PETALING JAYA, Jan 6 — Malaysia Airlines (MAB) has hit turbulence of a different kind when it disallowed checked-in baggage for all its flights to Europe yesterday. While its fights had to weather unusually strong winds, the airline was in for an even bumpier ride when its passengers vented their frustration over the restriction.

Citing safety and “strong head winds” as the reasons for the measure, MAB only permitted carry-on baggage up to 7kg for Economy passengers while those in Business and First Class could take on board two pieces totalling 14kg.

The airline, however, reversed on the ruling about 6.45pm for its flight to London after it managed to reroute its long-range A380 aircraft via Iran’s airspace.

MAB clarified that the checked-in baggage limitation, which was earlier said to be in place until further notice, was only effective for two days — yesterday and today — for passengers flying to Amsterdam and Paris.

The B777 aircraft are being used for flights to Amsterdam and Paris, and they will also fly over Iran’s airspace. Unlike the B777, the A380 is able to withstand extreme weather conditions. The airline said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary updates.

Passengers affected by the baggage limitation shared their grouses on social networking platform such as Facebook and Twitter. The most common complaint was that the restriction was unreasonable as the passengers needed to bring heavy winter clothing with them.

In reply to these complains, the airlines said that safety was its priority and it would continue to assess the situation over the region and keep its passengers updated when operations were back to normal.

A passenger asked if refunds could be given to those who wished to cancel their flights. “We regret to inform you that no compensation will be given. However, you may reschedule, with no additional cost. Terms and condition applies,” the airline replied via Facebook.

Frequent flyers joined in the ridiculing of the baggage restriction. Sabine Fernandez, a 24 year-old Human Resource Executive said: “It is not a budget airline so it should not be doing that and by doing so, it will push loyal customers like me to fly other airlines.”

Fernandez, who has been flying MAB since she was 10 to visit her father in Dubai, said she would not think of using the carrier anymore as the prices of their tickets were escalating and the services did not match her expectations.

Her sister, Denise Fernandez, 29, student said she would have to limit her purchase of souvenirs.

“I am not able to buy anything at all, be it for my family or myself because 7kg is an extremely tight limit,” she said

Claudia Anne, 29, an air stewardess with another international airline, said the current fuel prices were at its lowest at the moment and many other airlines were doing well because of that.

“By imposing a ban to the two places because of fuel makes situation unfair to the travellers who are going there” she said.

Jessintha Gomez, 65, said she didn’t understand the reason for the decision. “If other flights are able to a higher limit for the luggage weight despite the weather or other hazards, Why can’t MAB do the same?” she said.

Writer Tan Jyy Wei, 27, said the restriction was ridiculous and unnecessary since the national carrier was meant to cater to the needs of the people.

“They should help make their travel experience smoother instead of making it inconvenient,” she said.

Others questioned if this was just another way for MAB to increase its profit. Wendi Sia, 25, a devoted traveller believed this was just another way for MAB to prompt its passengers to book first class and business flights.

“For the price I will be paying to travel to Amsterdam or Paris, I don’t expect a 7kg limit on my baggage,” she said.