Airlines’ new additional baggage scheme finds few takers in India

After reducing the quota for free check-in baggage by five kilograms, domestic carriers are now coaxing passengers to buy the excess baggage space at the time of booking tickets.

After reducing the quota for free check-in baggage by five kilograms, domestic carriers are now coaxing passengers to buy the excess baggage space at the time of booking tickets.

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But tour operators said that though the charges for buying excess baggage in advance are heavily discounted, airlines are struggling to find takers.

For instance, Indigo Airlines charges Rs250 for every extra kg of baggage moved into the aircraft belly. But a passenger can pre-book five kg of excess space at Rs500.

“Indian fliers are yet to come to terms with paying in advance for excess baggage.

Most passengers still expect airlines to adjust a few kilograms exceeding the free limit,” said Jay Bhatia, western region chief of the Travel Agents Association of India.