BA chief: It's time to charge for sports kit

British Airways could soon start charging passengers for extra luggage and meal upgrades in a bid to generate income in the global economic crisis.

The airline's passengers currently do not have to pay to take items such as skis and golf clubs on BA planes.

But in an effort to increase revenue, BA chief executive Willie Walsh said it could copy low-cost carriers and start charging up to £25 for "extras".

He said the credit crunch and soaringoil prices meant BA was being forced to look at raising money from "ancillary services". Speaking at the World Low Cost Airlines conference in London, he said BA was investigating charging passengers extra for an "upgraded" meal option.

He said BA would not begin charging for baggage, but paying for sporting equipment - which is currently free - is "under review".

Mr Walsh said: "I think we are only scratching the surface at BA regarding ancillary services.

"If other people pay £25 to check in their golf bags and skis with another airline and are surprised it's free on BA, then perhaps it is something we too should be charging for.

"If it is not appreciated by customers, it should be reviewed."

Betony Garner, spokeswoman for the Ski Club of Great Britain, said: "The fact that British Airways doesn't charge for skis is one of its biggest selling points among skiers. This is not great news. The extra charge would make holidays more expensive for the many people who own their own skis and boots.

"It would encourage skiers to use Swiss Airlines, the only other airline which doesn't charge skiers for taking their equipment with them.

"We may also see more holiday goers taking the Eurostar trains which go directly to some French resorts instead of British Airways."

Mr Walsh praised his rival, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, for "setting the trend" and forcing the industry to cut costs, but insisted BA would not become a no-frills airline.

The carrier is seeking a merger with American Airlines, which already charges for alcoholic drinks, snacks, sandwiches and checked bags.

The conference heard from other airline bosses who also warned that passengers could increasingly find themselves paying for things they previously had taken for granted, such as priority boarding, extra leg room, alcoholic drinks, water, snacks and meals.