Good news for flyers coming? Govt to examine single 15 kg check-in bag number order

The government assurance on the attention being drawn against restrictions imposed by private airlines on the number of check-in bags for the economy class will certainly bring smiles on the face of frequent flyers. A BJD member today sought the government's intervention in this regard to which the Centre said it would look into the matter.
 
Anubhav Mohanty raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, demanding the government's intervention to direct the airlines to revert to the earlier system of restricting the check-in baggage to 15 kgs, irrespective of the number of pieces.
 
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said, "scheduled domestic airlines put no restriction on the number of the check-in baggages, except Jet Airways," adding that Jet Airways has restricted with effect from July 15, the number of pieces of check-in baggage to one, weighing 15 kg or less.
 
He said that airline services have been unbundled since 2016 and the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation has "limited powers" over them, but he assured "Limiting check-in baggage to 15 kg is understood. But why the number of bags. I will look into it." 
 
Responding to a supplementary question on making announcements in flights in regional languages, Prabhu said "it is an important issue. ...We will advise airlines."
 
On inadequate services for senior citizens at airports, the minister said that there were a lot of challenges that passengers have to face because of exponential growth in air traffic which is growing at 20 per cent.
 
He also informed the house about the government initiative, unveiled on May 22, through a draft passenger charter incorporating the rights for air passengers, for public consultation. The charter includes measures in the areas of delay and cancellation of flights, denied boarding due to overbooking, cancellation of tickets by passenger, name change on the ticket among other facilities at the airport, he added.

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The government has launched on a pilot a technology-based platform called "Digi Yatra" to address the problems faced during the entire life cycle of air travel, Prabhu said, adding "This is under trial. We will be launching it soon. I am sure this will give different kind of experience."