Doha, Aug 21 (Emirates 24/7): Even as UAE passengers vent their frustrations at Air India Express for slashing baggage allowance, Gulf carrier Qatar Airways has earned brownie points with travellers as it announces an increase in baggage allowance.
 
Doha-based Qatar Airways has confirmed it is increasing its baggage allowance across routes worldwide, effective September 1.
 
The increased allowance will apply across all classes of travel, with economy rising 7kg from 23kg to 30kg.
 
Meanwhile, business and first class will jump an additional 10kgs each, with the former increasing from 30kgs to 40kgs, while the latter will hike up to 50kgs.
 
The number of bags, however, will remain the same and will depend on the type of ticket purchased.
 
The increased weight allowance does not apply when travelling to points that are regulated by per-piece allowance.
 
In a statement, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “Revising our standard baggage allowance comes at a time when the number of destinations we fly to is increasing.
 
“The number of customers we see travelling for longer periods of time, whether for business or on holiday, reflects the necessity for increased baggage allowance no matter what their destination.”
 
Meanwhile, travelling could also get a little more expensive, with increased excess baggage charges also coming into effect from September, the airline has stated.
 
Passengers will be able to purchase excess baggage at discounted rates of up to 20 per cent on qatarairways.com.
 
Also, Privilege Club members will continue to enjoy excess baggage allowance in addition to the new increased baggage allowance.
 
Qatar Airways currently flies to 128 destinations, with new cities being added to the network over the next few months, including Chengdu, China (September 3), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (September 18), Clark International Airport, Philippines (October 28) and Philadelphia, USA (April 2, 2014).