- SmartBag91 allows pre-booked excess baggage across all FLY91 sectors.
- Additional baggage slabs range from 5 kg to 30 kg.
- FLY91 expands passenger-focused services on regional routes.
India’s regional aviation market has largely focused on network expansion, fleet induction and airport connectivity over the past two years.
But as more passengers use regional routes for longer onward journeys through hubs such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru, baggage handling and excess baggage costs are becoming a bigger part of the passenger experience.
That is the space FLY91 is now attempting to address with the launch of SmartBag91, a new pre-booked excess baggage product that allows passengers to purchase additional baggage at discounted fixed rates across the airline’s domestic network before arriving at the airport.
The Goa-based regional carrier said the initiative is intended to make excess baggage purchases more predictable and affordable for passengers travelling across multiple sectors.
Unlike airport-based excess baggage purchases, SmartBag91 allows travellers to pre-book additional baggage ranging from 5 kg to 30 kg across any sector operated by FLY91. Pricing starts at ₹1,000 and goes up to ₹3,000 for the highest slab.
The product is available across the FLY91 network and is not restricted to international connecting itineraries.
FLY91 said the initiative is aimed at passengers carrying additional luggage on multi-sector journeys, particularly those connecting through larger aviation hubs.
“For us, SmartBag91 is about simplifying travel decisions for our customers,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, FLY91. “As we continue Connecting Bharat through safe and reliable regional air travel, our focus remains on making the journey more seamless and hassle-free for passengers. This initiative is especially valuable for travellers connecting through key hubs such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where smooth domestic and international transitions are increasingly important.”
The launch comes as FLY91 continues expanding its regional network across smaller and underserved markets. Since beginning operations in 2024, the airline has added direct connectivity on routes including Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur and Agatti, sectors that historically saw limited scheduled air services.
Headquartered in Goa, FLY91 currently operates flights to 12 destinations, including Goa (Mopa), Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Hubballi, using ATR 72 turboprop aircraft deployed on short-haul regional routes.
The airline has positioned itself as a regional carrier focused on routes where surface travel remains time-consuming and direct air links are still limited.
Alongside its network expansion, FLY91 has also introduced several digital passenger services, including WhatsApp-based auto check-ins with boarding passes delivered through WhatsApp and email, as well as QR-based onboard purchases supported through UPI payments, and simplified customer communication workflows aimed at reducing airport processing complexity.
Within that network structure, SmartBag91 is aimed at passengers travelling with additional luggage on multi-sector journeys, including students, families, business travellers and passengers connecting through larger hubs such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The initiative also reflects broader airline pricing models in which passengers separately select baggage, seating and onboard services based on individual travel requirements rather than standard bundled fares.
Among Indian regional airlines, however, pre-booked baggage products have remained relatively limited, particularly on short-haul turboprop operations where ancillary services are still evolving. Such products are becoming increasingly important as airlines attempt to balance affordability with operational sustainability on thinner domestic routes.
SmartBag91 adds another passenger-facing layer to FLY91’s regional network strategy. It signals the airline’s attempt to shape a differentiated passenger experience within India’s rapidly expanding regional aviation market, where convenience, predictability and simplified travel processes are becoming increasingly important competitive factors alongside route connectivity itself.
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