Almost everyone who has taken a commercial flight sometimes feels that anxiety as their bag is put on the scales. Thoughts of an unexpected credit card swipe or offering some lame excuse flash through your mind as the numbers appear. If you have, read on about an unheard-of offer from AirAsia Philippines.

Last week AirAsia Philippines operated its inaugural flight from Manila to Tokyo Narita in Japan, and buried in the announcement was news of this extraordinary 60 kilograms (132 pounds) of baggage. But more of that later, after we look at the new route to Tokyo.

Tokyo is the first of many for AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Philippines Narita flight launch
Photo: AirAsia

On February 1st, AirAsia Philippines flight Z2190 departed Manila's Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) at the ungodly hour of 04:56, bound for Tokyo. According to Flightradar24.com, the flight was operated with an Airbus A320-200, registration RP-C8948 and MSN 5547, configured to seat 180 passengers.

It arrived at Tokyo Narita International (NRT) at 09:57, after a four-flight covering 3,046 kilometers (1892 miles). The return flight, Z2191, left Narita at 13:21 and landed in Manila at 16:42, where it was prepped for its next flight to Bangkok.

AirAsia Philippines said it opened the route in time for "the various festivities in Japan this month of love." The daily Tokyo via Narita flight was the airline's second-highest-selling international destination for January, with the inaugural flight achieving a passenger load factor of 84%. AirAsia Philippines is expecting the new Tokyo Narita service "to revitalize Japan as among AirAsia's top destinations in East Asia." Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla said:

"Our maiden flight to Tokyo is just one of the many regional destinations we plan to open this first quarter of the year, as we aim to fully restore our international capacity in coming months.

"Our commitment has always been about empowering Filipinos by providing them with best value deals to fulfill their travel goals."

To get the ball rolling on the Manila - Tokyo Narita service, AirAsia Philippines is offering a PhP22 ($0.41) one-way base fare as part of its 2.2 Red Hot Sale. The Red Hot Sale is not exclusive to Tokyo flights, as it also includes international flights to Osaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan. Domestic destinations include Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Bacolod, Cagayan and Iloilo. Unfortunately, the sale has been running since January 30th and closes today, February 5th, for travel until October 11th, 2023.

Find more news about Asian aviation here.

Now for the unlimited baggage

AirAsia Philippines Airbus A320s
Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen/Shutterstock

In its own words, AirAsia Philippines says this offer is taking "things to the next level [by] introducing its biggest baggage offering at 60 kilograms." It is fair to say that while excess baggage is an issue globally, it's not rare to see Asian airports clogged with bags at check-in counters. Generally, baggage allowances in Asia-Pacific clock out at around 20 kg (44 pounds), so anyone wanting to take 60 kilograms (132 pounds) with them needs to head for the cargo counter.

We must not lose sight of the fact that AirAsia Philippines is a low-cost carrier, so while anyone can bring 60 kilograms, it will not be carried for free. The airline says that a domestic passenger can take 60 kg from as low as PhP1,280 ($23.85), and on an international flight, the charge will be from PhP2,760 ($51.45). The airline says, "guests may now check in as much baggage as they want, as long as it's within the weight limit."

It will be a sight to behold if a group of passengers simultaneously turns up with 60 kg of baggage. Surprisingly, the airline does not mention how many passengers per flight can take this much weight, but it would be chaotic if you took that much to the airport and had it refused at check-in because of weight and balance issues. Time will tell.

What do you think of carrying 60 kilograms of baggage on a flight? Let us know in the comments.

  • AirAsia Tile
    AirAsia
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AK/AXM
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Year Founded:
    1993
    CEO:
    Tony Fernandes
    Country:
    Malaysia
    Hub(s):
    Kuala Lumpur International Airport
    Region:
    Asia