International flights question

I haven't run into this particular issue, but my advice would be to PM our airline guru, Al from the UK, and see if he can give you any 'buzzwords' for dealing with Meridiana.

Or, you might be able to get a BA representative to contact Meridiana directly and see if they can get it worked out between them.

Good luck--airline variations are such a headache!

If Meridiana is using a smaller commuter type plane with a limited amount of space, they have the right to make additional restrictions for the sake of safety, and the physical constraints of the smaller craft. I'm not sure there is any way around this.

I had to chase things down a bit, but it looks like the plane used is a MD-80.

That's not a small plane.

Bob,
I'm trying to think outside the box... is there a way to ship the stuff that's "not so important" ahead of time? Not so important includes clothes or bulky stuff like even jackets.

Since you're flying out Wednesday it may be a moot point though...

Bob

I think it's probably in your best interest to contact BA. You need a straight answer so you can prepare for it.
I would rather suspect that Meridiana will set and follow it's own regulation.

Packages are probably sold with many other carriers as well and I doubt that they would adjust their rules accordingly.

Definately call BA. And if you wouldn't mind, please report back to us.

Ps: I really liked Michael's response about safety...Now you're thinking like an F/A!!

I contacted BA on Friday- the representative said that because it was on their ticket, their rules applied. The person I talked with also said he was going to put a "note" on my "file" that Meridiana had been trying to go by their own restrictions instead of abiding by the "agreement". From the tone in his voice, I rather think this has happened before. Meridiana- I'm waiting on finding out what they say to that.

I don't want to go to check the luggage, and then discover that I suddenly have to check my carry-on because it's too heavy (20 pounds instead of 17.5). I also don't want to have to deal with a bunch of charges because of a sudden "overweight checked luggage" charge.

I'm also concerned because I only have 1 1/2 hours between planes in Bologna- and if this delays me, I could have problems catching my flight.

Hi Bob

You were right to contact BA and get a check-in note put into your booking. For what it's worth in my opinion BA are absolutely correct. They are the first carrier, they have issued flights on their 'paper' and they have a codeshare agreement with Meridiana that says that BA's baggage allowance applies on Meridiana when booked directly by BA.

As a 'heads up' to all. In the past month this isue has come to a head on many flights with many different airlines, where codeshare flights are booked by another airline. If you are booked on a similar situation which involves codeshares with other airlines, it's worth a quick phone call to ensure you get the correct baggage allowance. It seems like a lot of the smaller European carriers are trying to wriggle out of agreements and charge passengers for excess baggage. In my opinion that's getting perilously close to being a scam.

Thanks, Al- and yes, it smells like a scam.

I won't be checking replies from this point on as I am getting the last items done on my checklist- leaving tomorrow!

My school has checked into this problem- Meridiana is required to follow British Airways limits. The fact that I've been fussing about the different stories may even provide an extra level of protection because it seems that BA DOES have a note on my "file" about this.

Problem solved. Lesson learned- check EVERYTHING before you submit. If you're flying internationally, check to make sure every airline on your trip is on the same page before you buy, especially when it comes to rules.

(As I'm relatively inexperienced at traveling via airlines- and absolutely a greenhorn at international travel, getting ready has been, shall we say, an adventure!)