More GoI Meddling
Oct 27, 2011 | 10:42 am
#1
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More GoI Meddling
http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...ck-in-two-bags
Edit (28/2/2012): The effects can be seen on Lufthansa: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airli...l#post18094865
NEW DELHI: In a first action of its kind, the government has cracked the whip on foreign airlines charging obscenely high amounts from US-bound passengers for checking in more than one bag.
Till recently, US-bound economy class passengers were allowed to check in two bags of up to 23kg each. But last year, US airlines started charging for the second bag, a practice picked up by European carriers as well, as a result of which passengers ended up paying anywhere from Rs 4,000 to Rs 20,000 extra for a one-way passage.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked the US and European airlines to revert to the old practice of allowing two bags with weight limit and the latter have to reply by month-end. "This anti-passenger policy of some airlines will not be allowed to continue. The matter is being taken up under the existing air service agreements India has with countries (whose airlines have started levying the fee)," DGCA chief Bharat Bhushan said. Indian carriers flying to North America still allow two check-in bags.
Till recently, US-bound economy class passengers were allowed to check in two bags of up to 23kg each. But last year, US airlines started charging for the second bag, a practice picked up by European carriers as well, as a result of which passengers ended up paying anywhere from Rs 4,000 to Rs 20,000 extra for a one-way passage.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked the US and European airlines to revert to the old practice of allowing two bags with weight limit and the latter have to reply by month-end. "This anti-passenger policy of some airlines will not be allowed to continue. The matter is being taken up under the existing air service agreements India has with countries (whose airlines have started levying the fee)," DGCA chief Bharat Bhushan said. Indian carriers flying to North America still allow two check-in bags.
Last edited by PVDtoDEL; Feb 28, 2012 at 6:03 am
Oct 27, 2011 | 12:58 pm
#3
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The Brazillian government has been doing so for ages - which is why when airlines dropped to 23 kgs per bag on pc concept in Economy, they still had/have to allow 32kgs per bag on routes to/from Brazil.
Maybe GoI will do something good for the consumer for a change.
Maybe GoI will do something good for the consumer for a change.
Oct 27, 2011 | 1:15 pm
#4
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Oct 27, 2011 | 2:56 pm
#6
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another conspiracy theorist says that this is targeted at all the 'other' airlines that will not have to make up revenue some other way and make AI more attractive to travelers from a pricing point of view.
Oct 27, 2011 | 3:21 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2011
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This seems to be a good move from the Govt. after a long time, airlines seem to be working at will trying to jack up ticket prices, all of a sudden change baggage rules. A level of uniformity is definitely required so as to simplify things for passengers.
Oct 27, 2011 | 8:39 pm
#8
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well, maybe it's just me, but I did notice that other airline fares became comparatively cheaper than AI/9W fares after adopting the policy of only 1 free bag. I think this is more about making AI more competitive price-wise, not really a pro-consumer policy.
Oct 27, 2011 | 8:55 pm
#9
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Oh, just to clarify - I am very happy about this meddling, but it is meddling all the same.
Oct 27, 2011 | 9:29 pm
#10
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Not sure if this would matter since airlines can just raise fares by $50 or whatever they would otherwise charge for the additional bag so that customers can still have 2 "complimentary" checked bags.
LAX
LAX
Oct 27, 2011 | 10:16 pm
#11
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Oct 27, 2011 | 10:48 pm
#12
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Oct 27, 2011 | 10:51 pm
#13
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Oct 27, 2011 | 11:27 pm
#14
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How does this GOI meddling helps FF.. at least in CO, silver can take two bags and gold can take three for free..
So to LAX's point, if they increase the fare... who has to loose.. the FF is at loss..
Oct 28, 2011 | 12:11 am
#15
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Well that can have a pretty big impact. Most carriers now charge $70 each way for a second bag. If that were to be added into the price of a ticket, it would make their fares a lot more expensive compared to AI/9W, especially for pax who wouldn't utilize those allowances. I know this is just an anecdote, but in recent years, my relatives, who are non-elites and tend to just book the cheapest fares, have opted for LH and simply reduced the amount of baggage they take with them. $140 buys quite a bit in India, so no need to take along so much stuff. If LH et al. are forced to allow 2 bags/pax it will bring their prices up in line with AI. So, in the end, while it may lead to more baggage allowance, it will also lead to higher fares.