New Delhi: Close on the heels of a passenger-friendly government directive that restricts airlines from charging exorbitant amounts from passengers who cancel their tickets, Jet Airways, in an apparent bid to deter passengers from carrying extra luggage, has decided to introduce a charge of Rs 900 for every piece of extra hand baggage.
According to a report by TOI, consumer will only be allowed to take one hand bag weighing up to 7 kg (economy class) and 10 kg (business class), a laptop bag, and a purse for women without any extra charge. Apart from this, each cabin bag will attract a charge of Rs 900 on Jet Airways.
Meanwhile, duty-free bags will not be categorised under the tag of additional cabin baggage charges.
Airlines have, over the years have reduced the baggage limits:
- Free check-in baggage limit in economy class is 15 kg, which was revised from 20 kg.
- Free cabin baggage limit in economy class is 7 kg
The airline said the move was not meant to generate revenue but to act against carrying too many bags on aircraft, which can causes several problems.
"Some guests carry hand baggage over and above limit, resulting in lack of storage in the overhead compartments in the aircraft. This leads to boarding delays, causes inconvenience to other guests and affects the airline's on-time performance. Jet Airways will therefore ensure adherence to the carriage of cabin baggage policy for the convenience of all guests," a Jet Airways spokesperson said.
The government, through new rules and a proposed national aviation policy, is looking to make air travel accessible and passenger-friendly. Whether such intent by the government has prompted airlines from taking up such measures in unclear at the moment.
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