Free Baggage Allowance in the Era of Terrorism

The Wright Brothers in the early part of the last century laid the foundation of present day air travel .Once air travel came into vogue, free baggage of the passengers was also permitted on board the aircraft. Obviously this luggage that could be carried was restricted by weight and size, as air transport by its inherent nature has limitations in terms of the weight it can carry. This luggage that is carried free of charge is known as free baggage allowance. In the twenty first century the advent of terrorism particularly of the Islamic variety this free baggage allowance has come under a lot of scrutiny. Not only has the baggage allowance become restricted but a host of items are banned for being carried by air. Baggage allowance is also subject to stringent security checks.

The quantum of free baggage allowance is restricted on the aircraft.This restriction is to keep the overall weight within the authorised limit for a particular aircraft.This limit depnds on what is termed as 'payload 'capacity of the aircraft. The pay load of each aircraft is as per specifications which are laid down and depends on the power plant and dimensions of the aircraft. It is a fixed figure that cannot be arbitrarily changed at any time. Thus all airlines have restricted the carriage of baggage on their flights. This is to conform to the fact that the laden weight of the aircraft as given in the specifications of the aircraft is not exceeded before takeoff. For example a Boeing 747-400 has a capacity of 592 passengers and a total payload capacity of 144 000 lbs. Such an aircraft would also carry the passengers, their luggage as well as freight. The AN 32 has a payload of 5 tons and the IL76 a payload of 50 tons.

All over the world the airlines have a uniform free allowance with only slight variations. One of the reasons for this is that almost all airlines use the same type of aircraft like Boeing and Airbus and all have uniform specifications and payload capacity. Even the planes from the Russian bloc have similar payload restrictions. For example a passenger flying by a United States domestic flight to any part of the US is allowed generally 2 pieces of luggage that can weigh up to 50 lbs each free of charge (total 100 pounds = 45.4 kg). If this is exceeded then the passenger will have to pay an excess baggage fee. Some airlines do not allow passengers to exceed this amount, even if you are willing to pay extra. Some airlines may however charge a fee per kg that is extra. Passengers have to accept these restrictions though in real terms 15-20 pounds (7-8 kg) of the free allowance could be the weight of the suitcase itself. This is one of the restrictions of Air travel

Luggage to be loaded into the hold of the aircraft is weighed at the point of departure. Carry-on luggage or hand baggage is generally more concerned with the dimensions and size of the bag then other things. Bulky luggage cannot be carried by hand as hand baggage. However, there are more restrictions on types of belongings that can be carried on the plane. In addition airlines which fly commercially also carry freight at a price. The carriage of freight again restricts the baggage allowance to an air traveler.

Only one small piece of hand luggage per person weighing under 5kgs (11lbs - maximum size 45cm by 35cm by 20cm) may be taken onboard the aircraft as hand baggage. However certain items for infants are allowed in addition.

The advent of Jihad groups the restrictions on carriage of certain goods has increased. Some items are prohibited from hand luggage. The aim is to ensure to whatever extant possible that its owner cannot use this hand luggage for any nefarious use. As a result of September 11th and in accordance with instructions from the Daft (Department for Transport), airlines in conjunction with the Airport Authorities carry out additional security checks throughout the Airport.

The Montreal Convention of 1999 will replace the Warsaw convention. This convention governs airlines around the world as far as lost or damaged luggage is concerned. Passengers will do well to remember that the compensation is quite limited for lost luggage for any reason.

In addition to the free baggage allowance a certain part of a passenger's luggage is allowed to be carried as hand baggage. This need not be booked on the aircraft. However this hand baggage is again subject to a security check and which can include an x Ray as well as a physical examination. In addition this hand baggage is restricted in weight and size. The rules for carrying of airline baggage are universal and all airlines follow them in a similar fashion. Hand baggage is so calculated that the payload of the aircraft is not compromised. Hand baggage has been used to smuggle in lethal weapons that have been used either to hijack the aircraft or blow it up in mid air. So it is incumbent on the authorities to carry out a stringent check of all hand baggage.