id just make use of the kids suitcase allowance. But at Downtown Disney, they never even weighed the cases. The blokes loading the van did pull a few faces at our heaviest one, as the handle broke off it that morning, which didnt make it easy for them.

 

[SEVANS2208]

I'm getting quite worried about this baggage allowance situation now. We booked last year so I assumed we would each have an allowance of 32kgs. There are 4 of us going but we can only take 3 suitcases as 4 will not fit in the taxi.

I received the tickets from Virgin last week and the info pack enclosed states 23kgs per case. I know that at least one of our cases will be over 23kgs. Do you think we'll get charged excess baggage or will we be alright because we booked last year?

 

[Netty]

Hello

I booked my holiday before Virgin changed the weight limit on your suitcases, but I have an email that states that because I booked early I can still have the full 32kg (not that I think I will use all of it...but just in case )

So do you think having a printed copy of this email is enough evidence if I get questioned at the airport?

I think some people on the DIS have also been honoured the full 32kg bagging allowance...what are you doing?

we have done the same,(booked before the 1st) i phoned virgin and they have a note on their computer systems saying that we are entitled to the 32kgs. you should take your email copy as well just incase.

 

[Netty]

I'm getting quite worried about this baggage allowance situation now. We booked last year so I assumed we would each have an allowance of 32kgs. There are 4 of us going but we can only take 3 suitcases as 4 will not fit in the taxi.

I received the tickets from Virgin last week and the info pack enclosed states 23kgs per case. I know that at least one of our cases will be over 23kgs. Do you think we'll get charged excess baggage or will we be alright because we booked last year?

phone virgin up and tell them when you booked and that you are therefore entitled to the 32kgs.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Thank you very much wayneg

Maybe I just need someone to look at things as I pack and take things out??? Husband plays no role in packing whatsoever...

I don't know WHAT I pack that is so heavy - too many pairs of shoes maybe?

I think that I get better with packing each year (i.e. more realistic and less likely to over-pack), but it isn't easy!

Agree with what you say about the weight. I always pack our cases downstairs in the dining room (so that they don't need to be carried down the stairs) and they have wheels on: so really (apart from in and out of the boot) we don't have to experience the full weight much. Luggage handlers must have a completely different experience... and probably a lot of lifting injuries...

Thanks for your advice - I must get on and get those new suitcases!

Have a great trip to Florida (assume that is VERY soon) and a great cruise! Which RCCL cruise are you on, out of interest?

Boo

Ok Boo we repacked. DW put things in, I took them out. There is no need to take more than 2 pairs of shoes, you only have 2 feet. Anyway we compromised (no doubt she will sneak some more in).
We have not expanded the cases and got all 3 at very similar weights around 18.5kg They take 25% more capacity when expanded which is roughly 3.5kg extra we could bring home, still making them under the 23kg limit.
Hope this helps, I think its a good rule they are bringing in 32kg is too much to be lifting about, I am a big strong lad but my 40th in January and was starting to struggle a bit with 2x 32kg. Must be a nightmare for the luggage handlers having to do it all day.
Wayne

 

[#1MMFan]

Still awaiting a response from British Airways on their position. Any more info? Bump.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I received an EMail from BA Connect (now affectionately known as BA Con)about new baggage limits for short haul flights:-

Following British Airways' move to a simpler baggage policy, BA Connect will be introducing the same policy on their regional services from 01 August 2006.

The policy changes include hand, checked and excess baggage allowances and will be phased in over the next few months.

This policy also applies when you travel on BA Connect's smaller aircraft, where we offer valet service so you can leave your hand luggage with us, either at the departure gate or aircraft side, and we will load it into the aircraft hold. On arrival, we make sure your baggage is ready for collection at the aircraft side or at the arrivals gate within five minutes of arrival.

Please click http://www.ba.com/baggagepolicy to learn more about the new baggage policy.