In the context of domestic flights in Argentina, policies and fees related to carry-on and checked baggage vary significantly among the major airlines operating in the country.
Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi and JetSMART, the three companies that serve regular trunk flights, offer different conditions and costs for luggage transportation, which can considerably influence the travel experience and choice of passengers.
In this note we will detail the current rates and specific policies of each airline for carry-on and checked baggage, in order to leave a record of the current situation. (prices are in Argentine pesos, whose conversion rate with the dollar is ARS 918 = USD 1 at the official exchange rate; and ARS 1,265 = USD 1 at the free exchange rate).
Luggage on Aerolíneas Argentinas
Until March of this year Argentinian airlines was the only company that offered the possibility of carry hand luggage on all ratesbut faced with the new competitive landscape of low-cost companies, it had to adapt and also eliminated that possibility.
Now the rate Promo only includes one personal item (bag, purse or backpack) of up to 3 kilos, while the Base also includes a carry on. The rates Plus, Flex and Premium Economy Premium include carry on plus checked baggage of up to 15 kg. Premium Economy adds an extra piece of checked luggage.
If you purchase a Promo rate and want to purchase checked luggage, the cost is ARS 18,000 with a limit of 15 kg. He excess baggage (with a limit of 23 kg) another ARS 15,000 is charged separately. That is to say that for a 20 kg suitcase you end up paying ARS 32,000. For carrying an additional piece, the value of the luggage rises to ARS 22,000.
The transportation of special luggage such as sports equipment, instruments or electronics (such as an LED TV) or those with extra volume has a cost of ARS 34,000. In any case, the weight cannot exceed 15 kg.
The cost does not vary if purchased online or at the airport.
The general baggage policies of Aerolíneas Argentinas for the different types of flights can be seen at this link.
Luggage at Flybondi
The company that introduced the low-cost model in Argentina In 2018 it has all the optionals unbundled. That is, no fare includes luggage in the cabin or in the hold and it must always be purchased separately, whether at the time of purchase, before performing the web check-in or at the airport.
He hand luggage (backpack, purse or handbag) must not weigh more than 6 kg and measure up to 30x20x40 cm, because it has to be transported under the front seat.
He cabin luggage (carry on) up to 9 kg has a cost of ARS 14,149, and dimensions cannot exceed 25x35x55 cm.
For luggage in the hold Flybondi It offers two segments: up to 12 kg costs ARS 10,399, and up to 20 kg costs ARS 14,799.
Sports or musical equipment of up to 15 kg and 277 linear cm has a cost of ARS 19,599.
Flybondi’s baggage policies can be seen at this link.
Luggage on JetSMART
JetSMART does not include cabin or checked baggage at no rate, so you have to buy it separately, and there are four variations depending on the moment.
He cabin luggage It costs ARS 12,590 when purchased when purchasing the ticket; ARS 16,990 after purchasing the ticket; ARS 18,500 when purchased at the check-in counter at the airport; and ARS 21,000 at the boarding gate. Unlike the other two airlines, the price is the same whether for the cabin baggage like that in the hold.
The maximum weight of hand luggage is 10 kg and a size of 55x35x25 cm. Hold baggage has a limit of 23 kg and 158 linear cm.
In the case of the handbag, the weight is the most generous among the three: 10 kg.
Oversized luggage has a cost of ARS 8,990 purchased when purchasing the ticket, ARS 12,140 after that, and ARS 24,500 at the airport.
JetSMART’s baggage policies can be viewed at this link.
Pay only for what you need
The baggage charge still continues to raise controversy both in Argentina and even in more developed markets such as Spain. See also: Not charging for hand luggage in Spain would cause an increase in fares
But in general terms, passengers already seem to have accepted the policy of “paying only for what you need.” Because after all, for example, what good is it if the rate includes checked luggage if you come and go during the day and you can get by with a backpack?
In short, the diversity in baggage policies and fees between Argentine Airlines, Flybondi and JetSMART reflects the competitiveness of the Argentine air market and offers passengers the possibility of choosing the option that best suits their needs and budget. But, knowing these differences is essential to avoid surprises and optimize the travel experience.
