From Mr J. Mahoney

Yesterday my son left for the UK for a year to further his studies, as there are no available courses here yet. On enquiring at Customer Care, I was informed that there is a discount on excess luggage online that has to be pre-booked at least the day before. On entering the site I was surprised to find out that skiing, scuba diving, golf and other equipment are allowed free for holidays usually taken by well-off people. I thought there would be some concession for students studying abroad for a long time, sacrificing their family life, friends and the mostly hard-earned money of a middle class family. Surely, the 20 kilogrammes baggage allowance is not sufficient for a year-long stay considering the books, equipment and clothing one has to take. In fact, he had to pay €179 for a 21 kg excess baggage besides €185 for a single way ticket. On presenting proof of their stay abroad for studying, I thought our national airline would be more lenient on these students.

I sincerely hope that this problem is addressed and students who paid for excess baggage will be reimbursed.

Joseph Mahoney

MSIDA