Air India, which has been facing financial losses, has revised its cabin baggage policy for the lowest economy fare segment on domestic flights. The allowance has been reduced from 20 kilograms to 15 kilograms. These adjustments are part of the menu-based pricing model introduced by the Tata Group-owned Air India last August, aiming to offer tailored benefits and fare restrictions across three fare categories: Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Flex. Effective from May 2, the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ categories now permit 15 kilograms and 25 kilograms of free cabin baggage, respectively.
Before the implementation of fare families, passengers flying on Air India’s domestic routes were permitted to carry 25 kilograms of cabin baggage without incurring any extra fees. Now, under the new system, both the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ fare categories offer a 15 kg baggage allowance in Economy Class, while the ‘Flex’ category allows for a 25 kg allowance.
The spokesperson noted that Business Class passengers traveling domestically can enjoy a baggage allowance ranging from 25 kg to 35 kg. Additionally, the free baggage allowance for international flights varies depending on the specific market. Similarly, in other domestic airlines, passengers are typically permitted to carry 15 kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost.
The Air India representative explained that the fare families are intended to offer passengers options to select fares and services that match their preferences. They highlighted that modern travelers have diverse needs, making a one-size-fits-all approach outdated.
To illustrate, they clarified that the price gap between ‘Comfort Plus’ and ‘Flex’ fares typically amounts to approximately Rs 1,000 on domestic routes like Delhi-Mumbai. The ‘Flex’ fare, priced at around Rs 9,000, includes perks such as an extra 10 kilograms of baggage allowance and no charges for altering or canceling reservations.
The implementation of fare families was driven by feedback from customers and Air India’s extensive research, which also involved benchmarking against competitors’ offerings in similar markets.The Tata Group is undertaking a significant initiative to revitalize Air India’s financial prospects, following its acquisition from the government in 2022.