DGCA allows domestic airlines to offer discounted ‘zero-bag fares’

Domestic flyers now have the option of travelling for less. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed airlines to offer a “no check-in luggage/hand-baggage-only” fare.

This means, passengers travelling without checked-in baggage can get a lower fare. They can carry cabin luggage up to 7 kg free of charge.

Popular in West Popularly called “zero-bag fares” in the West, these fares follow the simple rule that the lighter the passenger, the higher the discount she gets. To get this fare, the passenger has to state at the time of booking that she plans to travel without any check-in bags.

IndiGo, SpiceJet and AirAsia had approached the DGCA in June with a proposal to offer such fares to domestic flyers. But the same month SpiceJet introduced its own version: a “hand baggage only” fare scheme wherein a passenger without checked-in luggage, booking at least 30 days in advance, paid ₹200 less than the normal fare for a one-way flight. Sources in SpiceJet claim the airline had clearance for the scheme. If, after booking under the scheme, the passenger needs to check in a bag, she needs to pay a specific amount. Sources at SpiceJet maintain that the scheme is a huge success, especially on trunk routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, where a lot of corporate honchos prefer to fly back the same day.

AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya had told BusinessLine earlier this year that if the DGCA allowed full unbundling of fares — which includes, besides zero-bag fares, charging for preferred seats, use of lounge, etc — AirAsia’s fares would be 40-50 per cent lower than that of other domestic airlines.

When contacted, a Jet Airways spokesperson said: “At Jet Airways, the existing baggage rules will apply.”