Air India, pre-merger, had a unique advantage that used to cause people to go to the airline over others. A 25-kilogramme baggage allowance for economy class tickets, which was a full 66% more than the competition offered. However, last year, Air India dropped the baggage allowance to 20 kg, while transitioning to new fare families.
Air India cuts domestic baggage allowance.
Air India has sent out a trade notice and updated the baggage policies on its website for tickets issued effective May 2, 2024. The new tickets issued will see the baggage allowance reduced to as low as 15 kg, which is in line with the market and regulations. Here are the changes made:
- Economy Comfort (S, T, U, L fare classes):
- 15 kg baggage allowance (compared to 20kg baggage allowance earlier)
- Economy Comfort Plus (G, W, V, Q, K fare classes):
- 15 kg baggage allowance (compared to 25kg baggage allowance earlier)
- Economy Flex (H, M, B, Y fare classes):
- 25kg baggage allowance (same as earlier)
- Business Comfort Plus (Z, J fare class):
- 25 kg baggage allowance (instead of 35kg baggage allowance earlier)
- Business Flex (D, C fare classes):
- 35 kg baggage allowance (instead of 40kg baggage allowance earlier)
Here is the new announcement that went out from the airline on their trade side.
Older tickets issued before May 2, 2024, will be valid on the old terms. What is good news is, that multiple bags will be taken under the baggage allowance, which is different from IndiGo which allows for 15kg and only one bag.
Bottomline
Air India has reduced the baggage allowance it offers on most of the fares it offers. The allowance has gone down by 5-10 kgs on economy and business class tickets, which are issued on May 2, 2024 and after this date.
What do you think of the new changes rolled out by Air India to the baggage allowance?
(H/T: Nikhil Kashliwal on Twitter)
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Boycott Airindia unless they are fit to serve we are not here to pay extra large fares for junkies .. they are repairing aircrafts with our money and zero service.
No mercy to them as they robbed me for extra luggage at Delhi airport during tranfer were I didnot but anything from Delhi airport
Baggage allowance was the one and only attraction but gone case now. High chances many would opt for better airline from now on.
Better as in ?
Spicejet?
Hopefully, they will not resort to further cost cutting alternatives in their pursuit of improving the airline.
Frankly, IDGAF about the meals. I remember a 1.5hr flight was delayed by 2 hours because the onboard catering didn’t arrive in time. Hard to find travelers who wouldn’t trade timely arrival for airline food.
Air India airlines was opted for best air travel by central govt employee due to extra baggages allowed as compare to other airlines. Now, people will opt for other airlines with flexible dates and comfort. Sad indeed
Air India still bleeding money for Tata? Given the interest rate picture, they probably had to try to do something to run up revenue without doing it with higher headline fares in this environment.
Well, this was only a matter of time before such a move was going to take place..
Even before privatization, AI’s main USP was the generous legroom in Y class and the baggage allowances..
The baggage allowance has got affected now
Won’t be surprised if the legroom is going to be next in line.. especially with the widebodys which could be 3-4-3 seating in Y class soon including their 788 / 789s.
And the complimentary meals will go next 🙁
It should go in order to compete with Indigo and will be in line with most carriers do this in US.
@Satyendra, you missed the memo, perhaps. Air India will be transferring a lot of routes where no-frills is the intention to Air India Express over time. only full service for AI, and low-cost for AIX
Next you will be paying for using the toilet
@S Ganguly, Uncalled for. The airline rightsized its generosity, does not mean it will go deep on cuts.
Unfortunately, I think you are both correct. This airline will do the cutback thing to squeeze and starve the common man and woman — who is increasingly getting bigger — and then try to live on the halo effect from the upgraded yet more expensive premium cabin offerings.