Chongqing, China, March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- China's second low-cost airline, West Air(Empty)has officially announced a new baggage pricing policy based on weight, while also putting an end to the era of "free" in-flight meals. Adhering to the differentiated service philosophy of international low-cost carriers, West Air’s future ticket products will consist of pure point-to-point transportation services (bare-bones low fares) + additional value-added services (which passengers can purchase on demand).
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West Air cancels meals and baggage, offering lower ticket prices
According to West Air’s official website, the airline actually began phasing out complimentary in-flight meals as early as late January. Additionally, baggage policies for flights starting March 29, 2015 (inclusive) have also been adjusted: the free carry-on baggage allowance has been reduced to 5KG, and free checked baggage has been eliminated (except for some higher-priced tickets that still include a complimentary 10KG checked baggage allowance).
Is West Air’s meal cancellation “unfair”?
Chinese travelers have long been accustomed to airlines’ “one-size-fits-all” full-service offerings, so the sudden removal of complimentary in-flight meals has been met with criticism of stinginess. In reality, the cost of airplane meals is already included in the ticket price. West Air focuses on the essential purpose and original intent of flying -- — the transfer from one place to another — and thus separates traditional ancillary service fees (such as meal costs) from the ticket prices of full-service carriers. Passengers can now ensure the most basic point-to-point transfer while voluntarily purchasing value-added services based on their actual needs and paying accordingly. West Air promises that passengers who do not require meal services will enjoy more affordable bare fares, which is actually a fairer approach.
After West Air removed in-flight meals, the current price for a meal onboard is 40 yuan per serving. Passengers can purchase meals during the flight or pre-order them through West Air’s official website. The only difference between the two methods is that pre-ordering via the website comes with an immediate 5-yuan discount. This approach allows passengers who want meals to enjoy a variety of options that suit their tastes, while also saving costs for short-haul travelers who don’t need in-flight meals — making it the most “fair” and beneficial choice for passengers..
West Air’s baggage fees“stingy”?
It’s not unique to low-cost airlines to offer various additional value-added services. From traditional aviation insurance to bundled “ticket + hotel” packages, airport transfer services, to upgraded baggage, preferred seating, and paid in-flight meals, the content and forms of ancillary services have continued to innovate over time. As a carrier transitioning to a low-cost model, are West Air’s baggage fees really stingy?
According to an announcement on West Air’s official website, starting March 29, 2015 (inclusive), baggage transport regulations for passengers flying with West Air will be implemented in accordance with the latest rules outlined in the announcement. The specific details are as follows:
1. Passengers holding tickets in West Air’s Y/B/H/K/L/M/R/Q/G/O cabins or Y1/B1/H1/K1/L1/M1/R1/Q1 cabins are entitled to 10 kilograms of free checked baggage. Additionally, each passenger may also bring one piece of non-checked baggage free of charge, weighing no more than 5 kilograms and with dimensions not exceeding 40CM×30CM×20CM.
2. Passengers holding ultra-low-cost cabin tickets in D/D1/X/X1/U/U1/A/A1/E/E1/W/W1/Z/Z1/T/T1/I/I1 or product class tickets in V/P/N/J/S are only allowed to bring one piece of non-checked baggage free of charge, weighing no more than 5 kilograms and with dimensions not exceeding 40CM×30CM×20CM. There is no free checked baggage allowance.
3. Infant passengers do not have a free baggage allowance but may bring one foldable stroller. If the stroller’s dimensions do not exceed 20CM×40CM×55CM and its weight does not exceed 5 kilograms, it may be carried into the cabin and placed in the overhead bin for transport. If the stroller exceeds these size or weight limits, it must be checked as baggage. Check-in staff must attach a liability waiver tag when processing the stroller for check-in.
4. Any baggage exceeding the above regulations must be checked as overweight/oversized baggage, and an excess baggage fee will apply. For baggage that exceeds the free allowance, passengers may pre-purchase excess baggage allowance through West Air’s official website for a more favorable price. Alternatively, they may arrange it at the airport check-in counter. For actual checked baggage up to 10 kilograms (inclusive), the fee is 80 yuan — amounts under 10 kilograms are rounded up to 10 kilograms, with a fee of 80 yuan. For baggage exceeding 10 kilograms, the fee is 40 yuan per 5 kilograms, with amounts under 5 kilograms rounded up to 5 kilograms.
For the ticket cabin classes mentioned in the announcement, passengers may refer to the table below for details.