Bahamasair announces fee adjustments

Bahamasair announces fee adjustments
Bahamasair Boeing 737-700. (FILE PHOTO)

Domestic rates see increase

First checked bag no longer free on int’l flights

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamasair, the country’s national flag carrier, announced today there will be changes to domestic fares and baggage fees effective January 4, 2021.

The cost of domestic flights will be increasing, the company announced, stating: “The airline has not had a domestic fare increase in the past eight years, and these adjustments have become necessary due to increase[d] operational costs.”

A chart provided by Bahamasair reflected the new fares that will take effect.

A chart showing the new Bahamasair domestic travel fares that will take effective January 4, 2021.

Additionally, the first checked bag on international flights, including flights to and from the US, Cuba, Haiti and Turks & Caicos, will now be charged at a cost of $25.

Previously, the first checked bag was free.

Fees for the second, third and more checked baggage remained the same.

A chart showing the new Bahamasair baggage fees for international travel, which will take effect January 4, 2021.

“The adjustments to baggage fees allow the airline to better conform with industry standards,” the company noted.

“Customers are reminded that tickets can still be used for future travel and change fees will be waived through May 31, 2021.”

Newly appointed Minister of State for Finance J Kwasi Thompson hinted at the changes to come earlier this month when the government’s Fiscal Strategy Report was released, as he noted the government was considering cost-recovery measures for Bahamasair and the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

“In the case of Bahamasair, which has also been a significant drain on the public purse, the government has accepted the board’s recommendation to undertake in short order, the necessary fare adjustments and operational changes that will eliminate the need for reliance on government subsidies over time,” Thompson said at the time.

“This will allow the airline to become more competitive as it pursues full cost recovery.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a harsh blow on travel around the globe, Bahamasair Chairman Tommy Turnquest in October noted the airline’s dire financial situation.

The company’s statement today stressed, however, that it remains focused on health and safety as travel gets back into swing.

“Health and safety are, and always will be, paramount at Bahamasair,” the statement read.

“We remain committed to adhering to the best local and international aviation and medical standards, and we thank the traveling public for making us the airline of choice as we connect you to the islands of The Bahamas.”

3 comments

Government need to get rid of this drain on the people’s purse. Bahamasair doesn’t really serves a purpose.

Bahamasair is a political toy. It needs to be privatised Full Stop. This drain has to stop.
Anything govt runs doesnt run as a business
it runs by borrowing and borrowing with a blank cheque at its disposal.
People are tired of it. run with on time and on budget or shut it down. let private charters take the routes. Amen

Bahamians are being treated unfairly in their own country first its taxes being added to everything now this

Comments are closed.