The same week that discount airline Spirit said that it is unbundling its product, and will begin charging for checked bags, Aeromexico decided to buck what could become a trend and actually raise its baggage allowance.

Come March 15, the wide-ranging Mexican flag carrier will increase baggage allowance from 50 pounds to 70 pounds. That means Coach passengers can check a pair of 70-pound bags at no charge. Each can weigh up to 70 pounds. Business-Class fliers can check three bags for free, again each weighing up to 70 pounds.

Aeromexico contends its new 70-pound allowance is greater than the 50-pounds permitted by United States carriers.

Boosting baggage allowances on Mexican routes is interesting, and could really benefit transborder fliers. Here’s why: lots of leisure fliers pack heavy, especially when they’re going on extended vacations, say to a Mexican beach resort such as Cancun (CUN). They also purchase souvenirs while in Mexico, that have to be brought back home to the USA. The lofty luggage allowance will help there too.

There’s another sort of traffic Aeromexico counts on, Visiting Friends and Relatives, or VFR, travelers. They too tend to pack heavier than others. An extra 20 pounds per bag could come in handy here too.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler