Starting Sept. 1, Qatar Airways passengers will get to pack more, without having to pay more.

The airline has announced today that it is increasing its baggage allowances for all classes of travel, bringing it in line with regional rivals Emirates and Etihad.

The move also will presumably cushion the blow caused by new, higher excess baggage rates, which the national carrier will roll out next month.

For those traveling in Economy, the allowance will go up from the current 23kg to 30kg across all routes where only one bag is allowed. Business Class passengers will now be able to take 40kg instead of 30kg; and First Class can pack 50kg rather than 40kg. 

The increase puts Qatar Airways’ baggage rules at the same level as Abu Dhabi-based Etihad and Dubai-based Emirates, who offer the same allowance to most destinations.

Competition

The increase to 30kg per economy bag does not, however, apply on routes where passengers are allowed to check in several bags, the airline has told Doha News.  In this case, the previous rules remain unchanged.

Here, Qatar Airways is also keeping pace with competitors Emirates’ and Etihad’s baggage rules.

On flights to the USA, for example, economy class passengers will be allowed to check in two pieces of baggage, each not exceeding 23kg, as per the previous rules.

Similarly, economy passengers flying to Brazil will still be allowed to check in two bags weighing up to 32kgs each.

The number of bags that are allowed to be checked depends on the route and type of ticket.

Passengers who start their journey before Sept. 1 but taking their return trip afterwards will be able to take advantage of the increased allowance on the way back.

Qatar Airways has confirmed to Doha News that Privilege Club Burgundy, Silver and Gold members will continue to get extra 10kg, 15kg and 20kg respectively in addition to the new baggage allowance.

Increased excess baggage charges

Today’s announcement contained some bad news for travelers, too.

The airline warned that it’s about to increase its excess baggage charges – currently QR40 a kilo for a passenger traveling from Doha and paying online in advance.

It’s giving no hint at how large an increase this will be, merely saying that it will publish the new rates in September.

The announcement has received a mixed response on Twitter:

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Victoria Scott