(Commonwealth_India) Air India passengers flying to Europe and the UK will now face higher charges for a second checked-in bag, as the airline revised its fare structure effective October 17. The new policy allows passengers holding the lowest economy class ticket to check in only one bag, weighing up to 23 kilograms. If travelers wish to check in a second bag, they will be required to purchase a higher-class economy fare. The fare difference for a one-way ticket starts at around Rs 4,000, depending on the route.
This adjustment aligns Air India’s baggage policy with that of many Western carriers. For example, Lufthansa, a major European airline, offers one free checked bag in economy class, with an additional fee for any extra baggage. British Airways, similarly, offers its lowest “basic” economy fares with no checked baggage included, while higher-priced economy options allow for two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg.
This change in Air India’s baggage policy comes on the heels of similar adjustments made earlier this year for domestic flights. In the domestic sector, the airline reduced the baggage allowance for economy class passengers to 15 kg from the previous 25 kg limit, aligning with the baggage rules of other Indian airlines. These changes mark a notable shift in Air India’s approach to customer service, especially as the airline continues to evolve under the ownership of the Tata Group.
Before the Tata Group took over the management of Air India, the airline had a more flexible baggage policy. This was part of a strategy to attract passengers, compensating for other aspects of the travel experience, such as the airline’s often inconsistent service and frequent delays. However, with significant investments in upgrading the airline’s fleet and services, Air India is now aligning its policies more closely with international standards, particularly in terms of baggage allowances.
While these changes have improved the airline’s competitiveness, some passengers are less than thrilled with the new charges. One passenger, a chartered accountant from Delhi, expressed dissatisfaction after booking a flight for his son, who was traveling from Europe to Delhi. He found that the fare difference for checking in two bags was as high as Rs 8,000. The passenger also pointed out that a Gulf airline, offering a lower fare of Rs 20,000 and a higher baggage allowance of 35 kg, would have been a more economical choice, although this would have meant a longer layover, adding five extra hours to the travel time.
Air India has clarified that the price difference between the fares for one checked bag and two checked bags on flights to Europe and the UK is relatively small, typically around Rs 4,000 for a one-way trip, such as from Delhi to Frankfurt. The rationale behind this is to avoid charging passengers traveling with one checked bag the same fare as those traveling with two, ensuring a more equitable pricing structure for all passengers.
Despite the mixed reactions, Air India is confident that its revised baggage policies, along with improvements in cabin services and on-time performance, will allow it to remain competitive in a highly contested market. The airline believes that international carriers will need to offer competitive prices to maintain their market share in India as Air India’s reputation and service offerings continue to improve. In addition, domestic carriers like IndiGo are expanding their operations on long-haul routes, increasing the competition further.
As part of the new fare structure, Air India has introduced different fare categories, including the “Value” fare, which allows for one checked bag, and the “Classic” and “Flex” options, which include two checked bags. This tiered approach gives passengers a range of choices based on their baggage needs and budget while also ensuring that Air India can offer competitive pricing on international routes. Currently, the airline operates 264 weekly flights to various destinations in Europe and the UK, and the adjustments to baggage policies are part of a broader effort to improve profitability and service quality as the airline continues to modernize its operations.
