Air travellers to pay less for extra baggage from mid-June

Airlines will charge less from passengers for extra checked-in baggage beyond the free limit, with the government on Saturday finalising a rate of Rs 100 per additional kilogram up to a certain level beginning middle of this month.

Against the backdrop of concerns in certain quarters about carriers charging high for extra baggage, DGCA has decided to reduce steeply the additional charge levied from passengers in this regard.

Now, airlines would charge Rs 100 per extra kg till 20 kg from the current rate of Rs 300.

At present, all domestic airlines allow free checked-in baggage up to 15 kg. Beyond that limit, the charge is Rs 300 per extra kg.

Only Air India allows free baggage up to 23 kg.

Aviation regulator DGCA's chief M Sathiyavathy on Saturday said the revised rates would be applicable from June 15.

"Airlines have been asked to keep variable checked-in baggage fare between 15-20 kg to benefit passengers who carry checked-in baggage in excess of 15 kg but less than 20 kg," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a presentation.

Checked-in baggage above 15 kg and less than 20 kg would be soon charged Rs 100 instead of Rs 300 per kg.

Airlines will be free to charge any fee on the baggage beyond 20 kg, Sathiyavathy said.