British Airways discounts some airline fees, but there’s a catch …
There are many reasons the new airline fees are upsetting travelers, including the genuine problem they pose in causing delays at the airport. Along with the hassle of having correct change or at least cash on the plane.
But now, British Airways is taking some steps to address this. The airline is actually increasing their baggage fees, but they are also giving passengers a change to the allowance discount for prepaying them.
Starting Sept. 1, British Airways will introduce a maximum limit on excess baggage and an increase to our excess baggage rates.
But customers paying for excess baggage online prior to check in will receive a 20 percent discount. Online payment for excess baggage is accepted anytime prior to check in.
Curiously, the increases are about 20 percent, which could just be offset by the online discount. Otherwise the price for example at the airport for one regular sized extra bag on a international flight will now be $165.
But fees go up and down — mostly up. The more interesting development is that with these online discounts, British Airways is trying to get passengers used to the idea of paying fees in advance before they get to the airport. The airline has already been pushing online check-in by making it the only way most travelers can get advance seat assignments. And some carriers - United, JetBlue and Northwest for example - already allow you to pay for a better seat assignment with a credit card in advance.
So far these online fees are all discretionary. Right now, British Airways is only charging for excess baggage. But since many domestic carriers are already charging for the first bag, this may change. Then again, the online discount could disappear. (Remember those bonus miles you used to get for checking in online?)
And once passengers get used to paying baggage fees online, what’s next? Prepaying the cost of drinks, meals, even in flight pillows? Plus, I hate to give them the idea, but what happens if and when the first carrier decides to institute an additional mandatory fee after ticketing?
Not that Americans aren’t used to buying things online. But it wasn’t so long ago that the things airlines are selling, and will be selling, were included in the price of the ticket.
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