Asiana Airlines had planned to increase international excess baggage and pet handling fees starting in January this year but withdrew the decision.
According to the airline industry on the 1st, Asiana Airlines announced through a recent passenger notice that the excess baggage and pet transportation fees, which were set to change from January 2nd, will remain as they are.
Previously, Asiana Airlines announced in early October that it planned to increase fees for luggage exceeding the number and weight limits provided to passengers free of charge.
The excess fee based on quantity was set to increase by 10,000 to 40,000 won per route, and weight-based fees were also to be raised slightly. The pet handling fees were expected to rise from 140,000 to 590,000 won to 150,000 to 650,000 won, depending on the route and weight.
The last time Asiana Airlines increased excess baggage and pet transportation fees was July 2019.
Regarding the withdrawal of this fee increase, Asiana Airlines noted, "We had planned to increase fees for the first time in five and a half years to partially reflect the rising costs of operations and airport facility usage; however, we deferred this implementation considering the burden and concerns of passengers."
Asiana Airlines currently offers free checked baggage of 23 kg for international flights (two 23 kg bags for North American routes) and a carry-on baggage allowance of 10 kg. The airline explained that less than 1% of passengers paid for excess baggage fees based on the first half of last year.
Earlier last month, Asiana Airlines had planned to discontinue the Incheon International Airport business lounge service for passengers of the "Economy Smartium" class, which is positioned between economy and business class, but ultimately decided against it.
This policy change came in the wake of Asiana Airlines' merger with Korean Air announced on the 12th of last month. Asiana Airlines stressed that there is no connection between the corporate merger and the withdrawal of service changes.