AI cuts cabin baggage allowance from 20 kg to 15

AIR India, the loss-making national carrier, has reduced its free cabin baggage allowance from 20 kg to 15 kg for the lowest economy fare segment on domestic flights. 

These alterations come as part of the menu-based pricing model fare families introduced by the Tata Group-owned Air India last August, with the airline asserting that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer feasible. 

The three fare families – Comfort, Comfort Plus and Flex – offer distinct levels of benefits and fare restrictions at various price points, as stated by an airline spokesperson on Saturday (May 4). 

Effective May 2, the free cabin baggage allowance for Comfort and Comfort Plus categories has been revised to 15 kilograms and 25 kilograms, respectively. Before the introduction of fare families, passengers on Air India’s domestic flights were entitled to carry 25 kilograms of cabin baggage free of any additional charge. 

“On domestic routes in Economy Class, both ‘Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ fare families now provide 15 kg baggage allowance, while ‘Flex’ provides 25 kg allowance….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.

Similarly, in other domestic airlines, passengers are permitted to carry 15 kilograms of cabin baggage without additional charge. The spokesperson emphasised that fare families are designed to allow passengers to select fares and services that best fit their needs, considering the diverse preferences of travelers. 

Comfort Plus versus Flex fares

For instance, the price difference between Comfort Plus and Flex fares would typically be around Rs 1,000 in a domestic sector like Delhi-Mumbai, with the Flex fare providing additional value of nearly Rs 9,000, including 10 kilograms extra baggage and zero change or cancellation fees. 

The introduction of fare families is a response to customer feedback and Air India’s comprehensive study, benchmarked against the offerings of relevant competition in each market it has been introduced in, the spokesperson added.

The Tata Group has embarked on an ambitious plan to revive the fortunes of Air India since acquiring it from the government in 2022.