I've just tried calling the customer support at the airline FlyBe whose offices are a mere 20 miles from me to ask what the maximum size of hold baggage they carry. The number given on the website is 0871 700 2000 charged at 10p per minute. I called it and was then told, because of my enquiry, to redial an 09 number at £1 per minute  >:( what to do? I also sent them an enquiry via their website which told me it could upto take 28 DAYS for a reply - totally outrageous!

Will they not put you through on the 01392 numbers listed on the contact page?

I've just tried that and I had to press 4 for general enquiries and that took me to someone telling me to redial 0906 999 0099 at a cost of £1 per minute!

You say that the reason for contacting them is to ask what the maximum size of baggage they will allow you to carry. I must say, I don't understand why you think it is necessary to make contact personally (by phone or email) as the question you are asking is surely a common one. I think it is acceptable for them to charge you via a premium rate number for this particular question because they have already published the answer.

This is where "frequently asked questions" come in, often published on a company's website. Indeed, I looked on the "Q&A" part of the website. You will have to follow the link on Information > Q&As > Step1: "Baggage enquiries" > Step 2: "What are your baggage allowance and charges?"

A short quote from the answer is as follows:

Quote:

Economy class services: Hold baggage allowance (When purchased) 20kgs. Cabin baggage allowance 10kg. Maximum permitted dimensions for cabin baggage (one bag only): Length 50cm, width 35cm and depth of 23cm including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. Flybe. Economy Plus class services: Hold baggage allowance (free) 30kgs. Cabin baggage allowance 10kg Maximum permitted dimensions for cabin baggage (one bag only): Length 50cm, width 35cm and depth of 23cm including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.

Note that this is not the full answer to the question and I advise you to visit the Flybe website to see the full answer as there may be something which is relevant to you which is contained in the rest of the response.

I need to know the maximum SIZE limit as opposed to weight limit for HOLD baggage - as far as I can see only the size and weight of carry-on baggage is listed. If you see differently please let me know. Thank you.

misterneil wrote on Mar 12^th, 2008 at 2:44pm:

I need to know the maximum SIZE limit as opposed to weight limit for HOLD baggage - as far as I can see only the size and weight of carry-on baggage is listed. If you see differently please let me know. Thank you.

It doesn't appear to say - I believe it is an obvious question. The answer on the website goes on to say:


Quote:

Hold baggage Each checked item of hold baggage is charges at £5.99 / €9.00 / CHF14.00 , per item, per sector, if booked in advance through the www.flybe.com website, and £10 / €15/ CHF24 per item, per sector if presented un-booked at the airport or if booked through the Flybe. Customer Call Centre. Excess luggage will be charged at £6.00 / €9 / CHF15 per kilo on Domestic and Continental European services. There are no baggage charges for interline passengers travelling on through tickets. Passengers carrying a car seat or a booster seat must check these items in as an item of baggage. This will be charged at the applicable rate as listed above. Please be aware that any single baggage item cannot exceed the weight of 30kgs and will be refused carriage due to the health and safety implications associated with extremely heavy items.

As I say, it's an obvious question so should be posted on that response page I mentioned. Senior management is here. Send one (chief exec?) an email.

Try firstname{dot}surname{at}flybe{dot}com

RESULT !
Thanks for your advice. I sent 3 very strong emails to 3 senior people at FlyBe and within 30 minutes a very nice lady rang me back with an answer to my question - there is no limit!
She also gave me her direct number which is a local Exeter one - 01392 672231 - I'd be happy for you to publish this - it will be interesting to see just how many calls she'll take before the penny drops and the number becomes unobtainable!
Thanks for all your help on our behalf - May 0970 be DOOMED!
Best regards
NeilC

misterneil wrote on Mar 12^th, 2008 at 5:38pm:

Thanks for your advice. I sent 3 very strong emails to 3 senior people at FlyBe and within 30 minutes a very nice lady rang me back with an answer to my question - there is no limit!

Perhaps you could suggest that the answer to that question is amended to that effect.

I have just booked some FlyBe flights for later in the year and the Ts & Cs include

Further assistance
If you require special assistance please contact our Customer Call Centre on 0871 700 2000 (Outside UK 00 44 1392 268529) where they will be pleased to assist
you.
Flybe. Information Line.
For other general information.
0906 999 9009 (calls cost GBP 1.00 per minute; calls from mobiles and some networks may be higher)
(Outside UK 00 44 13 922 685 28 )
Flybe. Internet Support.
0906 999 9999 (calls cost GBP 1.00 per minute; calls from mobiles and some networks may be higher)
(Outside UK 00 44 13 922 685 15 )


Baggage allowance and restrictions
The following applies for each passenger. Infants are included in parents allowance.
Outbound
Hand Baggage Allowance: 10Kg in one bag. Maximum dimensions 50cm x 35 cm x 23cm
Total Hold Baggage Allowance (PER PASSENGER): 20Kg (baggage charges apply)
Maximum Weight for a Single Hold Item: 30Kg (Excess baggage charges apply for each kilo over 20Kg)
Hold baggage (excluding sporting equipment) may be pre booked at a discounted rate of just £5.99 per bag per sector or can be paid for at the airport at a cost of
£10.00 per bag per sector - No refund will be given to the discounted rate
Return
Hand Baggage Allowance: 10Kg in one bag. Maximum dimensions 50cm x 35 cm x 23cm
Total Hold Baggage Allowance (PER PASSENGER): 20Kg (baggage charges apply)
Maximum Weight for a Single Hold Item: 30Kg (Excess baggage charges apply for each kilo over 20Kg)
Hold baggage (excluding sporting equipment) may be pre booked at a discounted rate of just £5.99 per bag per sector or can be paid for at the airport at a cost of
£10.00 per bag per sector - No refund will be given to the discounted rate
8-)

Well done for finding those Marillet.