Singapore Airlines allows more free checked-in baggage

Singapore Airlines on Thursday announced substantial enhancement in free checked-in baggage allowance from tomorrow on all its flights and those of its full-service subsidiary SilkAir, posing tough challenge to its competitors in the region.

Checked-in baggage allowances would increase by 10 kg for all classes of travel, an SIA statement said, adding that customers would be entitled to free baggage allowances of 50 kg in Suites and First Class, 40 kg in Business Class and 30 kg in Economy class.

The SIA move came in the backdrop of several global airlines, including some Indian carriers, slashing their free baggage allowance and imposing hefty charges for extra baggage in the recent past.

"Increasing baggage allowances across all classes of travel is in response to feedback from our customers and reaffirms our commitment to constantly enhancing customer service," SIA senior vice president (sales & marketing) Chin Yau Seng said in the statement.

For flights to and from the US where a per piece allowance applies, those travelling in Suites, First Class and Business Class would be entitled to check in two luggage pieces of up to 32 kg each, up from 23 kg previously, the SIA statement said.

It said its frequent flyer under KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members would continue to enjoy an additional 20 kg of baggage allowance across all travel classes, or one extra piece of checked-in baggage when travelling to or from the US and Brazil.

The elite PPS Club members would continue to be entitled to double the checked-in baggage allowance in their respective class of travel, the statement added.