Southeast Asian carriers and airports have their own distinct baggage landscapes, shaped by regional economics and tourism growth.
- Singapore Airlines (SIA): SIA offers relatively generous baggage allowances compared to many Western LCCs. For example, most SIA economy fares include one free checked bag (typically 23 kg), with more for premium cabins. SIA and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot also changed policy to allow sports equipment without an additional oversize fee as long as it fits within dimensions (a practice aligning with trends set by U.S. airlines). Singapore’s Changi Airport has a very advanced baggage system with extensive RFID use; in fact, Changi was among the first to deploy RFID tracking on all international flights, giving SIA real-time bag tracking capabilities.
- Thai Airways: THAI historically had an inclusive approach, often permitting 30 kg in Economy to key markets. However, in 2023, under financial stress, Thai Airways reintroduced some baggage fees for longer routes, aligning with global trends of unbundling. Thai’s baggage handling at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi has room for improvement: congestion has occasionally caused delays, especially during peak tourism seasons or when multiple delayed incoming flights strain the system. The airport is upgrading baggage halls and scanners under a larger modernization plan (part of Thailand’s Aviation 4.0 initiative), which will hopefully reduce mishandles. Thai Airlines’ website clearly states the luggage allowances and charges, and instructs passengers to report any missing baggage via a 24/7 hotline.
- Garuda Indonesia: Garuda expanded rapidly in the 2010s and upgraded Jakarta’s terminal with a modern baggage system to accommodate its growth. Garuda usually includes two free checked bags (23 kg each) even in Economy, which is more generous than many competitors. The airline uses a “WeCare” baggage tracking app where customers can view their bag’s last known scan point. In late 2022, Garuda signed an agreement with Amadeus and SITA to implement a digital baggage reconciliation system to improve tracking across its domestic and international flights. Challenges include high tropical humidity affecting bag condition (mold on suitcases, etc.), so Garuda offers protective packaging for sensitive gear.
- Regulatory and Cultural Factors: Southeast Asian aviation regulators generally follow Chicago/Montreal rules but sometimes have local quirks. For example, Indonesia’s government subsidies used to allow airlines to keep checked baggage fees low domestically. In Singapore and Thailand, consumer groups have occasionally lobbied for better baggage claim procedures after typhoons caused flight cancellations. Generally, tipping is less common in this region than in, say, India; instead, airports often have porters who wheel bags without a flat tip requirement.
- Innovation: Changi Airport has been a leader with innovations like automated baggage storage lockers (for connecting passengers to pick up late-arriving bags). Singapore Airlines, in turn, has partnered with Google to develop a chatbot that immediately informs passengers of mishandled baggage claims. AirAsia (Malaysia) rolled out an RFID system on its cross-border flights as of 2024, significantly cutting lost-item rates. Thai Airways began testing mobile bag drops at Bangkok in late 2023.
Passenger satisfaction surveys in Asia-Pacific (including SE Asia) tend to show relatively higher confidence in baggage delivery than in Europe or North America (karryon.com.au). Nonetheless, governments and airlines here continue improving infrastructure and policies (e.g. faster IATA lobby for one-bag carry-on policies) to keep pace with the region’s booming travel demand.
