It’s scary to think what airlines can get away with today that we have no control over. For example, the FAA recently stopped taxes on flights in America, which would mean a saving of $20-50 dollars per flight, but were these savings passed onto the consumer? No, the airlines just raised the ticket price and pocketed the difference.
Likewise, Aer Lingus managed to screw me out of £468 through ambiguous statements and unclear regulations. I had 59kgs of baggage – I realise that’s a lot but consider that when I was packing, I had read the Aer Lingus baggage rules, which stated that if required an extra bag could be purchased for £24. This would give me 40kg of baggage and (according to their baggage rates) about £120 excess baggage (£6/kg), which as within my expenses range. However on arrival at the airport, the very unhelpful Aer Lingus attendant explained to me that £24 was for an extra bag…not an extra baggage allowance.
Thinking about this mathematically, they are charging an extra £24 for you to take less (a second bag would weigh more and take away from your actual luggage). Not only that but the excess baggage rate was £12/kg on the day apparently which wasn’t mentioned anywhere easily accessible on the website. So I have 39kgs x £12 of excess baggage. They also reminded me that had my onward journey been with a partner company I would of only been charged once and at the best rate.
So I pay the money, get my hand luggage torn apart by security and board the aircraft. I sleep until London where I leave and go and reclaim my baggage. Now, Heathrow is known for being a baggage (and general traveller) nightmare, but I have never been more impressed with this very busy airport. The girl from Brussels Airlines couldn’t believe Aer Lingus as she said that on her screen the baggage was meant to have been booked through. Not only that but they allow up to 30kgs of baggage as I was flying business class. She tripped over herself to apologise but explained that there was nothing she could do now that the bags had been collected. So I rechecked them but Brussels airlines didn’t take the piss like Aer Lingus. They charged me at a discounted rate of £10/kg (£12/kg normally), only charged me for 25kgs and were nice too!
Security at Heathrow was a breeze. My stuff was through security before I’d finished being searched and the staff even made casual conversation! The flight was even better – a welcome glass (a real glass) of orange juice (fresh squeezed by the taste), refreshing towel (material), complimentary egg and hsm pasta salad, with bread and (unfortunately blue) cheese selection, plus drinks. And a copy of the Daily Mail! Business is the way to fly.
So Brussels Airport. After a long walk to the main terminal I had an even longer wait at passport control. I managed to get my bags but no trolley to put them on (no sign of a trolley park etc) and they were a bit beaten up from the trip. One had no wheels anymore so I had to drag it to the taxi stand. The taxi driver was nice though and understood my minimalistic French, bringing me to the hotel very quickly indeed and for only 12.70!
Brussels transport system is…interesting to say the least but Google Maps seems to have a grasp on the situation and thankfully hasn’t got me wrong yet. I took two busses to get to “The W Shopping” and was able to sort out all my finances with the very helpful Rachid from ING.
Today the apartment has been confirmed, I have they keys in my pocket and in an hour or so I shall be on my way to my new place. I was even able to make small talk with my landlord in French. I really do like speaking it and thankfully most people over here like you better when you try!
So £718 in baggage, a few dented cases and thanks to Google Maps I am here and unscathed bar some aches. And, as of this post, officially living in Brussels. Pictures to follow!
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