Wednesday , October 16 2024

Passenger's check-in bag should be found within 30 minutes of landing: BCAS

During air travel, after landing at the destination airport, passengers have to wait for a long time at the bag storage area to get their check-in bags. That aspect has now come under government scrutiny and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed airlines to ensure prompt delivery of passengers' check-in bags after landing. According to this order, airlines will have to hand over the first check-in bag within 10 minutes of landing and the last bag within 30 minutes.

Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express Connect and Air India Express have been given ten days till February 26 to implement the measures to meet the deadline. This time limit will start when the aircraft engine stops after landing. In particular, the focus is on receiving the final check-in bag on time. These instructions are inspired by the service quality requirement of the Operation, Management and Delivery Agreement (OMDA) issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

In January, BCAS monitored baggage handling times at six major airports and regularly reviewed airlines' performance. Although amendments were made, there was no continuity as per the prescribed instructions. The ministry specifically said that this inspection will be conducted at all airports served by the airlines. According to BCAS, adherence to prescribed deadlines is essential to emphasize overall service quality in the aviation sector. Airlines have been ordered to follow the stipulated time limit at all airports.