Air India, now owned by the Tata Group since 2022, has reduced the maximum free baggage allowance for its lowest fare bracket to 15 kg from 20 kg as part of the Tata Group’s multiple initiatives to turn around the airline that had raked up over ₹50,000 crore losses under government ownership.
Passengers flying the ‘Economy Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ fare categories on Air India will be allowed to carry check-in baggage of 15 kg, the airline said in a notification to travel agents. The new free baggage limit came into effect on Thursday.
Before the acquisition by Tata Group, Air India offered a free baggage allowance of up to 25 kg, which was reduced to 20 kg last year. It has now been further reduced to 15 kg for passengers booking under the ‘Economy Comfort’ and ‘Comfort Plus’ categories. Air India’s free baggage allowance is now equal to that of other airlines.
This notification was communicated to travel agents, emphasizing that, despite the reduction, Air India will still allow multiple bags as long as the combined weight does not exceed the 15 kg limit. This is in contrast to many rival airlines that restrict passengers to only one piece of checked luggage.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires that all airlines permit passengers to carry a minimum of 15 kg of checked baggage without charge, a standard that Air India’s new policy now precisely meets.
However, there is still an option for passengers who wish to carry more. Those who choose to book under the ‘Economy Flex’ category will be permitted to check in up to 25 kg of luggage. This category also offers additional benefits, such as no change fees on tickets.
An Air India spokesperson said: “The price difference between a ‘Comfort Plus’ and ‘Comfort Flex’ fares would be around INR 1,000 on a route like Delhi-Mumbai, but provide value of nearly INR 9,000, like 10 kg of extra baggage, zero change or cancellation fees, more loyalty points, and a greater choice of free seats to choose from.”
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