A recent incident with Akasa Air has highlighted the airline’s strict baggage policies and its lack of flexibility towards student passengers. The traveller, who booked through Cleartrip, reached the airport with 20 kilograms of luggage, carrying a valid student ID.
Denied Student Concession
The airline’s baggage allowance was 15 kilograms. The passenger politely asked for the extra 5 kilograms to be considered under the student category. However, the request was dismissed as the student concession was only applicable on tickets booked directly via the airline’s website.
Unexpected Charges
The passenger was shocked, as Cleartrip had not shown such an option during booking. Instead of offering flexibility, the staff demanded a fee of 3,500 rupees for the extra baggage, which was higher than the actual ticket price.
Failed Attempts to Resolve
Even after approaching the manager, the passenger was told to “contact Cleartrip.” Despite shifting some weight into a cabin bag, they still had to pay for 4 kilograms. The lack of courtesy and refusal to adjust charges made the situation worse.
Concerns Over Passenger Treatment
Airlines often enforce policies harshly on students and budget travellers. While rules exist, customer service should balance them with empathy. Forcing a young traveller to pay more than the fare for a few extra kilos feels unfair and exploitative.
