1. |
Why is AirAsia introducing the fee?
AirAsia believes that guests should be given the option to choose the services they require and pay only for those services. This approach helps keep AirAsia's basic fares low, which is our main priority.
Previously, the cost of checked baggage was automatically included in every fare; meaning those traveling with only hand luggage were subsidising those traveling with heavier, check-in bags.
Now, each guest will pay only for the bags they wish to travel with, enabling us to keep our basic fares low for all.
Fewer checked bags improve airport efficiency and will eventually lead to shorter check-in queues. |
|
|
2. |
When will I be charged for baggage?
The fee will apply to all AirAsia flights booked from 00:01hrs on 21 April, 2008 onwards. This fee will not be applicable for bookings made before 21 April 2008. |
|
|
3. |
Other airlines do not charge for baggage, so why is AirAsia?
AirAsia's primary aim is to continue to keep costs low for all our guests. This means guests will only pay for services they use. With the cost of flying rising (due to increasingly higher fuel costs), we are looking to change consumer behaviour and encourage people to travel lighter.
It is a common policy for low cost carriers in Europe and the US to charge for checked baggage. The traditional carriers who charge higher ticket prices already have this cost built into the ticket price. At AirAsia, our guests have the choice of paying for this service if they want to use it. |
|
|
4. |
How much am I going to be charged?
Checked baggage will be charged on a per piece basis up to a maximum combined weight of 15kg. Anything over 15kg will be charged as excess in addition to the per piece checked baggage fee.
Guests should pre-book their checked baggage to save costs and time at check-in. A discount will be given for checked baggage booked more than 24 hours prior to departure. The rates are as shown below:
Currency |
RM |
THB |
IDR |
USD |
MOP |
CNY |
HKD |
BND |
PHP |
SGD |
Pre-Purchase Rate
(Discounted Rate) |
3 |
30 |
9000 |
1 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
41 |
1 |
Airport Rate
(Full Rate) |
5 |
50 |
15000 |
2 |
13 |
12 |
13 |
2 |
68 |
2 |
|
|
|
5. |
Can I still pre-book for checked baggage if I didn't do so at the point of flight booking and receive the discount?
Guests must pre-book their checked baggage more than 24 hours prior to departure to receive the discount. This can be done at any of AirAsia's sales office, airport sales counter and call centres. |
|
|
6. |
What is the 'full rate' at the airport check-in counter?
If the guest did not pre-book their checked baggage, the airport rate will apply. This is payable at the check-in counter. |
|
|
7. |
Do I pay this checked baggage fee at the airport?
Guests should pre-book checked baggage to receive a discount. This can be done conveniently at the time of flight booking; via www.airasia.com, AirAsia's call centres, airport sales counter and sales office.
Guests, who require the service at the airport on the day of departure, will be charged a higher fee. AirAsia believes in offering convenience to our guests. Our aim is to encourage guests to pre-book checked baggage to avoid long queues at the airport counter and save time when they are about to travel. |
|
|
8. |
Do I still pay excess baggage as well?
Excess baggage can be paid upon check-in at the airport terminal and will only be charged if the checked baggage exceeds 15kg. |
|
|
9. |
Is AirAsia trying to make more money out of this exercise?
With increasingly rising fuel costs, AirAsia is introducing this fee in order to continue to strive to keep our fares as low as possible. Lighter baggage weight onboard the aircraft means burning less fuel, hence, less pollution and a better environment.
Guests who travel light should not be subsidising others who require this service. This will lead to savings and help keep basic fares low for everyone. AirAsia's aim is to encourage guests to travel light and pay only for the service they require. |
|
|
10. |
How much hand luggage am I allowed?
Guests (except infants) are allowed only one (1) piece of hand carry luggage on board provided that it does not exceed the dimensions of 56cm X 36cm X 23cm and does not weigh more than 7kg.
Such baggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in an enclosed storage compartment in the cabin. Items determined by AirAsia to be of excessive weight or size or of an offensive nature will not be permitted on board. |
|
|
11. |
How do I transport my toiletries in hand luggage if regulations say I can't take them in my hand carry luggage?
There are measures in place that allow guests to carry toiletries in their hand luggage. Guests are advised to consult international security regulations on hand luggage before traveling. |
|
|
12. |
How can AirAsia keep fares low when this new fee is introduced?
AirAsia strives to maximise efficiency and optimise costs in order to ensure that we are able to continuously offer low fares. With the implementation of the checked baggage fee, AirAsia fares are still lower than other airlines. |
|
|
13. |
Why does AirAsia X checked baggage policy differ from AirAsia?
AirAsia X is a low cost long haul carrier and operates on a slightly different model. Being that its fuel consumption is a much bigger factor. |
|
|
14. |
What is a checked baggage handling fee?
A fee that is imposed / compulsory for each piece of checked baggage per one way. |
|
|
15. |
When will a checked baggage handling fee apply?
For every item/bag that is accepted by us for carriage in the hold of the aircraft. |
|
|
16. |
How many pieces can I pre-book?
Guest may pre-book up to a maximum of 3 pieces of checked baggage at a discounted rate at the point of booking or more than 24 hours prior to departure at the call centre/sales office/airport sales counter. |
|
|
17. |
Can I purchase at the discounted rate at the airport sales counter before I proceed for check-in?
No, the pre-book checked baggage time limitation is more than 24 hours prior to departure. |
|
|
18. |
How many pieces of checked baggage can I pay for at check-in counter on the day of departure?
There is no limit and the airport rate will apply. |
|
|
19. |
How many pieces of checked baggage am I allowed to check-in? And what is the weight?
There is no limit to the pieces of checked baggage provided the checked baggage handling fees are paid for. Total checked baggage weight allowance is limited to 15 kg. Anything over 15 kg, an excess baggage fee will apply accordingly. |
|
|
20. |
What is the maximum weight per piece of checked baggage?
For health and safety reasons, the maximum acceptable weight for each individual piece of checked baggage is 32 kg. A single bag/piece that exceeds this weight will not be accepted for carriage. |
|
|
21. |
Is there a handling fee for Cabin Baggage?
No, handling fee is only charged for checked baggage. Cabin Baggage is unchecked baggage. |
|
|
22. |
What are the items exempted from the checked baggage handling fee and the checked baggage allowance?
AirAsia offers the following items to be checked in free of charge: Baby buggies/pram, manual wheelchairs, mobility devices and walking frames. |
|
|
23. |
Do infants get a checked baggage allowance?
There is no checked baggage allowance for infants. However, AirAsia offers the pram or buggy to be carried free of charge. |
|
|
24. |
What happens if I refuse to pay for the checked baggage handling fee?
Any item/bag that the checked baggage handling fee hasn't been paid for will be left behind. Please do note that it is illegal to abandon baggage at the airport. |
|
|
25. |
I have pre-booked 3 pieces of checked baggage, what will happen at check-in?
The flight check-in process will proceed as usual. Unless, you have additional checked baggage yet to be paid for and the total baggage weight exceeds the 15 kg allowance per person. |
|
|
26. |
I have pre-booked 2 pieces of checked baggage, but at the airport, on the day of departure I have 3 pieces?
The 3rd piece of checked baggage to be checked in will be charged the full airport rate. |
|
|
27. |
I pre-booked 1 piece and the total checked baggage weight is 20kg, what additional charges will I incur?
The checked baggage allowance is 15 kg per person. This means an excess baggage fee will apply for the 5 kg at the applicable rate per kg. |
|
|
28. |
I pre-booked and paid for 2 pieces of checked baggage. On the day of departure, I only have 1 piece weighing 20 kg. Can the unused checked baggage handling fee settle my 5 kg excess weight?
They are 2 separate fees and cannot be combined to offset one or the other. The unused paid for fees are non-refundable |
|
|
29. |
Can I give a friend my unused checked baggage handling fee?
The checked baggage fee is non-transferable. Unless you are traveling together under the same PNR / booking number and present yourselves with your checked baggage at the same time at the check-in counter |
|
|
30. |
Are sports equipment exempted from the checked baggage handling fee since a separate sports equipment is has to be paid?
They are 2 separate fees and each should be paid for accordingly. |
|
|
31. |
Is pooling of checked baggage allowed?
Pooled baggage is when 2 or more guests in 1 PNR/booking number present themselves and their checked baggage for check-in at the same time at the airport. In this instance, guests are permitted to combine their individual checked baggage allowance and checked baggage handling fees.
Note: Pooling of checked baggage is no longer allowed on separate PNR/booking number if 2 or more guests travel as one party/group to a common destination, on the same flight, and present themselves and their check-in baggage for check-in at the same time at the airport. |
|
|
32. |
Will I get a refund for my checked baggage handling fees if the flight is delayed or cancelled, and I no longer wish to travel until a later date?
All the monies paid, including any pre-booked and paid for services will be held in a credit shell. The credit shell standard operating procedure and terms will apply |
|
|
33. |
Will I get a refund for my checked baggage handling fees if I decide not to travel at all?
Checked baggage handling fee is non-refundable. |
|
|
34. |
Will I get any compensation if my item or baggage is mishandled?
And is my checked baggage handling fee refunded then? Upon our investigation, compensation will be accorded based on our standard operating procedure on Baggage Irregularities. However, the checked baggage handling fee will not be refunded. |
|
|
35. |
I have a small bag/item under 5kg that I wish to check-in; must I still pay the checked baggage handling fee?
Yes, all checked baggage will be charge the checked baggage handling fee per piece per one way irrespective of weight and size.
Note: the health and safety acceptable maximum weight per item must not exceed 32 kg |
|
|
36. |
Can I up/down grade the checked baggage handling fee after pre-booking, and receive a refund for the downgrade?
The checked baggage handling fees are non-refundable should you decide to downgrade the number of pieces of checked baggage. However, an upgrade or add on is allowed. You may pre-book anytime not less than 24 hours prior to departure at any of our call centre/sales office/airport sales counter.
Note: only 3 pieces per guest can be pre-booked. Any additional that you require may be purchased at the check-in counter on the day of departure. |
|
|
37. |
For the checked baggage handling fee that I will pay at the airport, will I receive a receipt?
Any payment made at the airport on the day of departure for any services other than purchasing a seat, a Payment Receipt will be issued for the total amount collected. |
