KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 6 (UPI) — Malaysia Airlines temporarily banned some luggage on flights to Europe due to strong headwinds, the airline said Tuesday.
All of the airline’s flights from Kuala Lumpur to Europe Tuesday and Wednesday could not have checked-in baggage because it would force the plane to use up too much fuel to make the flight safely a non-stop, the airline said on it’s website.
“In the interest of safety, Malaysia Airlines currently operates a long route to Europe, which combined with temporary unseasonably strong head winds, is limiting the airlines’ ability to carry baggage in cargo,” the airline said.
“This longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons, Malaysia Airlines has had to impose temporary limitation on checked in baggage allowance.
“Passengers who wish to check in their luggage will be able to do so, however their baggage will only arrive later.”
Economy passengers were only allowed total carry-on baggage of up to 15 pounds. Business and first-class passengers were allowed two pieces of carry-on for a total of 30 pounds.
“The headwinds over the last four days were in excess of 200 knots, which can add up to 15 [percent] fuel burn on a B777-200 aircraft,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline said Kuala Lumpur to London, Paris and Amsterdam flights would resume normal luggage allowance Wednesday evening.
