GCC airlines generous with new rule on baggage allowances

Dec 26: The new concept for checkin baggage introduced by Oman Air has received mixed reactions from the average people. It may be noted that the airlines from Oman and the GCC in particular, have been generally generous with their baggage allowances compared to their counterparts in Europe and North America.

Oman Air’s passengers will receive one 30kg piece of checked-in baggage linear dimensions 158cms with some exceptions for those travelling in business and first class and the economy class passengers with valid Gold and Silver Sindbad cards, who will be permitted one extra bag a maximum weight 20kg.

Passengers will be able to purchase additional pieces of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg per piece to be checked-in.

On the comparative analysis by travelsupermarket.com, Emirates operating out of Dubai and Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) offer one 30kg piece of checked-in baggage.

The US-based airlines United and American and British Airways offer 23kg of one piece of checked-in baggage. It may be noted that 23kg of one piece is the standard allowance by most leading airlines of the world, except those from the Gulf.

According to travelsupermarket. com, airlines need fuel and heavier the aircraft, the more fuel and therefore the higher the cost — and fuel is cited as the largest cost an airline incurs. “So, if an airline can cut weight, it can keep prices down. And, if you can travel without a checked-in bag, you can also save money,” the website said.

The general feedback on Oman Air’s new decision has been that it will be difficult and inconvenient to restrict to one-piece luggage.

Oman Air in its statement says offers promotional pricing for if purchased online in advance to certain destinations. Pre-purchased items can expect to save up to 20 per cent as opposed to items purchased at the airport. “The above measures represent Oman Air efforts to make the carriage of additional baggage more affordable for passengers,” the statement said.

Hameed Moideen of Oman Wings Travels and Tours said it the one-piece rule may seem to be inconvenient, but it is not that bad with regards to extra baggage charges.

The general feedback on Oman Air’s new decision has been that it will be difficult and inconvenient to restrict to one-piece luggage