Amid rising airfares in India, airlines are experimenting with innovative solutions to accommodate passengers. IndiGo and Air India have begun unbundling services to make way for their base fares. Rising operating costs have driven flight tickets higher over the past few months, leading people to prioritise train and road travel.
IndiGo's New Bet
Low-cost airline IndiGo has introduced fares that do not include carry-on baggage. Passengers travelling with just a cabin bag will receive a cheaper fare. This new "light" or basic fare is specifically targeted at passengers who travel with light luggage and do not want to pay for extra convenience.
Cheapest Tickets Without Check-In Baggage
Under IndiGo's new fares, passengers will only be allowed up to 7 kg of cabin baggage. If a passenger wishes to add a checked-in bag, they will be charged a separate fee. According to reports, this new "no check-in baggage" fare could be up to Rs 400 cheaper than the standard fare. This means that for passengers travelling with light luggage, the benefits of lower fares and the freedom to choose services based on their needs are significant.
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Air India Also Made A Move
Prior to IndiGo's move, Air India also made a significant change. Despite being a full-service airline, it introduced base fares that did not include free in-flight meals. The goal was to make tickets affordable and provide options for travellers who simply wanted to travel.
How Much Does It Cost To Add Check-In Baggage?
If passengers add check-in baggage later, they will have to pay separately.
-Pre-booking charges are lower
-Additional charges at the airport may be higher
While the exact price may vary depending on the route and time, it can typically go up to Rs 500 or more, which can even wipe out the savings on the base fare.
Rising airline expenses, particularly fuel and operational costs, have pushed ticket prices higher. As a result, airlines are adopting a "pay-for-what-you-use" model, where baggage, food, and seat selection are separate. This makes the base ticket appear cheaper, allowing passengers to customise their spending according to their needs.
Flight tickets are now becoming completely customisable. Travelling with just a cabin bag may offer a cheaper ticket. However, as you add luggage, food, or seat options, the total cost can increase. This means that only those who "travel light" can truly benefit from cheap flights.