Slight thread drift maybe ..The wife flew with BA short haul last week and chose hand baggage only. She received an e mail the day before saying that it would be allowed to be check into the hold at no cost and then at LHR told it would have to go into the hold no choice in the matter. Several other passengers with hand luggage were told this also. Having valuable items that she did not want to be placed in the hold she was reluctantly alllowed to take her hand baggage on board, it was nowhere near the weight limit. This particular German destination always has issues with hand baggage... so be prepared if your in the last boarding group!