flydubai offers increased flexibility to passengers

flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, has changed to provide passengers with more options and flexibility to suit their requirements and budget.

The changes include more types of fare, and alterations to both the checked baggage allowance and hand baggage rules.

flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith said: "The changes at flydubai mean our passengers now have even more choice to ensure they only pay for the things they need.

"Being able to do this is something we feel makes flying a little less stressful, a little less complicated and a little less expensive, which has always been one of our core philosophies and one to which we remain committed.

"Passengers have suggested they would welcome greater flexibility and as a customer service provider we feel it is important to listen to them. We hope these changes offer the choice they are looking for," he added.

The previous rules still apply to all bookings made before December 6. However, if passengers with existing bookings change their flights or wish to add pre-purchased baggage, the new rules will come in to effect.

flydubai's changes:

The changes to hand luggage rules now enable passengers to bring a small carry on bag, plus a small laptop bag or a handbag.

Hand baggage must not weigh more than 7 kg or be larger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm. The weight and size of the hand baggage will be checked to ensure it can be placed in the overhead locker or safely under the seat directly in front.

The changes to fares include three distinct categories, providing flydubai customers greater flexibility in tailoring their travel to their budget and needs. The "No Change" fare means once it is paid for, the booking cannot be changed or cancelled. It includes one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7kg and not larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in addition to a small laptop bag or handbag.

The "Pay to Change" fare allows passengers to change or cancel their flight up to 24 hours before departure at a cost of AED 100 per person, per flight, plus the difference in fare. If the new fare is lower, a flydubai voucher will be issued. The cost of cancelled flights will also be refunded via a voucher less the AED 150 cancellation fee, per person, per flight. Flights cannot be cancelled less than 24 hours before departure, and no name changes are permitted. The fare includes one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and not larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm plus a small laptop bag or handbag.

The "Free to Change" fare, meanwhile, includes a 20kg checked baggage allowance, in addition to one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7kg and no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and a small laptop bag or handbag. The flight can be changed up to 24 hours before departure, with only the difference in price to pay. If the fare is lower, a flydubai voucher will be issued for the difference. If the booking is changed less than 24 hours before departure, a charge of AED 365 will be imposed per flight, plus the difference in price.

Cancellations to Free to Change fares can be made up to 24 hours before departure. Passengers will receive a voucher for the full amount less the AED 150 cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure will be subject to an AED 365 fee. Passengers who do not make their flight will also receive a voucher for the total amount less the AED 365 fee. No name changes can be made under this fare.

All fares are per person, one way and inclusive of all taxes.

Passengers can also pre-purchase a checked baggage weight allowance of 20kg, 30kg or 40kg. Each weight allows people to bring up to three pieces but no bag should exceed 75cm x 55cm x 35cm, nor weigh more than 32kg. Pre-checked baggage allowances can be pre-purchased at a discount up to four hours before the flight via www.flydubai.com or through the call centre on +9714 301 0800.

Subject to availability, checked baggage can be purchased at the airport at the applicable per kilo rate.

Airport baggage rates will also apply if a passenger exceeds their pre-purchased allowance, if they have not pre-purchased baggage, or if they exceed three pieces of luggage (even if the total weight is less than the pre-purchased weight allowance).