Air India Express's reduction to 20kg baggage allowance for Gulf flights sparks ire

Air India Express's recent announcement that it will bring down the free baggage allowance from 30kg to 20kg has sparked debate among various socio-cultural organizations in Abu Dhabi.

Air India Express has decided to reduce the limit on flights operating into India from the Gulf and passengers will be charged 50 dirham for the extra 10kg.

The airline said that due to the higher free baggage allowance on flights operating into India, the saleable seat capacity is reduced in line with payload constraints and the reduction to 20kg is in tune with the present free baggage allowance on flights operating out of India, the Gulf News reports.

However, the reduced limit will be applicable to tickets booked on or after August 22 and the airline said that those passengers booked prior to that date will continue to be entitled to a 30kg free baggage allowance irrespective of the date of travel.

The report said that a delegation of various registered organisations in Abu Dhabi plans to visit New Delhi to make a representation to review Air India's decision to implement this new rule and reinstate the current baggage allowance and they argue that the airline's plan to reduce the limit to allow more seats for passengers is not practical.