Air India Revamps Baggage Allowance: Aligning with Industry Standards

Air India has adjusted its checked baggage allowance for domestic flights, bringing it closer to what other airlines offer. This move aims to streamline their fare structure and provide travelers with more options.

Air India New Fare Families, New Baggage Allowances

Last year, Air India implemented a "fare family" system, categorizing fares into Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Flex. Each category offers different benefits and baggage allowances at various price points.

The revised policy, effective May 2nd, reduces the checked baggage allowance for Economy class passengers who choose Comfort and Comfort Plus fares.

Here's a breakdown of the changes:

• Air India Economy Class:

  • Comfort: Reduced from 20 kg to 15 kg

  • Comfort Plus: Reduced from 25 kg to 15 kg

  • Flex: Remains unchanged at 25 kg

• Air India Premium Economy:

  • Comfort Plus: Reduced from 30 kg to 15 kg

  • Flex: Reduced from 35 kg to 25 kg

• Air India Business Class:

  • Comfort Plus: Reduced from 35 kg to 25 kg

  • Flex: Reduced from 40 kg to 35 kg

Air India explains that these changes are based on passenger feedback and industry standards. They aim to offer a more flexible and personalized experience, allowing travelers to choose the level of service and baggage allowance that best suits their needs.

How Does This Compare to Other Airlines?

• IndiGo: As the leading budget carrier in India, IndiGo offers a flat 15 kg baggage allowance on domestic flights for all passengers in their Economy class. However, they allow an additional 10 kg for double or multiple bookings.

• Vistara: Another full-service airline, Vistara, also utilizes a fare family system. However, their highest fare family in Economy, Business, and some Premium Economy classes offer slightly more baggage allowance compared to Air India's new structure.

What Does Air India Say About the Changes?

Air India claims that their "fare family" system provides travelers with more value and choice. They highlight the price difference between Comfort Plus and Flex fares, where Flex offers additional benefits like:

• 10 kg extra baggage allowance

• Free change or cancellation of flights

• More loyalty points

• Greater selection of free seats

Air India believes this approach caters to diverse traveler preferences, offering a full-service experience with customizable options.

Response to Customer Feedback

Air India's Customer-Centric Approach:

Air India's decision to introduce fare families and adjust baggage allowances is a response to customer feedback and a comprehensive study of industry standards. The airline aims to provide passengers with greater choice and value through bundled fares while maintaining a full-service flying experience.

Benchmarking Against Competitors:

Air India's fare families are benchmarked against offerings from competitors in each market, ensuring alignment with industry norms and customer expectations. The airline remains committed to providing competitive services while meeting the evolving needs of travelers.

Conclusion:

Air India's adjustment of baggage allowances reflects its commitment to offering competitive services and meeting industry standards. By introducing fare families and aligning baggage limits with competitor offerings, Air India aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers while maintaining its position in the domestic aviation market.