UK baggage nightmare, status quo

The Telegraph says thousands of checked bags are languishing at Heathrow, most the result of missed connections.

BA (British Airways) says it is currently handling 23,000 transfer bags at Heathrow each day, using a system designed for 18,000 bags. Overall, the number of bags being checked in as hold luggage has increased by 25 per cent since the introduction of the “one cabin bag” ruling by the Department for Transport (DfT) last August.

Passengers flying into Heathrow from other European countries and the US, where they are allowed two pieces of hand baggage, are being made to check in one item before continuing their journey. It is these transit passengers who have been hit hardest by the ruling.

And, unfortunately, rumors of the demise of the one-bag rule are premature:

The Association of European Airlines is lobbying the EU for a pan-European policy on airline hand baggage. But the DfT is adamant that the one-bag ruling must stay for now.

“We are responsible for making sure that every flight is safe and secure,” said a DfT (UK Dept for Transport) spokesman. “The best way to help those doing the screening is to restrict passengers to one bag, as staff have to check carefully for liquids and other items that may pose a security threat.”

 It’s gotten bad enough in Britain that travelers — especially business travelers — are beginning to avoid flying to, or through, the UK unless absolutely necessary.