KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Firefly will increase its baggage allowance for check-in baggage from 15kg to 20kg from Friday.

The airline is also increasing its fuel surcharge by RM5 for domestic flights and RM8 for international flights for ticket bookings made from Friday.

Firefly's managing director Eddy Leong said the surcharge increase was partly to help manage the current hike in oil price, which had gone up 75% since Firefly started operations last year.

He said that the baggage allowance was increased after customers asked for it in view of current restrictions on hand-carry items.

Sharp objects and liquid items such as medication, contact lens solution and toiletries were now required to be checked-in, adding to the need for extra weight allowance for check-in baggage.

"The decision to allow up to 20kg is also to streamline product offerings in line with other full service carriers ahead of Firefly's plan to code share and interline with Malaysia Airlines.

"To counter the rising fuel price, Firefly will make sure its tickets are among the lowest in the market.

"People can look forward to many more promotions from Firefly such as the current RM1 to all destinations," he added.