Air India ties up with DMRC, DIAL to extend luggage check-in service for international passengers

Air India announced on Tuesday that it has teamed up with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi International Airport (DIAL) to offer a check-in service for international air passengers at two metro stations in Delhi -- New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium from 7 am and 9 pm. Initially available for domestic flights, this service will now be expanded to international travellers.

This partnership enables passengers to check in their luggage at the metro station, allowing them to freely explore the city without the burden of their baggage. The DMRC and DIAL have established a secure and automated infrastructure to ensure the smooth transfer of baggage from the metro station to the aircraft, the release states.

Additionally, it mentioned that for domestic flights, passengers can avail the check-in facility between 12 hours to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.“The check-in can be done between 12 hours and 2 hours prior to flight departure for domestic itineraries and between 4 hours to 2 hours for international schedules,” it states.

"Our partnership with DMRC & DIAL stands testament to our commitment to offering passengers an enhanced and seamless travel experience. This initiative not only provides a cost-effective option for travellers coming from distant locations but also helps control congestion at the airport, leading to a better experience for all our customers. Further to the technology interventions partnered and implemented by Air India & DIAL, such as DigiYatra, Self-Baggage Drop machines at airport terminals, this initiative will significantly enhance the convenience and satisfaction of our customers," says Rajesh Dogra, chief customer experience officer, Air India. 

Air India recently made a revision to its policy regarding free check-in baggage allowance on domestic flights. The allowance for the lowest economy fare segment has been reduced from 20kg to 15kg. This change is in line with the menu-based pricing model fare families that Air India introduced last August. The airline believes that a uniform approach no longer suits the diverse needs of passengers, hence the implementation of this revised policy.

Before this implementation, Air India allowed passengers on domestic flights to carry 25kg of check-in baggage without any extra fees. In comparison, other domestic carriers like IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet provided a free check-in baggage allowance of 15 kg.

The airline has introduced three fare groups - Comgory has been decreased from fort, Comfort Plus, and Flex - each with different benefits and fare restrictions at different price levels. Starting from May 2, the free check-in baggage allowance for the 'Comfort' cate20 kg to 15 kg, and for the 'Comfort Plus' category, it has been reduced from 25 kg to 15 kg.