Dubai: The era of free checked baggage is about to end as more rigid baggage policies, primarily to boost their revenue, have been established by airlines worldwide. A recent announcement for checked baggage fees from US carrier Southwest Airlines, which is well-known for its Bags Fly Free policy, has indicated this possibility.

The US airline will implement this newly established policy from May 2025 onward. This announcement from the airline is a part of the extensive trend of making money from bag allowances adopted by most of the airlines worldwide for counterbalancing the rising operational costs. Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines’ CEO, explained retaining the profitability levels set by the airline and its airline, the reason for this move. This decision is influenced by industry trends, as most of the US carriers, including Delta, American Airlines, etc., have already issued fees for checked luggage, particularly on domestic and economy fares.

Unlike for other airlines, this move made by Southwest Airlines received criticism from many industry experts, including Henry Harteveldt. Talking to CBS News, this airline industry analyst said that moves like this ruin an airline’s reputation among loyal customers. Additionally, he said that a business destroys its brand, customer preference, and loyalty with decisions like these.

UAE-Based Airlines Checked Baggage Policies

Unlike US and European airlines, the UAE-based airlines have offered some of the most passenger-friendly and liberal checked baggage policies. The country’s full-service airlines like Emirates and Etihad offer considerable baggage permitted amounts ranging from 20 kg to 35 kg and 40 kg to 50 kg for premium class travellers, respectively. The generous luggage policies of the UAE airlines are making them an attractive option for long-distance travellers carrying extra luggage.

Emirates Airlines allowances for checked baggage depend on the fare type. For Coach Class passengers, the approved allowance for baggage is between 20 kg and 35 kg, depending on the ticket price levels. For premium class passengers, this permitted amount is up to 40 kg and 50 kg, respectively. Additionally, two pieces of luggage with varying weight limits based on ticket fare and class type are approved for passengers flying to certain destinations in the US, Canada, and South America.

UAE’s other flag carrier, Etihad, has approved a similar policy structure for Business and First-Class passengers. However, for Economy Class travellers, that allowance limit is between 23 kg and 35 kg. Similarly, Fly Dubai has also announced some generous allowances for checked baggage, allowing Economy passengers to travel with three pieces up to 20 kg, 30 kg, and 40 kg, depending on the fare type. The flexibility of baggage options is making FlyDubai an affordable choice for cost-conscious travellers.

As a low-cost airline, Air Arabia excludes free checked baggage from its standard rates. However, passengers can secure more competitive rates than last-minute fees at the airport by pre-booking the baggage. The pay-for-what-you-use model of other budget carriers, including Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, charges passengers separately for their baggage. However, these airlines have kept their ticket fares lower than other full-service airlines by segregating their services. Under this model, the passenger pays only for the baggage needed, which makes these preferable choices for budget-conscious travellers.

Checked Baggage Fee Changes: Impact on Travelers

As airlines worldwide are adopting the trend for paid checked baggage, it has become more significant for travelers to plan their flights accordingly to avoid unexpected charges. Here is how these changing policies will impact different travelers:

Budget Travellers: They will have to pay higher baggage fees on low-cost carriers. So, it is best to opt for options like FlyDubai and Air Arabia that offer competitive prices for pre-booking for baggage.
Business & Frequent Flyers: Opting for UAE’s flag carriers, including Emirates and Etihad, will prove more cost-effective for frequent travelers.
US-Bound Travellers: Long-distance travelers must opt for Air India and Emirates, as they provide two complimentary checked bags on flights to North America.

In this recent trend of rising checked baggage fees, Middle Eastern airlines have established their dominance by offering the most generous allowances. The decision by Southwest Airlines is more likely to push its loyal customers to international carriers with free checked baggage options. The focus of the UAE-based airlines on premium service and high customer satisfaction indicates that airlines like Emirates, FlyDubai, etc., will not demolish the free checked baggage policies shortly.

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