Tips to Enjoy Fee Free Baggage on Your Next Flight
Are you tired of paying expensive baggage fees every time you travel? Frustrated that your bag is always over the weight or size limit, forcing you to pay extra? Who doesn't dread having to haul their heavy suitcase through the airport, worried they'll be charged fees? What if there are simple strategies you can use to pack smarter and lighter, so you can avoid baggage fees altogether? Clear all your problems in one go. At MaujiTrip, you can get cheap Online Flight Ticket Booking.
Here are a few amazing smart tips to enjoy fee-free baggage on your next flight:
Fly IndiGo or Vistara
IndiGo and Vistara are among the few Indian airlines that offer free checked bags, up to certain limits. IndiGo allows one free bag of up to 15kg on all domestic routes.
Vistara offers one free bag of up to 20kg on domestic flights and up to 25kg on international flights within the Indian subcontinent.
While seat selection for a fee is common across most Indian carriers, the ability to check a bag freely with IndiGo or Vistara can help you avoid baggage fees. Just be aware that seat allocation is unassigned at booking for these airlines. However, if you're flexible with your seat and your priority is getting a free checked bag, these airlines are a good budget-friendly option for domestic travel within India.
Achieve Elite Status
Frequent flyers who earn elite status with Indian airlines receive exclusive perks and privileges. All major Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and GoAir have loyalty programs that allow flyers to earn tier status based on the number of flights taken in a calendar year.
For example, in IndiGo's 6E Rewards program, flyers can earn Silver status after 25 flight segments or 15,000 base fares in a year. This provides benefits like one free check-in baggage of up to 15kg on all domestic flights. Flyers who reach Gold status at 50 segments or 30,000 base fare get two free check-in bags of up to 15kg each.
Perks of Getting an Airline Credit Card
If elite status isn't within your reach, consider signing up for a credit card offered by major Indian airlines such as IndiGo, Air India or Vistara. Many Indian airline credit cards allow cardholders to check in two bags free of charge on domestic flights.
For example, the IndiGo ICICI Bank credit card allows you and one companion to check in two bags weighing up to 20kg each per passenger on all IndiGo flights within India. The Vistara TD Bank credit card also provides a similar baggage allowance on all domestic Vistara flights. While these airline cards do have an annual fee ranging from Rs. 500-1500, they can more than pay for themselves if you are checking baggage on 2-3 domestic flights per year.
Get a Travel Credit Card
If you frequently travel domestically within India using different airlines, consider getting a travel credit card that offers rewards on Indian flights and airports. Cards like ICICI Bank Coral or SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card provide annual travel credits that can offset baggage fees charged by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Vistara.
These cards offer an annual travel credit of Rs. 500-1000 that can be used for baggage fees at check-in counters. While these cards do have an annual fee of Rs. 500-1000, the travel credits effectively make the card free for domestic travellers.
Additionally, you earn reward points on your flights and other spends. These points can be redeemed for free tickets, upgrades or other perks. The cards also provide airport lounge access in major cities and global travel insurance - making them a worthwhile investment for frequent flyers within India.
Seek for Premium Cabin
Flying premium class on Indian airlines comes with benefits like priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling for a smoother travel experience. You get one or two free checked bags without fees, providing flexibility when packing for longer trips. While the premium ticket is more expensive, you're paying for stress-free baggage handling as well. The free baggage allowance with a business or first-class ticket on an Indian airline can easily offset any potential checked bag fees, providing excellent value for frequent flyers or those travelling with extra luggage.
Opt for Gate Check Service for your Baggage
If the flight is full, it's always worth asking the gate agent if you can gate-check your bag for free. Many airlines will allow you to check your bag to your final destination at no extra cost. This helps free up space in the overhead bins.
Gate checking can be a good option if you have just a little too much to carry on comfortably. Just be sure to pack as lightly as possible so you're not stuck carrying your bag through the airport. Keep in mind gate checking may not be offered if the flight isn't very full. But it doesn't hurt to ask politely.
Invest in Airlines’ Baggage Subscription
Airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, Air India and GoAir offer baggage subscription plans starting around Rs. 2000-3000 per year. This allows you to check in one bag free on all domestic flights. You can customize the plans to add more bags or include international flights within the region for an additional fee. The maximum annual fee generally does not exceed Rs. 10,000-12,000 even for the highest plans.
For frequent flyers who check in a bag on most flights, the subscription works out much cheaper than paying Rs. 500-1000 per bag per flight. It provides the convenience of not standing in check-in queues or worrying about excess baggage charges.
Check Weight of Your Bag at Home
Check the baggage allowance and weight limits for the specific airline you are travelling with. Major Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and SpiceJet allow 20kg of check-in luggage on domestic flights.
Use a reliable digital luggage or baggage scale to accurately weigh your bag at home before reaching the airport. Be mindful of the weight when packing. Avoid overstuffing your bag as it can easily exceed the weight limit. Remove any unnecessary heavy items you may not need during your trip like laptops, books etc. are better carried in hand baggage.
Following these tips can help travellers take full advantage of their airline's free baggage allowance without incurring any extra fees. Whether checking a bag or carrying it on, being aware of size and weight limits as well as any restrictions is key. With a little planning and by knowing airline policies upfront, flyers can save money on their trip that would otherwise go towards baggage fees. Travellers who utilize free baggage by adhering to guidelines will enjoy stress-free journeys without any unexpected costs.