Air India has implemented changes to its domestic luggage policy, aligning it with the fare families introduced last year.
Air India Introduces Menu-Based Baggage Policy, Leading to Reductions in Certain Free Baggage AllowancesAir India Introduces Menu-Based Baggage Policy, Leading to Reductions in Certain Free Baggage Allowances
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/6th May 2024
Air India has implemented changes to its domestic luggage policy, aligning it with the fare families introduced last year. Depending on the fare chosen by passengers, the baggage allowance may now vary, with reductions of 5–15 kg compared to previous limits. This adjustment brings Air India’s baggage policies in line with those of its competitors.
Introduced last year, Air India’s fare families—Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Flex—offer passengers different limits and benefits based on their ticket price. Effective May 2, Economy-class travelers who opt for the Comfort and Comfort Plus fare families will see a reduction in their checked baggage allowance to 15 kg, down from the previous 20 and 25 kg, respectively. However, the 25-dollar allocation for Flex fares in Economy class remains unchanged. Similar adjustments have been made in Premium Economy and Business class categories, affecting both baggage allowances and fare prices.
An Air India spokesperson explained, “The fare families are designed to let our guests choose the kind of fare and services that best suit their requirement, given that travelers today have varied preferences, and a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer ideal.” This menu-based pricing structure offers passengers more flexibility and choice, allowing them to select fares that align with their needs and budget.
The spokesperson further elaborated on the benefits of bundled fares, highlighting the value and options available to passengers. For instance, the price difference between Comfort Plus and Flex fares on a domestic route like Delhi-Mumbai is approximately Rs 1,000, with Flex fares offering additional benefits valued at nearly Rs 9,000. These benefits include extra baggage allowance, zero change or cancellation fees, increased loyalty points, and a wider selection of free seats. The fare families are also benchmarked against competitors’ offerings in each market, ensuring competitiveness and value for passengers.
The changes in Air India’s baggage policy reflect the airline’s efforts to adapt to evolving passenger preferences and market dynamics. By offering fare families with varying benefits and prices, Air India aims to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty while remaining competitive in the industry.
Passengers booking tickets with Air India can now choose from different fare options based on their travel needs and preferences. Whether seeking additional baggage allowance, flexibility in changing travel plans, or other perks, passengers have the flexibility to select fares that best suit their requirements.
While some passengers may experience a reduction in baggage allowance under the new policy, the overall goal is to provide passengers with greater choice and value. By aligning baggage allowances with fare families, Air India aims to streamline its operations and enhance the passenger experience.
As Air India continues to adapt to changing market conditions and passenger preferences, the introduction of menu-based baggage policies represents a step towards offering more personalized and flexible travel options. These changes reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting the needs of modern travelers while maintaining competitiveness in the aviation industry.
