Airport Parking and Hotels, the long stay airport parking specialist, has updated its baggage allowance table on the Know Before You Go section on its website. Travellers can log on to www.aph.com/news/excess_baggage_charges and check luggage limits, check-in costs and sporting equipment allowances for the leading scheduled airlines before leaving home. At a time when some airlines are changing weight limits, adding extra charges for baggage and new hand luggage restrictions, this information helps to take the baffle out of baggage costs.

The comparison chart reveals luggage rates for 23 of the leading airlines and compares costs and weight limits for checking-in luggage, excess charges for economy passengers, hand luggage restrictions, and costs for transporting heavy or bulky items such as pushchairs, surfboards, skis and golf clubs. The research has found that weights for checked-in luggage in economy range from 15kg – 23kg and check-in fees vary from free to as much as £40 per piece of luggage per way with Ryanair! Travelling parents will be glad to know that there is no charge for pushchairs on any aircraft, not even Ryanair.

However, sporting travellers need to be careful as the majority of airlines charge for transporting water sports equipment. Unfortunately for surfers, charges for surfboards and windsurfing equipment are generally high and subject to available space on the aircraft. Skiers, snowboarders and golfers are welcomed by most airlines and many will carry sports baggage for free, unless it exceeds the maximum luggage allowance.  Virgin Atlantic and British Airways came out on top as they transport skis, snowboards and golf bags free of charge in addition to the checked baggage allowance.

To make sure you are within your luggage limits before arriving at the airport, customer can check bags with APH’s luggage scales before boarding the APH bus at its Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester car parks.