Utair Airlines is introducing a new fare system. It includes a reduction in the free carry-on baggage allowance, differentiated checked baggage options, and, in the future, the introduction of a seat selection fee. Utair also promises to reduce the minimum fare by 1,000 rubles, bringing it to 900 rubles for ten short-haul destinations. The new fares and fees will be in effect for flights starting February 1 and will go on sale on December 10, according to Travel.ru's own correspondent.
What will happen to hand luggage? The current free carry-on baggage allowance of one piece measuring 55 x 40 x 20 centimeters and weighing up to 10 kilograms will be subject to a fee for most Economy Class passengers (except for those on the most expensive Premium fare). Carrying this piece of carry-on baggage costs 999 rubles, which also includes priority boarding for this item. Furthermore, the thickness of this paid piece of carry-on baggage will be increased by 5 centimeters, to 25 centimeters, allowing for the carriage of many popular small wheeled bags. Checking the same item as checked baggage will cost slightly more—1,500 rubles for all fares (small baggage).
All passengers will now be able to carry a much smaller item free of charge—measured at 40x30x20 centimeters and weighing no more than 5 kilograms. Additionally, briefcases, handbags, and backpacks (only one of these items), outerwear, a garment bag, a bouquet of flowers, a cane, and medically necessary items are permitted. In accordance with federal aviation regulations, Utair does not plan to impose any weight or size restrictions on these items (except for a backpack, which is 40x30x20 centimeters and weighs no more than 5 kilograms).
Standard large baggage weighing 20 kilograms will remain included in all fares except the minimum fare. Passengers who purchased a ticket at the minimum fare will be able to add baggage for 2,499 rubles. However, it would be more logical for them to purchase a ticket at the higher fare, as the difference between the fares will be significantly smaller.
What does the new tariff structure look like? The starting fare is called "Minimum" (starting from 900 rubles on a dozen short-haul routes; on others, the starting price will be higher) and includes only a small carry-on bag weighing 5 kilograms and measuring 40x30x20 centimeters (plus a briefcase, handbag, or small backpack). The next level, "Optimum," is 1,000 rubles more expensive and also includes a 20-kilogram bag. The highest level, "Premium" (another 1,000 rubles more expensive), also includes a large carry-on bag and priority boarding.
Ticket exchange costs 6,000 rubles for the Minimum fare and 2,000 rubles for all other fares (plus any price difference). Voluntary ticket refunds are only available for the Premium fare and cost 2,000 rubles.
"Our main goal is to make flying even more affordable than it is now," said Pavel Permyakov, President of Utair – Passenger Airlines. "Currently, 651,000 of our passengers fly on the minimum 'Light' fare. We conducted research and realized that a significant portion of these passengers could get by with a very small carry-on baggage allowance and thereby save money. At the same time, some would like to check a small amount of luggage, but the current fare doesn't allow it. Therefore, we've effectively broken it down into several options, allowing every passenger to find the best fit. Essentially, we'll be retaining the 'Light' fare as a new 'Optimum' fare. Those who prefer to fly will be able to pay the same amount and carry the same amount as they currently do. Those who need to carry more or less will have the option to do so."
"We studied the small carry-on baggage allowances offered by budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizzair, and Pobeda. We chose Wizzair's option: it's the largest—it even fits 15-inch laptops. For larger carry-on baggage, we also decided to follow Aeroflot's lead, which added 5 centimeters of thickness and addressed passenger complaints. We also increased the size of our large carry-on baggage allowance by 5 centimeters to accommodate all cabin suitcases. Our options are varied and affordable, so that passengers perceive them as a service from the airline, not a penalty to be avoided. At the same time, for those who attempt to carry more than they paid for, the penalty remains—1,499 rubles in addition to the excess carry-on or checked baggage fee if the excess weight or dimensions are discovered at the boarding gate. There are no fines at check-in counters," Permyakov added.
What will happen with the choice of location? For now, Utair plans to maintain free seat selection during check-in and a paid seat selection (starting at 299 rubles) available in advance. However, as demand for this service grows, the company plans to charge a fee for seat selection during check-in as well.
"We support Pobeda's idea of introducing a fee for airport check-in if online check-in is available. It's important to understand that an airport check-in fee, if it is ever introduced, isn't an attempt to profit from passengers. It's an attempt to reduce airport service costs—and, consequently, possibly lower ticket prices," stated Pavel Permyakov.
Result. Therefore, we can expect Utair's minimum prices to be significantly lower starting December 10th (for flights beginning in February), but they will include a smaller set of basic services. This may allow the company to increase sales among passengers seeking the lowest price. Whether the final price for the current basic service package will remain the same will be revealed starting December 10th.
Passengers who purchased tickets for flights beginning in February before December 9 will be served under the old terms. Therefore, those who are satisfied with these terms can purchase tickets for February and later until December 9.
Source: travel.ru