British Airways Named One Of Europes Worst For Delayed Baggage

British Airways has been named as one of the worst airlines in Europe for dealing with delayed baggage, according to a report from European Airlines. The data suggests that 26.5 bags were delayed per 1,000 passengers on British Airways flights in 2007, compared to 23, per 1,000 passengers in 2006.

In the report, which is based upon data received from the actual airlines themselves, TAP Air Portugal was named as the worst performing airline out of the 25 featured, whilst airlines KLM and Atilia came joint third, whilst Air France came fifth.

The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) which compiled the table, has called upon the European Commission to “name and shame” all airlines with baggage handling league tables, not just those who voluntarily submit their data through the AEA – as with this report. Data from the AUC shows that the average number of bags delayed on European airline flights had climbed from 15.7 bags per 1,000 customers in 2006 to 16.6 in 2007. 

An AUC statement said that “complaints to the AUC show that delayed baggage can cause passengers considerable stress, inconvenience and expense.”

BA released a statement apologising to customers and admitted that most of their delays originated from a wide variety of difficulties at Heathrow. British Airways director of operations Gareth Kirkwood stated that BA’s poor performance has been affected by the restrictive cabin allowances, which have led to an increase in the amount of hold baggage. Heightened security after the incident at Glasgow airport were also blamed whilst poor weather in June and July causing operational problems also had an adverse effect. Despite this, it is expected that the March opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 would improve future performance.

The AUC said that it has some sympathy because of the difficult operating conditions in 2007 and in particular the “one bag” rule. However they did not excuse the airlines which placed poorly, stating that whatever the extenuating circumstances, “when passengers hand their bag in a check-in they should expect to see their bag at the other end”.