FOAK: Airline question

Not Sleazyjet, I know...

For those who travel regularly to Leftpondia, which airline(s) are the
most friendly when it comes to you turning up with more than the
standard anorexic suitcase?

It looks like it'll be taking at least two suitcases plus the usual
carry-on this time and I'd prefer not to have to loadsamoney for extra
baggage.

BTW, the only airlines I can sensible consider are BA (if they're not
on strike), Virgin, United and KLM.

 

stand in the queue between 2 Americans and try to rationalise with the
check-in clerk that you & your 2 suitcases weigh less than each of them
with 1 suitcase

 

Whichever you have the best frequent flyer status with.

 

Check the pilots' doccos.

 

Unfortunately, they're all 'peasant' at the moment as I'd been using the
airlines with the best deal rather than concentrating on building up the
frequent flyer status.

Didn't seem to matter than much either, Ann is a Delta Silver or Gold
Medallion member - can't remember which - and they still charged her for
an extra piece of luggage in Amsterdam. I think US customer support did
refund that money though once she had to call them and complain that
they managed to lose the extra piece of luggage...

 

Presumably you're only going cattle class, so any experience I can
share will be irrelevant. But BA's stndard allowance for Club World is
two items of hold baggage, plus they seem to be happy with large
carry-ons as well.

KLM/United I won't fly with, as they don't have proper flat beds.
Virgin, sadly, isn't allowed by our travel policy.

 

The one I'd be eyeing is a KLM flight - IIRC Delta doesn't do non-stop
to the West Coast. As I have to expect a longer wait at Immigrations
while all the 'welcome to the US' paperwork gets sorted, I don't want
to change planes. *Especially* not in Atlanta. Hate that airport.

 

<googles>

Look like those on recent Lufthansa & Swiss planes. Yes, they'er flat,
but only if you stick your feet under a bit of the seat in front. BA
have a _lot_ more space.

 

AMS > LAX on KLM is non stop, on KLM metal. Cheaper tickets can be
purchased via the North West ticketing - but I suspect you'd prefer to
be further north than LAX and not have to **** about getting to AMS.

 

they wouldn't look so happy if I was on the flight and had necked a couple
of bottles of claret before snoring it off

 

Yeah, as I said they're very much like the Lufthansa ones. Not a patch
on BA. Length and width much better, plus you don't need to sit next
to someone, as they're alternating forward and backward facing.
http://www.newclubworld.com

 

They seem to have one AMS > SFO flight each day. Getting to AMS isn't
too bad (LCY is a closer to me than LHR) but the other flights are all
direct LHR -> SFO and that'll save several hours.

So I guess it's Virgin, non-striking BA or United.

 

Seconded..... even if you fly premium economy there's a bigger baggage
allowance....

 

I've taken four pieces of luggage on Virgin Business class. (that was
some shopping I did that trip to the US!).
--
Adie
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