Air India has amended its baggage policy to enhance overweight and excess baggage fees on its transatlantic India services for all tickets issued after Nov. 15, according to a press release.
For first and executive class, two pieces of 70 lbs (32 kgs) each is permitted. Each additional piece up to 50 lbs (23 kgs) will be charged $200. For Economy, two pieces of 50 lbs (23 kgs) each are permitted. For all three classes, each additional piece up to 50 lbs (23Kgs) will be charged $200. The total linear dimensions (length+breadth+width) of each piece must be within 158 cm (62 inches). Yet, both pieces put together should be within 273 cm (107 inch). Any check-in piece between 51 to 70 lbs (23kgs to 32kgs) will be charged additional $100 per piece.
The following will be considered one piece of baggage irrespective of its dimensions: a sleeping bag or a bedroll; a rucksack, knapsack, or a backpack; a duffle type bag or a soft-sided zippered bag with zippered side panel; one pair of portable musical instruments not exceeding 100 cm (39 inches); a golf bag with clubs and a pair of golf shoes.
Additional seat can be paid for at non-rebated/non-child fare for unchecked/carry-on baggage of sensitive nature. Carry-on baggage for all the classes of travel is one piece of maximum 8 kg. (17.6 lbs). Laptop or ladies purse are permitted, subject to being small in size. The linear dimensions should not exceed 55 cm (22 inch) by 40 cm (16 inch) by 20 cm. (8 inch).
It is particularly important to note that valuable and important items like personal medicine (with prescription copy), jewelry, money, travel and securities documents, fragile or perishable permitted goods, portable electronic devices, heirlooms, house and car keys must not be checked-in, and instead be carried in the handbag. If for any reason the handbag is excessive in size, it will be taken at the boarding gate and checked-in with Limited Release and No Liability tag. Passengers must remember to take out medicines and valuables as once checked-in these bags cannot be retrieved till the final destination. These bags must be locked, and keys kept safely in purse as the bags may not be accessible in transit stations.
The press release recommends traveling light, especially for the aged, infirm/incapacitated passengers, and family traveling with infants. Passengers on wheelchairs should not carry anything more than required medicines and travel documents for their safety and convenience. Airlines pay handling charges to airport service providers for wheelchairs; baggage poses health and safety risks in emergency situations.
