Flyers to pay more for second check-in bag

New Delhi: Flying is all set to get more expensive with the concept of pay for check-in baggage arriving in India this week. One of US' biggest carriers, American Airlines, has from Monday discontinued the earlier practice of allowing economy passengers to check in two bags of up to 23 kg each for no charge. The airline, which flies between Delhi and Chicago, will now charge $50 for the second bag and $150 for the third one, said the airline's call centre.
Aviation industry insiders say the concept had been prevalent in US and Europe for a while and it was only a matter of time before cash-strapped airlines here too start levying it. "It is a new trend that has come to India. So far only American has told us of this change. Very soon, other airlines, including domestic low cost carriers, could start levying it here too. Nothing will come for free to flyers," said Rajendra Rai, president of the Travel Agents Association of India.
American's website said: "Customers purchasing economy class tickets on or after September 14 (for travel between) India (some other countries) and US .... may check one bag for no charge and the second bag for $50." The airline's call centre said the first bag allowed to be cheked in for free should weigh up to 23 kg. Foreign carriers, especially US airlines, had earlier this year started levying charge for both internal and international flights.
18/09/09 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Categories: Foreign Sep 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Sep 2009