Rant: Baggage Allowance

Recently I booked a long haul flight on an established airline. This flight was not cheap. Irregardless I was looking forward to visiting my family and friends and picking up some stuff that I left behind when I moved to England three years ago. I have travelled on this airline many times in the past and despite the jacked up prices and complete and utter lack of comfort, I have continued to book this airline because of its generous baggage allowance compared to its discounted competitors.

Out of curiousity I double checked the weight allowance today (1 day before my flight) to discover that this airline has recently changed their allowance to ONE checked bag. If I wish to bring a second bag I may do so (clearly not a weight issue) but I must pay them £50 each way for this priveledge. Excuse me? Haven't I just paid you a gross amount of money to fly to another continent? Surely that entitles me to a 2 bag allowance. After all, this is hardly a weekend getaway on a cheap airline.

What really grinds my gears (!) is that first class passengers are allowed THREE bags per person and each bag can weigh up to 70lbs! Sorry that I (a mere working class hero) am unable to afford the astronomical first class fee and must pay out my entire monthly salary to travel Economy.... but surely you can allow me to bring a reasonable amount of luggage at no additional cost?

So, alas, annoyed as hell, I emptied out the contents of my suitcase and attempted to reduce my packing to a ridiculously small ammount of clothing for a 2 week trip abroad in an attempt to free up 'weight' for the things I need to bring back.

What money making scheme will airlines come up with next?

• A charge for seats in the waiting area.
• A fee to use the on-board toilets.
• Pay-per-view movies.
• Pay for the right to get on and off the plane first.
• A service charge for airline attendants.