Will current circumstances change procedures for extra baggage?

I'm wondering if anyone thinks that today's circumstances will impact extra baggage allowances? I'm flying over next Friday and currently have at least one over-weight suitcase, and an extra suitcase. I know I'll have to get there extra early anyway.

 I'm flying from the US to the UK (Orlando to London Gatwick) so I'll be able to have a carry on (if the rules don't change, but that'll only be essentials and no liquids of course).  I'm going to call Virgin Atlantic tomorrow and ask but I was wondering if anyone had any opinions/knowledge on the topic tonight.

I imagine they're going to have to change their baggage allowances, to some extent - at the moment, most of the airlines (Virgin included) seem to have waived all excess baggage charges!  Who knows if that'll stick, though - and as for how much space they've still got in those holds, I suppose it all changes from flight to flight.

I haven't heard anything for sure, obviously, but I doubt your trip will be adversely affected.  It's not as if putting the intented-to-be-carried-on bags in the hold changes the overall weight of the plane, and I'd imagine people are going to try to pack the same amount of stuff in as few bags as possible, if that makes any sense....

Thanks for the reply...I'm dreading next Friday now as I know the airport will be a zoo 

I don't blame you!  I'm not flying over until September 16th, but my fiance is flying from Heathrow to JFK on Sunday the 28th.   He normally takes the Delta flight from Manchester to Atlanta, but we're applying for my visa that week (well, if they ever manage to release any more dates, we will be), so we're meeting in NYC before flying back here.  I *really* hope this gets sorted (or at least settles into an organized chaos) soon!

Ironically I was going to fly out today...good thing I wanted the extra week to pack! 

I'm wondering if anyone thinks that today's circumstances will impact extra baggage allowances? I'm flying over next Friday and currently have at least one over-weight suitcase, and an extra suitcase. I know I'll have to get there extra early anyway.

 I'm flying from the US to the UK (Orlando to London Gatwick) so I'll be able to have a carry on (if the rules don't change, but that'll only be essentials and no liquids of course).  I'm going to call Virgin Atlantic tomorrow and ask but I was wondering if anyone had any opinions/knowledge on the topic tonight.

This is what the Virgin Atlanic website says:

"All passengers travelling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kgs (70lbs). The maximum weight limit of 32kgs relates to single items of luggage and should not be seen as your baggage allowance. This new safety measure, which applies to all airlines and all destinations to/from the UK, is being introduced to reduce strains and injuries amongst baggage handling staff.  Passengers who exceed this maximum weight limit will be asked to repack their luggage into smaller units before they can check in. Excess baggage charges will be applied where applicable."

This is the economy baggage allowance:

"On Transatlantic, Caribbean and Nigerian routes we operate a piece system of allowance for checked in baggage. Two pieces of luggage per passenger, each weighing up to 23kg (51lbs). When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage must not exceed 158cm (62in)."

This is the premium economy baggage allowance:

"On Transatlantic, Caribbean and Nigerian routes we operate a piece system of allowance for checked in baggage. Two pieces of luggage per passenger, each weighing up to 32kg (70lbs). When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage must not exceed 158cm (62in)."

DH and I are flying EasyJet tomorrow for our honeymoon to Prague (leaving from Gatwick) and they have increased their baggage weight allowance and reduced the price if you go over.  It's a small amount per kilo now instead of one huge rip off price!  I assume these rules will stay in effect until they lax the carry on rules.

This is what the Virgin Atlanic website says:

"All passengers travelling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kgs (70lbs). The maximum weight limit of 32kgs relates to single items of luggage and should not be seen as your baggage allowance. This new safety measure, which applies to all airlines and all destinations to/from the UK, is being introduced to reduce strains and injuries amongst baggage handling staff.  Passengers who exceed this maximum weight limit will be asked to repack their luggage into smaller units before they can check in. Excess baggage charges will be applied where applicable."

This is the economy baggage allowance:

"On Transatlantic, Caribbean and Nigerian routes we operate a piece system of allowance for checked in baggage. Two pieces of luggage per passenger, each weighing up to 23kg (51lbs). When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage must not exceed 158cm (62in)."

This is the premium economy baggage allowance:

"On Transatlantic, Caribbean and Nigerian routes we operate a piece system of allowance for checked in baggage. Two pieces of luggage per passenger, each weighing up to 32kg (70lbs). When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage must not exceed 158cm (62in)."

Yup I read that, was just wondering if those rates for excess baggage would increase. I emailed Virgin and from what they said excess baggage should be dealt with the same as they usually do it. Thanks for the reply though.

DH and I are flying EasyJet tomorrow for our honeymoon to Prague (leaving from Gatwick) and they have increased their baggage weight allowance and reduced the price if you go over.  It's a small amount per kilo now instead of one huge rip off price!  I assume these rules will stay in effect until they lax the carry on rules.

Sounds good. I'll prepare for the rip off price and hope for the best 

I'm flying to the UK on 8/23 from Dulles. I connect in Chicago and then fly BMI to Manchester. I checked out the BMI website and it has not changed the excess baggage rules. Flying itself makes me nervous enough, not mention the current drama! I'll definitely be getting to the airport super early. I have a three hour lay over, so hopefully I will not be in danger of missing my connection.

Best of luck to everyone flying in the next couple of weeks

What I wonder is will they increase security on bag handlers? I bet there will be a lot more thefts of laptops, mobiles etc. Especially on multihop journeys.

What I wonder is will they increase security on bag handlers? I bet there will be a lot more thefts of laptops, mobiles etc. Especially on multihop journeys.

I agree. I'm really nervous about that, trying to hide the "valuable" stuff in with the rest of my crap so it doesn't seem worth stealing