Wednesday 05 / February / 2025
Muscat: Muscat Duty Free has come up with a special solution for those customers who were unable to carry more duty free items on board flights, since some airlines include duty free purchases in customers’ carry-on hand baggage allowances.
Now, Muscat Duty free has introduced a new packing box for customers travelling to some destinations.
“We noticed that the decision by some airlines to enforce restrictions on hand baggage has negatively affected passengers who travel on these carriers, as to what they can actually take on board the aircraft,” Martin Mullen, General Manager of Muscat Duty Free, told Times of Oman.
“So we like to look after our customers and, particularly, as with those going to south Indian and Bangladesh destinations, due to the restrictions that have been imposed by some low cost carriers,” he added.
The new box can carry up to 10 kilos of perishable goods, which will not be counted in hand baggage, according to Mullen.
Still, Mullen advises customers to only carry on goods weighing some 7 kilos, for the convenience of the airlines.
He confirmed that the store has performed a trial on some of Oman Air’s routes, and the results were excellent.
Currently, they are also involved in a trial on a budget airline to Cochin and to Dhaka.
“The feedback we have received from the Oman Air ground handling staff is good, and they are pretty happy with the new box,” Mullen said.
“It is a strong package, as we went through several tests on boxes to establish how robust the packaging was, and we are happy with the results, despite our efforts to stress the packaging,” he added.
Also, the new packing box can be tightened with bindings to make them more secure. This will be offered by MDF free of charge.
“When a customer reaches their gate after a purchase, the ground staff will then bring the package to the aircraft and the airline will not charge you for excess luggage,” Mullen added.
“The new system has already begun on some routes operated by Oman Air, and we are also in talks with one of the Budget airlines”, Mullen stated.
Passengers on Oman Air flights to Kochi Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Kathmandu, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi can use the new packing box at Muscat Duty Free shops beginning 21st June.
He also confirmed that a passenger can carry one box, which can be varied, depending on airline restrictions.
“We want to provide an opportunity for our customer to buy something for their family back in their home country, and to have confidence that they can purchase without any weight restrictions,” Mullen said.
“But the reports coming out had confused passengers about whether they can carry duty free goods or not, and this caused us to introduce the new packing box, to clarify the position of what is currently permitted,” Mullen continued.
“The new packing box will provide a solution to the airlines and for our customers”, noted Mullen.
To contact Muscat Duty Free about the free carry box, email [email protected] or call 24 510 725 ext. 232
