Travellers are baffled by the different elements making up weight allowances
A current unpleasantness for holidaymakers is the unforgiving attitude of airlines applying penal charges for excess luggage. This upset comes from the confusion of how the baggage allowance is made up and the scale of charges if these limits are beached. The airlines say it is up to the traveller to check the amounts and how they are worked out, so before you travel visit the carriers website for up to date information.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is the make up of the luggage allowance although you may be well within the allowed weight limit, you may still fall foul of the distribution of that weight. With some airlines there can be different charges for first, second and third bags. Some companies also apply different charging policies for hand luggage and cargo luggage. Some airlines class a rucksack as hand luggage but with others it is not taken into account. The costs can vary depending if you payed online or via telephone. The low cost airlines state they are trying to streamline their own costs by reducing hold ups at check in desks thus making bookings cheaper..
In addition to all this they will apply additional charges for sporting equipment, sound equipment, cots, bicycles, surfboards and almost everything that is extra to either cargo baggage or hand items. Although some companies will charge a total weight allowance and single item limits. Generally speaking the schedule airlines have bigger allowances and are more leaninet with the available breakdown. With regard to sporting equipment it is important to note that some car parks or airport hotels are unwilling to transfer over sized items, and prior to booking your airport parking East Midlands or East Midlands hotel parking for example be sure the airport car park is able to transport such things as surfboards and bicycles etc.