began charging extra for luggage that until now was included in its rates

In accordance with the trend established by the arrival of low-cost airlines, since last March 5, Aerolíneas Argentinas modified the conditions of its two most economical fare categories, which They started charging extra for carrying luggage which until now were included in the price.

One of the measures is to start charging separately for cabin luggage –bag or carry on up to 8 kilos of weight- at its most economical ratecalled “Promo”, while the next rate category, “Base”, stopped including baggage checked in the hold up to 15 kilos, which now has to be paid extra.

In this way, now fare domestic flights “Promo” only included in the price a personal item of up to three kiloswhich is equivalent to a purse or a small backpack, but no longer carry on.

And those of the next higher taifa, “Base”, include that personal item plus a carry on of up to 8 kilosbut no longer checked luggage in warehouse.

Until these provisions, All Categories flag airline tickets included cabin luggage or carry on, but now that service was excluded from the most economical rate, and applies from the “Base” onwards.

For its part, the possibility of carrying personal items plus carry on and checked luggage was reserved for the three highest fare categories“Plus”, “Flex” and “Premium Economy”, which also add other benefits.

The company assured that this decision aims to offer an economical rate, that competes with the lowest ones offered by low cost that operate in the cabotage market, JetSmart and Flybondi.

They also explained that this idea is part of a strategy so that now when users search for a flight on internet sites they can see the three companies with the same characteristics in their offer. Something that until now did not happen since Aerolíneas always offered cabin luggage and also in the hold, which made it always appear as the most expensive option on the market.

And they pointed out that it is a “new alternative” for passengers who travel without luggage, who in this way will be able find competitive prices in relation to those of other airlines. It should be noted that the cheapest rates of the low cost They also do not include carry on in the cabin, which must be paid separately.

With these changes, anyone who buys a Promo fare ticket and later wants to add cabin luggage of up to 8 kilos will have to pay a extra $10,499 (around 10 dollars) for all domestic destinations except for flights to Tierra del Fuego, in which extra luggage is charged $ 8.677.

This modification applies to domestic flights and tickets purchased after March 5; Those that were previously purchased will not be affected by the new values.

For the future they foresee that, also as is the case with companies like Flybondi and JetSmart, the flag airline can charge for seat selection. Which would imply that by choosing the option to touch a random place you can do that reduce the cost a little more. In any case, they clarified that this is still It is not in the immediate plans.

Aerolíneas Argentinas offers five categories of tickets, ranging from adding services as it becomes more expensive la tarifa.

Thus, the most economical rate, “Promo”, only includes seat selection (this differentiates AR from low cost, in which seat selection is also paid separately) and a personal item of up to 3 kilos. Carry on, checked baggage, ticket refund or the addition of miles to the Aerolínas Plus program are not included. And the change A ticket of this category costs $ 26.000.

The following is the “Base” fare, which also does not include checked luggage or ticket refunds, but yes it adds a miles from the Aerolíneas Plus program and a carry on along with the personal item on board. Furthermore, the change of ticket It’s a little cheaper: $ 21.000.

The third is the rate “Plus”, which in addition to carry on and personal items in the cabin, includes one checked baggage up to 15 kilos and the possibility of returning the ticket with a 25% retention. AND change a ticket is cheaper than in the lower categories: $ 16.000.

We must reach the fourth tariff level, “Flex“, to haver including all services: seat selection, personal item plus carry on board, checked luggage of up to 15 kilos, free exchanges and returns and addition of miles.

The fifth category,Premium Economy“, also adds the service Sky Prioritywhich consists of boarding and disembarkation priority.

Another change that the company recently introduced is to start accept payments with the Mercado Pago virtual walleta means that is added to the credit and debit cards that were already in force.

Thus, the Mercado Libre platform can now be used to purchase tickets or extrasfrom luggage in the cabin or checked in, ticket changes or access to VIP lounges.