No charging for check-in baggage, for now: Govt

The Centre on Saturday said it has rejected budget airlines SpiceJet, Indigo and AirAsia's plea to allow them to charge for check-in baggage.

The private airlines had approached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) seeking permission to collect charges for check-in baggage.

The government has not accepted the request at this stage, as it would put additional burden on passengers, said Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma.

“We got the proposal from low-cost carriers to let them charge for check-in baggage. We rejected it, and there will be no consideration at the Aviation Ministry-level. We will not want to put this burden on passengers,” Sharma told a TV news channel.

“Such a move, if allowed, would be a dampener on air traffic growth in India. I have asked the DGCA not to consider the proposal at this stage. Air travel in India is likely to see a growth as more middle-class Indians are expected to take to it. If they have to shell out even for 1 kg of check-in (baggage), it will discourage them,” said the minister.

“I want the airline to continue with the present system (of allowing up to 15 kg free check-in baggage) and at the same time provide incentives to those who travel light.”

However, he added that his ministry has asked airlines to send a detailed proposal on the issue, and if it is found in the interest of passengers, it may be considered.