Chennai: Airlines have started offering a whole range of attractive allowances to attract students travelling to the US, UK and Europe since international passenger traffic has slowed down.
With the increased price of aviation turbine fuel dissuading airline from offering special fares, they are making up for it by providing more baggage allowance, wifi connections, international calling cards and discounts on particular brands of bags. A student’s kit is offered by Jet Airways that includes a matrix calling card and a wifi connection.
Air India organized a pre-departure briefing for students as part of its marketing initiative. Students who are travelling on Air India and Jet Airways flights will now be able to carry additional baggage all the way into interior towns in the US and Europe, an offer that was not there last year.
Air India allows students to carry an extra piece of luggage to the US and 10 kg extra to Europe. An Air India Official observed, “Last year, we permitted them to carry the extra free luggage only up to important cities. Now, students can carry them in one domestic flight abroad”.
“There is no need for special fares because international fares are cheaper these days if you book early. Besides, Air India offers return fares of Rs 20,000, exclusive of taxes, to New York; Rs 28,000, exclusive of taxes, to Chicago; and provides onward connection to one domestic airport on United Airlines of Delta Airlines flights” he explained.
Emirates offers 30 kg baggage for economic class passengers. The airline offers an additional 20 kg of baggage for students aged 12-26 years travelling to the UK and Australia. The offer is valid till September 30 for outbound and inbound travelers on return economy class tickets, said an Emirates official. Jet Airways allows 63 kg to the US and 50 kg to Europe.
An international education consultant, Pratibha Jain advises students to travel light because in many of the smaller airports students will find it difficult to lug the bags around.
