Chongqing, China, March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- China's second low-cost airline, China West Air(Airline)has officially announced that it will begin charging for checked baggage by weight and has also put an end to the era of “free” in-flight meals. In line with the differentiated service philosophy of international low-cost carriers, China West Air’s future ticket products will consist of pure point-to-point transport services (basic low-cost fare) + additional value-added services (purchased by passengers as needed).
China West Air cancels meals and baggage, offering lower fares
According to China West Air’s official website, the airline actually began phasing out complimentary in-flight meals in late January. Starting from March 29, 2015 (inclusive), the airline has also adjusted its baggage policy: the free carry-on allowance has been reduced to 5 kg, and free checked baggage has been eliminated (except for some higher-priced tickets that still include a complimentary 10 kg checked baggage allowance).
Is China West Air’s meal cancellation “unfair”?
Chinese travelers have long been accustomed to airlines’ one-size-fits-all all-inclusive service. The sudden removal of complimentary in-flight meals has led many to cry foul over perceived stinginess. In reality, the cost of airplane meals is already included in the ticket price. China West Air has focused on the essential purpose and original intent of air travel — -- moving passengers from point A to point B. Therefore, it has separated 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 additional value-added services based on their actual needs and paying accordingly. China West Air promises that passengers who do not require meal services will enjoy even lower base fares, making the approach more equitable.
After the meal cancellation, the current in-flight meal is priced at 40 yuan per serving. Passengers can purchase it onboard or pre-order it in advance through the China West Air official website. The only difference between the two methods is that pre-ordering via the website comes with an instant discount of 5 yuan. This approach allows passengers who need meals to enjoy a variety of meal options that suit their taste, while also saving money for those on short-haul flights who don’t need in-flight meals — making it the most “fair” and beneficial option for travelers..
China West Air baggage charges“Stingy”?
It’s not unique to low-cost airlines to offer various additional value-added services. From traditional aviation insurance to bundled “flight + 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 evolve over time. As a carrier transitioning into a low-cost model, is China West Air really being stingy with its baggage charges?
According to an announcement on China West Air’s official website, starting from March 29, 2015 (inclusive), the baggage transportation rules for passengers flying with China West Air will be implemented in accordance with the latest regulations outlined in the notice. The specific details are as follows::
1. Passengers holding tickets in China 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 kg of free checked baggage. Additionally, each passenger may also bring one piece of non-checked baggage free of charge, weighing no more than 5 kg and measuring no more than 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 kg and measuring no more than 40CM×30CM×20CM. There is no free checked baggage allowance.
3. Infant passengers are not entitled to any 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 kg, it may be carried into the cabin and stored in the overhead bin. 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 excess/bulky baggage, and excess baggage fees will apply. For baggage that exceeds the free allowance, passengers may pre-purchase excess baggage allowance via the China West Air official website for a better rate. Alternatively, it can be processed at the airport check-in counter. For actual checked baggage up to 10 kg (inclusive), the fee is 80 yuan, with any amount less than 10 kg rounded up to 10 kg and charged at 80 yuan. For baggage exceeding 10 kg, the fee is 40 yuan per 5 kg, with any amount less than 5 kg rounded up to 5 kg.
For the cabin classes mentioned in the announcement, passengers may refer to the table below for details.