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Indian students devote 30% of baggage weight to food, says study
There is nothing that reminds one of home like food. It comes as no surprise then that Indian students travelling abroad for studies devote nearly 30% of their baggage space to food items.
There is nothing that reminds one of home like food. It comes as no surprise then that Indian students travelling abroad for studies devote nearly 30% of their baggage space to food items.
According to a study conducted by Virgin Atlantic, the most common items Indian students pack with them include ladoos, ghee packets, pickles and spices.
The baggage space left is then occupied by electronic gadgets (16%), books (14%) and beauty products (9%) among other items, the study added. Some students also checked-in bags with unusual items such as bicycles, folding mattresses and dumbbells, the report said.
The data, computed on the basis of interviews with over 200 students travelling abroad for higher studies, does not take into account common travel essentials like clothes and shoes.
Apart from traditional sweets and spices, students also cart away large quantities of ready-to-eat food packets, mangoes and instant noodles, the study said.
With food constituting such a major part of the luggage, kitchen appliances couldn’t be far behind. According to the study, appliances essential to Indian-style cooking such as pressure cookers and roti makers take 3% of the baggage space.
“We always advise students to check with customs on restricted items prior to their departure date or call our student experts for advice,” said Shivani Singh Deo, marketing and communications manager, Virgin Atlantic India.
Following the study’s findings, Virgin Atlantic has allowed them to check-in for free bags up to 69kg – three times the normal quota for economy class travellers.
Earlier this year, British Airways had offered students the option of carrying an extra check-in bag weighting up to 23kg for free.
