Reduction in Baggage Allowance: Indian Expatriates Raise Protest

TDT | Manama

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Reduction in baggage allowance of passengers from 30 kilogrammes to 20 kilogrammes by Air India for flights to the GCC region has been questioned as unfair by Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), an organization dedicated to the welfare of Indian expatriates.

A formal representation has been filed by PLC to K. Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation of India, expressing deep concern over the recent reduction in free baggage allowance on Air India Express flights.

Talking to The Daily Tribune, Sudheer Thirunilathu, PLC President and Global PRO, said Air India’s decision will soon be followed by other air airlines operating to India from the GCC region and this would cause great difficulties for the Indian expatriates.

Difficult

Further, he pointed out that Air India is also not allowing passengers of Air India Express to carry laptops onboard and is insisting for including laptops in the seven-kilogramme limit for cabin luggage, making it further difficult for passengers who are already facing the reduced allowance of 20 kilogrammes of check-in luggage.

In the complaint to the aviation minister, PLC focuses Air India’s decision to cut the free baggage allowance from 30 kg to 20 kg on flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, a move that has caused widespread distress among Indian expats, particularly those in the GCC countries.

The PLC argues that this change was implemented without sufficient notice or explanation, putting additional financial strain on passengers.

Tight budgets

“Many expatriates, especially low-income workers, can only afford to visit their families every two or three years.

The reduction in baggage allowance, combined with exorbitant charges for excess baggage, severely impacts their already tight budgets,” stated advocate Jose Abraham, Global President of PLC, in the letter.