Airline

Kingfisher Airlines Staff Raise Issue Of Unpaid Salaries In A Letter To PM Modi!

AirWhizzJun 20, 2018 No Comments

Kingfisher Airlines Staff Raise Issue Of Unpaid Salaries In A Letter To PM Modi!

Aviation Insider

Former employees of the inoperative carrier, Kingfisher Airlines, have sent an ‘open’ letter to the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, to compensate them for their unpaid salaries.

The letter also questions why dues owed by the owner of Kingfisher Airlines, Vijay Mallya, to banks were given preference over the unpaid salaries of the airline employees.

In the letter, they have written that Vijay Mallya hasn’t paid salaries, gratuity or compensation to his Indian employees but has compensated his employees based in London and other foreign countries.

Stating that the system has failed them, they have written that they still get notices from the Income Tax Department. They also said that they are unable to withdraw their Provident Funds (PF) due to the ongoing liquidation process of the airline.

Referring to the government’s attempt to bring back Mr.Mallya to India, the letter pointed out that non-payment of salaries is a crime in London. It also said that a Kingfisher employee’s wife had committed suicide over unpaid salaries, and that should be enough grounds for his extradition.

The letter was sent a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a charge sheet against Mr. Mallya in a special court in Mumbai.

The charge sheet has alleged that he used his Force India Formula 1 team and IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore for laundering money. It is estimated that he laundered over Rs 3700 crores worth of bank loans.

With ED’s charge sheet, there is a huge possibility that the Indian government may declare Mr.Mallya a fugitive.

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Do You Know Why First Class Tickets Are So Expensive?

AirWhizzJun 18, 2018 No Comments

Do You Know Why First Class Tickets Are So Expensive?

Aviation Insider

Flying first-class is every travellers dream!

The free-flowing champagne, comfortable seats and a luxurious treatment at 30000 feet in the air would be on anyone’s ‘Bucket List’.

But these days, first-class airfares have become more expensive than spending an evening at a 5 Star hotel.

Have you ever wondered why?

Well, we did some digging and found out a few reasons why airlines charge you a bomb when you fly first-class.

1.First-Class Perks & Services

The main reason why first-class tickets are kept high is because of the perks that come with it.

Unlike the bland food in economy class, a first class passenger is treated to world-class cuisines prepared by Micheline-Starred Chefs, which they can enjoy in front of a personal entertainment system.

Once you are full, the airline provides you sleepwear to doze off on those comfortable flat beds.

Apart from all these services, some airlines also offer you shower facilities.

Its almost like your personalized bedroom in the sky.

2.Exclusive Access At The Airport

Special treatment is not just confined to airplanes for first-class passengers.

Many international airlines have luxurious first-class lounges at airports to pamper you before and after the flight.

You can grab a drink before you board the airplane or take a shower once you arrive at your destination, at these first-class airport lounges.

If that wasn’t enough, airlines also provide you a chauffeur-driven Mercedes or Porsche to ferry you to and from the airport.

3.Allows Airlines To Offer Discounts

First class prices are kept high so that they can be discounted or promoted.

Airlines bank on corporate deals which offer free upgrades or discounted first-class tickets because these partnerships are profitable.

These days airlines are going beyond corporates and offering lucrative discounts to leisure travellers as well. For example, some airlines offer their passengers free upgrades to first class when they pay full-fare on a  business-class ticket.

4.People Don’t Usually Pay Full Fare

Airlines don’t expect people travelling in first class to pay the full fare.

In fact, you will be surprised to know only a few people travel first class by paying the full ticket amount.

Apart from corporate employees, people use their frequent flyer miles as well to get upgrades or discounts on first-class tickets.

So those Rs 40000 worth first-class seats? Only a few people are actually paying that price!

5.Sense Of Exclusivity

First-class seats are considered a premium product and like all luxury goods, they are expensive.

Airlines try to create an experience where they make the passenger feel special and high prices are necessary to maintain those standards.

You feel like you are getting more than what you expected, which makes the flying experience exclusive.

6.Rising Airline Costs

Air ticket prices have changed from what they were a decade ago. This is because the associated costs of an airline have increased over the years.

According to Global Statistics, the cost of airplane fuel in 1996 was just 55 cents per gallon, however, as of April 2018, airplane fuel costs $2.2 per gallon.

Apart from rising oil prices, airline taxes, security costs and airport maintenance costs have also increased leading to airline pushing that burden onto passengers by increasing airfares.

7.First-Class Takes Up Space

According to a research conducted by travel site, Momondo, on an average, first class seats are 32 inches wide with a seat pitch or length of 92 inches.

This allows the passenger to travel in comfort and have privacy.

On long-haul flights, a first class seat takes up the space of four to six economy seats. That’s why airlines price it four to six times higher or more, considering the demand for economy seats.

The perks are there to help justify the price difference to customers.

8.Dynamic Pricing

Airlines decide their price tickets based on what a customer is willing to pay rather than how much they should pay to cover their “fair share.”

So if you have the money, the price of the tickets won’t make much difference and you can pay a premium for the convenience of first-class.

The concept of dynamic pricing is used in many industries but the airline industry is its best example.

Nowhere will you find, two people using the same service and paying different prices for it, which usually happens in the economy cabin.

Flying first-class is expensive, but if you want to get around it, read about the “10 Ways To Upgrade Your Seat To First-Class”.

Can’t wait to experience the luxury of first-class?

Download the AirWhizz App and get real-time flight updates, information about airlines and things to do at the airport at your fingertips. So go ahead, travel in style and fly stress-free!

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Jet Airways To Revise Baggage Rules From July 2018!

AirWhizzJun 16, 2018 No Comments

Jet Airways To Revise Baggage Rules From July 2018!

Aviation Insider

India’s second largest airline, Jet Airways, announced on Friday that they will be revising their baggage rules from 15th July 2018.

The airline has said that they will be changing their baggage policy from the ‘Weight’ concept to ‘Piece’ concept for check-in luggage on all their domestic flights.

Here are the details of the revised baggage policy-

  • For economy class passengers, the airline will allow only one free check-in bag which does not exceed 15kg.
  • Business or ‘Premiere’ class passengers can carry 2 check-in bags for free which do not exceed 30 kgs (15kg per bag)
  • ‘Jet Platinum’ members who are travelling in the economy class can carry 2 bags, with a maximum weight of 15kg per bag.
  • ‘Jet Platinum’ members travelling in the ‘Premiere’ class have been allowed two bags not exceeding 25kg per bag.
  • The new rules won’t apply to those who have bought their tickets before 15th June 2018.

Currently, passengers flying on domestic routes have a restriction on the weight of the luggage and not on the number of bags they can carry. Jet Airways will be the first airline in India to implement this system.

The concept of free baggage allowance based on the number of bags is a popular concept in countries like the United States and most international airlines follow this. In fact, many airlines in India follow this rule when they fly internationally.

This move will benefit the airline because, with lesser bags to load, the flight will be able to take-off quickly. Also, it will free up space in the belly-hold of the aircraft, which can be utilized for carrying extra cargo and in the process, increase their revenue.

*Learn more about different ‘Airline Baggage Rules In India’

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Government Plans To Sell 100% Stake In Air India!

AirWhizzJun 13, 2018 No Comments

Government Plans To Sell 100% Stake In Air India!

Aviation Insider

After an unsuccessful attempt to sell 76% stake in Air India last month, the government is reconsidering its terms and might sell the airline’s entire 100 % stake.

Government’s transaction advisors, Ernst & Young, conducted an analysis and found out that there were four reasons why no one bid for Air India –

  • The reluctance of the government to sell 100% shares of the airline.
  • The clause to retain over 27000 employees for a year.
  • The buyer taking over 61% (Rs 33,392 crore) of the total debt of the airline.
  • Keeping the operations of the airline independent of the buyer’s business for at least 3 years.

EY has said that the biggest reason for the failed disinvestment bid was the government’s clause to hold a minority stake in the airline after the sale.

The Government will review EY’s report and take a call. A group of secretaries will hold a meeting to discuss the terms of Air India’s disinvestment. Based on their decision the Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM), a group of ministers headed by Mr. Arun Jaitley, will do what is necessary.

According to one of the officials, Air India sale will be decided on the political will of the government. He also said that there is no reason that the deal should be called off, however, it will all depend on AISAM’s decision.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to lend Rs 32 Billion to Air India as part of the bailout package that was announced in April 2012. Till now the airline has received Rs 260 Billion under this clause.

A few days back the airline had asked for short-term loans from banks to handle its day to day operations, but banks such as Dena Bank, Standard Chartered Bank & Allahabad Bank have already refused to extend their line of credit.

Aviation Experts have asked the government to take bold steps to sell Air India, citing that a massive debt burden might cause the airline to close down.

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Top Low-Cost Airlines That Fly Out Of India!

AirWhizzJun 11, 2018 No Comments

Top Low-Cost Airlines That Fly Out Of India!

Travel Like a Pro

We all have, at some point, dreamt of travelling abroad, but expensive international airfares make us turn our heads to the beaches of Goa or the mountains in Himachal instead.

But, what if we told you that you can fly out of India at a price which costs less than your mobile phone?

Unbelievable right!

To help you plan your next holiday, we bring to you a list of airlines which offer international travel that suits your wallet!

1.AIR ASIA

Operates From: Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia

Price: Starting at Rs 6990*

Started in 2001, this Southeast Asian airline has been named the best low-cost airline in the world by Skytrax for the last 9 years.

AirAsia offers you a very comfortable flying experience with exceptional service at an affordable rate.

They offer a wide selection of food & beverages onboard and have an amazing in-flight entertainment system which you can view on your personal tab.

2.MALINDO AIR

Operates From : Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Perth.

Price : Starting at Rs 10000*

Malindo Air flew its inaugural flight in 2013 and is headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

The airline offers a personal TV with a wide selection of in-flight entertainment on every seat, free wi-fi, light snacks, free meal and a lot of leg room for passengers in economy as well as business class.

Another benefit of flying with Malindo is that you can avail discounts at Malindo Air’s partner outlets by showing them your boarding pass.

3.FLY DUBAI

Operates From : Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Kochi and Lucknow

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Istanbul, Zanzibar, Moscow, Vienna, Prague, Amman, Doha and Beirut

Price : Starting from Rs 6500*

People don’t generally associate Dubai with anything that is low-cost, thanks to its reputation as a luxurious city.

But you will be surprised about the fact that it offers affordable travel to almost 90 destinations across Asia, Africa and Europe from India.

A full meal service is offered on long-haul flights with the option to purchase alcoholic beverages and additional snacks.

You will also be pampered with In-flight entertainment with a wide selection of movies and Tv shows which is available for pre-purchase.

4.SCOOT

Operates From : Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Macau, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast

Price: Starting from Rs 10000*

This award-winning budget carrier, is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, which has recently started operating in India.

Previously, Tigerair used to operate flights from India to more than 41 destinations in Asia and Australia till 2017, however now it flies as Scoot.

They have an In-flight entertainment system called “Scoot TV” which is the most unique service offered by the airline.

You get to choose from over 100 movies and Tv shows, which you can watch on your personal laptop, tablet or mobile using free wi-fi.

5.AIR ARABIA

Operates From : Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kochi

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Russia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Turkey, Qatar and Kenya

Price : Starting from Rs 6000*

The Sharjah based airline offers great deals on flights from India to holiday destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe.

The airline has one of the best loyalty programs amongst other airlines in the region and offers you maximum value for the points earned.

They also have a very unique program known as ‘Fun Onboard’ where passengers can showcase their talents on the flight.

6.INDIGO

Operates From: Mumbai ,Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Singapore, Kathmandu, Muscat, Dubai, Doha, Colombo, Bangkok and Sharjah

Price : Starting from Rs 7500*

IndiGo was one of the first low-cost airlines in India to ferry passengers abroad and is the biggest airline in the country.

Being a low-cost carrier it offers only economy class seats.

There is no wi-fi or Inflight entertainment, however, it has one of the best on-time performances and is very pocket-friendly.

You can get your snacks along with you onboard but you also have the option to buy food if you are in a mood to spend.

So if you’re looking to reach your destination without major delays and don’t really care about the fancy amenities that airlines generally provide, IndiGo is a very good option.

7.SPICEJET

Operates From : Mumbai, Delhi, Amritsar, Guwahati, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Male’, Muscat, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, Dhaka And Kabul

Price: Starting from Rs 7500*

The second biggest Low-cost airline in India has been flying internationally since 2010 and is different from traditional budget carriers.

The airline offers Its “SpiceMax” members premium services such as pre-assigned seats with extra leg-room, priority check-in/boarding/baggage handling and complimentary meals.

8.AIR INDIA EXPRESS

Operates From :Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar, Lucknow, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kolkata and Chandigarh

Popular Holiday Destinations It Flies To : Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh and Dhaka

Price: Starting from Rs 7000*

Air India Express is the low-cost subsidiary of Air India and is known for connecting Tier 2 cities to international destinations with their flights.

You have a choice between Indian and continental cuisine onboard with complimentary liquor/wine, which you can have while watching your choice of in-flight entertainment.

If you want to know more about the different services offered by your airline, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get information regarding different airline rules, policies and services on your fingertips and fly stress-free!

* Please note that all prices mentioned here are only indicative. They are meant to give you a general idea. For the actual price and service details please refer to the information displayed on the airline’s official website or online travel portals.

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10 Ways You Can Upgrade Your Seat To First-Class!

AirWhizzJun 08, 2018 No Comments

10 Ways You Can Upgrade Your Seat To First-Class!

Travel Like a Pro

Personalized service, free-flowing champagne, specially prepared cuisines by Michelin star chefs and enough leg room to stretch your tiredness away.

These are some things that come to mind when you think about first-class travel on an airline.

Flying first-class is a luxury, no doubt about it, but it’s often expensive and not worth the money if you are travelling a short distance.

But, you’ll be happy to hear that, like most things, there are some loopholes you can use to your advantage.

So, if you want to travel in luxury, follow these simple travel hacks that can help you jump to the first-class cabin for FREE!

1.Travel At Non-Peak Days

If you have a flexible travelling schedule, try to book your flight on a day when people are less likely to travel.

For instance, try to book flights during the middle of the week and fly during dawn or dusk.

First-Class seats are usually empty during this time and you have better chances of scoring an upgrade.

Also, if you travel on holidays such as Holi or Diwali, most of the seats on the flight will be empty and if the cabin crew is in a festive mood they will upgrade you to the first-class.

2.Arrive Early

Airlines encourage you to be at the airport 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.

But if you have some spare time on the day you’re travelling, reach the airport early. It will give you ample time to chat with the gate agent.

The agent will have no queue or angry passengers to worry about and you can sweet talk your way to first-class.

3.Join The Frequent Flyer Program

Be loyal to one frequent flyer program of an airline and you will see what wonders it will do.

It may seem costly at first, but if you stack up your miles with one airline, it will help you get free upgrades to the first-class in the future.

4.Book Through The Airline’s Website

Try to book tickets on your airline’s official website, rather than using online travel agents.

During check-in, the airline system will know that you have booked on their website.

When its time to ask for your upgrade, chances are you’ll be treated as if you’re loyal to that specific airline.

Also, airlines send huge discount offers via email to people who book their tickets on the official site.

5. Check Your Emails

Building on the above point, many of us don’t check the follow-up emails that airlines send, once we book a ticket.

Airline companies know well ahead of time that the flight is going to be overbooked and try to offer huge discounts via email.

Since they don’t send these offers to people who book with online travel agents, chances are you’ll be part of a small minority of people receiving these emails for your specific flight.

So, the closer an overbooked flight gets to departure time, the more offers you get including first-class upgrades.

6. Use Your Connections

Know the pilot or a cabin crew member who works with the airline you are travelling with?

If so, then use that connection for all it’s worth.

Airline employees get amazing perks which they can share with their family and friends.

7.Travel Solo

Since you’re just one person, the airline will have a much easier time moving you up to first-class than they will with a couple or a family.

If you’ve got a preference and are travelling alone, it’s worth asking about an upgrade for any empty seats that might still be available in first-class.

Travelling by yourself may seem lonely at first but all that will go away when you’re flying first-class.

8.Fly On An Occasion

Whether it’s your birthday or your anniversary, let the gate agents know about it.

With competition increasing these days, airlines want their guests to have the best possible experience.

You may have a very good chance of getting a free upgrade to the first-class if you travel on or around the time of your special occasion.

9.Dress Up Smartly

Leave the cargo shorts and tank tops at home. Dress as if you’ve reached the airport from a business meeting and have been waiting for the flight in the executive lounge.

Chances are slim, but if you dress the part, business suits have done the trick for many people in the past.

10. Try Your Luck

Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade, of course they could always say no but what have you got to lose?

Dress well, be nice, talk sweetly and a “please” might just do the trick.

Can’t wait to experience the luxury of first-class?

Download the AirWhizz App and get real-time flight updates to track your flights on the move. So go ahead, travel in style and fly stress-free.

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Air India Seeks Rs 1000 Crore To Manage Day To Day Operations!

AirWhizzJun 08, 2018 No Comments

Air India Seeks Rs 1000 Crore To Manage Day To Day Operations!

Aviation Insider

With the Air India disinvestment falling into shambles, it seems like the debt-ridden airline can’t catch a break.

The airline is looking for a 1000 crore short-term loan to manage its day to day operations. The airline is cash-strapped and has not paid its 11000 employees their salaries for the last 3 months.

The airline has released a bid document, requesting banks to provide them with a loan and put their financial bids by 13th June. The short-term loan will be for a duration of one year from the date of availing the loan but, they can renew their loan after this period.

The airline has borrowed a total of Rs 6700 Crore from various banks between September 2017 and January 2018 to manage their working capital requirements and other needs.

Air India till now has received Rs 26000 Crore under the bailout package which was announced by the former UPA government back in 2012. The bailout clause said that Air India will get a total of Rs Rs 30,231 crore till 2021 if they can achieve their targets set by the UPA government.

The airline has been getting this money despite not achieving its targets. In 2016-2017 Air India recorded a loss of Rs 3643 crore and it is projected that in 2017-2018 it will suffer losses of Rs 3579.

The Government had agreed to sell 76% stake in Air India last year in June, but they received no bids for the national Carrier despite the fact that the date for submitting bids had been extended to 31st May 2018.

According to Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, the future course of action for the Air India disinvestment will be decided by Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM), a group of ministers headed by Union Minister Arun Jaitley, in due course of time.

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Everything You Need To Know About Airline Baggage Rules In India!

AirWhizzJun 04, 2018 No Comments

Everything You Need To Know About Airline Baggage Rules In India!

Travel Like a Pro

Air travel In India has grown exponentially, and in recent years airlines have started cashing in on this.

Airlines have started charging a fee to bring extra luggage on flights.

With baggage fee rules becoming more complex and the fees getting expensive, It can be quite a task to keep a track of hand baggage sizes and weights for each airline.

To help you understand this, here is everything you need to know about baggage policies that most airlines follow.

Check-In Baggage

A)Baggage Allowance Rules

In line with international regulations, your baggage allowances will either be set by how many pieces or the total weight of luggage you can travel with.

The rules depend on where you’re travelling to.

1.Weight Concept

Passengers travelling from India to Far East(Except Japan)/Southeast Asia and Gulf/Middle East countries are allowed free baggage allowances based on the weight of the baggage and the class they are travelling in.

Usually, a passenger is allowed to carry up to –

  • 40 Kgs of check-in baggage in First Class
  • 30 Kgs of check-in baggage in Business Class
  • 20 Kgs of check-in baggage in Economy Class
2.Piece Concept

Under this concept, the airline allows free baggage allowance based on how many pieces of luggage you can travel with, its maximum weight and dimension.

Here are the rules-

  • A person can get 2 pieces of luggage checked-in for free.
  • Each bag has a weight limit of 32kgs
  • The total of all dimensions (Length, Breadth &Height) of each bag cannot be more than 158cm (62 inches)

Airlines that fly from India to Europe, North America, South America , Australia & Africa follow these rules for free baggage allowance.

B) Excess Baggage

Airlines charge you Excess-Baggage fees if your check-in luggage weight exceeds the limit. There is no standard price for excess luggage and it’s up to the airline to set the prices.

  • You will have to pay anywhere between Rs 300 to Rs 500 per kg for domestic flights.
  • You will have to pay anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 800 per kg for International flights
  • There is no cap on the number of bags you can check-in, but their combined weight should be below the limit.

You do have an option to pay less for excess baggage. If you join different membership programs offered by airlines, you can carry more luggage with you without paying any fee.

For example, If you are a ‘GOLD’ or ‘MAHARJAH’ member of Air India’s “Flying Returns” program you can carry 20 kg of extra luggage with you.

Carry-on Baggage

A)Baggage Allowance Rules

With the growing emphasis on airline safety worldwide and to avoid overcrowding of overhead bins in the cabin, airlines are becoming stringent with rules regarding carry-on baggage.

Here are the rules for Carry-on baggage in India

  • Most airlines allow only 1 piece of hand baggage per person.
  • You can carry anywhere between 7-8 kgs of hand baggage, depending on the airline.
  • The length, breadth & height of the bag have to be less than 55x35x25 centimeters respectively and the overall total of the dimensions should not be more than 115 cm.
B) Excess Baggage

As mentioned above, most airlines only allow one piece of hand baggage per person, however, some airlines allow you to carry more than one bag depending on the weight dimensions and airline rules.

In addition to your carry-on bag, you can bring along the following items-

  • Handbag
  • Laptop bag
  • Rug/Blanket
  • Camera Bag
  • Collapsible wheelchair
  • Walking Sticks
  • Umbrella
  • Infant’s Carry Basket
  • Duty-Free Items (carry the invoice)

Airlines such as SpiceJet And IndiGo charge you a fee of Rs 350 – Rs 400  if the combined weight of the items mentioned above and your carry-on luggage is more than 8 kgs.

Special Baggage

If your luggage is not of the standard size & weight and if it requires special handling then you might have to pay more depending on the airline. These type of items are called Out Of Gauge (OOG) baggage.

OOG baggage is the luggage that is very heavy, too large, very light, fragile, does not have at least 1 flat surface or can damage or slow down the baggage handling management system.

Baggage that is outside the standard dimensions for airport luggage and cannot be sorted out by normal conveyor belts come under this category.

Here are a few examples –

  • Sports Equipment
  • Flat Screen Television
  • Extra Large Carpets or Blankets
  • Musical Instruments

So, if you want to know more about your airline’s baggage policy, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get information regarding different airline policies/regulations to plan your trip on the move and Fly Stress-Free!

*Please note that all weights, prices and specifications mentioned here are only indicative. They are meant to give you a general idea of baggage policies. For the actual price and baggage allowance details please refer to your ticket or the rules of the airline you are flying with.

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