Air India has announced a reduction in its free check-in baggage allowance for the lowest economy fare segment on domestic flights, from 20kg to 15kg. This change comes as part of the menu-based pricing model fare families introduced last August by the Tata Group-owned airline. Air India emphasizes that this move reflects the evolving needs of passengers, departing from the previous one-size-fits-all approach.
Previously, passengers on Air India’s domestic flights enjoyed a check-in baggage allowance of 25 kg without additional charge. In comparison, other domestic carriers like IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet offer 15 kg of check-in baggage at no extra cost.
The fare families introduced by Air India—Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Flex—offer distinct levels of benefits and fare restrictions at various price points.
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Effective from May 2, the free check-in baggage allowance for the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ categories has been reduced to 15 kg from 20 kg and 25 kg, respectively. The ‘Flex’ category continues to provide a 25 kg baggage allowance. In addition, the Business Class baggage allowance on domestic routes ranges from 25 kg to 35 kg, catering to diverse passenger needs.
“The Business Class baggage allowance on domestic routes ranges from 25 kg to 35 kg. The free baggage allowance on international flights varies from market to market,” the spokesperson said.
According to an Air India spokesperson, fare families aim to empower passengers to choose fares and services that align with their preferences and requirements. The pricing structure is designed to provide flexibility and value for passengers, catering to diverse traveller needs.
In terms of pricing, the difference between Comfort Plus and Flex fares is typically around Rs 1,000 for a domestic sector like Delhi-Mumbai. The Flex fare offers additional benefits, including a 10 kg extra baggage allowance and zero change or cancellation fees, providing value to passengers.
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This adjustment in baggage policy is in response to customer feedback and a comprehensive study conducted by Air India, benchmarked against offerings from competitors in each market. The airline aims to provide a more tailored and flexible travel experience for passengers, aligning with evolving industry standards and passenger expectations.
(With agency inputs)
