Baggage over 20 kg in SpiceJet, Jet will weigh more on pocket

NEW DELHI, DEC. 18: 

Carrying more than 20 kg as check-in baggage on a domestic flght? Be prepared to pay more for on SpiceJet, full-service Jet Airways and its subsidiary JetLite.

Both airlines are now charging Rs 250 a kg of excess baggage. While Jet Airways hiked the rate from Rs 210 a kg, SpiceJet used to charge Rs 200.

In a communication, SpiceJet has said the new excess baggage charges apply on all tickets sold after December 16.

Jet Airways hiked the excess baggage rate earlier this month. Neither Air India nor low-cost airline IndiGo has increased the excess baggage rate on domestic flights.

Industry watchers point out that airlines generally keep the excess baggage rates charges high so as to encourage passengers to travel light.

Generally, the excess baggage rate is calculated at 1 per cent of the one-way first class fare or 4 per cent of the full economy fare.

The latest move by SpiceJet and Jet Airways is part of a trend among domestic airlines that are looking to increase their revenues by hiking the cost of incidental services. This is a common practice globally.

CHARGING FOR PRINTOUT

Now, domestic airlines have started charging passengers Rs 50 for taking a print out of their ticket at the airport. Earlier, this service was available free of cost.

Similarly, you can book a seat and order a meal on low-cost airline IndiGo before the flight by paying Rs 600.

Go Air levies a non-refundable convenience fee of Rs 100 per passenger (inclusive of service tax and cess, if applicable) for all online transactions.

Dubai-based low cost airline Air Arabia allows a passenger seven kg as hand baggage free of charge, but charges a flat fee of Rs 1,000 for a 20-kg bag and Rs 2,000 for a 40-kg bag checked in.

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