By Stephanie Jacob
Malaysia Airlines Bhd has said that its normal check-in baggage allowances has been reinstated for all flights across its network, including on its Amsterdam, London and Paris services. The airline briefly imposed luggage restrictions yesterday as it was flying on a longer route to its European destinations.
The move was met with surprise and criticism from both aviation analysts and industry experts, as well as customers. For its part, the airline explained that the move was taken in the interest of safety in light of unseasonably strong headwinds and having to operate a longer route to the said destinations.
In a statement this morning it said: “Malaysia Airlines confirms today that normal check-in baggage allowances are available on all flights across the network including services to Amsterdam, London and Paris. Based on its current risk assessment, done on a daily basis, the airline is now able to take a shorter route on European flights.”
The airline also sought to explain their decision, saying “the airline has recently had to operate a longer route to Europe, which combined with strong head winds, limited the airline’s ability to carry baggage and cargo. The headwinds over the last four days were in excess of 200 knots which can add up to 15% fuel burn on a B777-200 aircraft.”
However, it did not specify why it was flying longer than usual routes.
On January 5, the airline issued a travel advisory saying it it would limit passengers to just one piece of 7kg carry-on luggage for economy passengers and two pieces of 7kg carry-on luggage for business and first class passengers on its three European routes.
It said: “The longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons Malaysia Airlines has had to impose temporary limitations on checked in baggage allowance… passengers who wish to check in their luggage will be able to do so, however their baggage will only arrive later.”
Malaysia Airlines later removed the restriction for its London flights but said the it was still in place for its Paris and Amsterdam flights due to the difference of aircraft being used.
It said: “Malaysia Airlines has been able to update its risk assessment matrix based on new data received, which now allows certain aircraft types to fly a shorter route. This is the case with our long range A380 aircraft to London which has been able to resume normal services. However, baggage limitations still apply on our flights to Amsterdam and Paris operated by the B777 aircraft.”
The airline also emphasised that safety remains their main priority and they would continue to monitor the situation, saying “Malaysia Airlines maintains that safety is of utmost priority in its operations and will not hesitate to adjust its flight path based on its daily risk assessment”.
Malaysia Airlines also said that the check-in baggage of the affected passengers was in the process of being shipped over to them.
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