Air India Implements New Cabin Baggage Limit: 15 KG For Economy Flyers

Air India , which has been facing losses, has adjusted its free cabin baggage allowance from 20 kilograms to 15 kilograms for the lowest economy fare segment on domestic flights .

The alterations have been implemented within the menu-based pricing model fare families that were rolled out by the Tata Group-owned Air India last August, with the airline emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer viable.

According to an airline spokesperson, there exist three fare families — Comfort, Comfort Plus , and Flex — offering varying benefits and fare restrictions at different price points.

Commencing May 2, the complimentary cabin baggage allowance for the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ categories has been downsized to 15 kg from 20 kg and 25 kg, respectively.

Before the introduction of the fare families concept, passengers on Air India’s domestic flights could carry 25 kilograms of cabin baggage without incurring additional charges.

“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 stated.

Similarly, in other domestic airlines, passengers are entitled to carry 15 kg of cabin baggage without additional charges.

The Air India spokesperson underscored that the fare families are structured to empower passengers in selecting fares and services that align with their preferences, acknowledging the diversified preferences of today's travelers, and recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is outdated.

Expanding on the rationale behind this proposition, the spokesperson noted that, for instance, the price disparity between ‘Comfort Plus’ and ‘Flex’ fares would typically amount to around Rs 1,000 on a domestic route like Delhi-Mumbai, with the ‘Flex’ fare offering benefits valued at nearly Rs 9,000, including an additional 10 kilograms of baggage allowance and zero change or cancellation fees.

The introduction of fare families stems from customer feedback and Air India’s extensive internal analysis. It is also benchmarked against the offerings of relevant competitors in each market where it has been introduced, the spokesperson elaborated.

The Tata Group has initiated an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the fortunes of the loss-making Air India, which it acquired from the government in 2022.