The 'One Cabin Bag' Rule Is Now Stricter
The most significant recent change for passengers is the strict enforcement of the 'one cabin bag' rule by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). To reduce congestion at security checks, passengers in economy class are now generally permitted only
one piece of hand baggage weighing a maximum of 7 kg. This means items that were often carried separately, like a laptop bag or a small backpack, must now be consolidated into your single cabin bag. Some airlines, like IndiGo, may permit an additional small personal item like a purse or a laptop sleeve weighing up to 3 kg, but travellers should be prepared for gate agents to enforce the single-bag mandate.
Check-In Allowances: It Depends on Your Ticket
The days of a standard baggage allowance across all domestic flights are over. Major carriers like Air India have introduced a tiered fare system. For domestic flights, the cheapest 'Value' fares may only include a 15 kg check-in allowance, while 'Classic' and 'Flex' fares can offer 20 kg or 25 kg respectively. It is crucial to check the specific allowance tied to your fare at the time of booking. For most domestic economy flights on airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet, the standard remains 15 kg. Importantly, Air India has specified that fares with 25 kg or more are allowed two checked bags, while those below are limited to one.
What About International Flights?
International baggage rules have also seen adjustments. For routes to the US and Canada, Air India now uses a 'piece concept'. Cheaper 'Economy Value' fares may only include one checked bag of 23 kg, a change from the traditional two-bag allowance that is now reserved for more expensive 'Classic' and 'Flex' tickets. For most other international routes on full-service carriers, a 23-30 kg allowance is common, but budget carriers may offer less. It's essential for passengers with connecting domestic and international flights on separate tickets to be aware that they will need to clear customs and re-check their bags, adhering to the respective allowances for each leg of the journey.
New Customs Rules for Arriving Passengers
For those arriving in India from abroad, the Customs Baggage Rules were updated in February 2026. The general duty-free allowance for personal goods for returning residents has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. A significant change is the rule for jewellery, which is now based on weight rather than value: women can bring in 40 grams and men 20 grams duty-free, provided they have been abroad for at least a year. Additionally, one new laptop can now be brought in completely duty-free, separate from the ₹75,000 limit.
The High Cost of Extra Baggage
Failing to adhere to the new baggage limits can be a costly mistake. Excess baggage fees for domestic flights can range from ₹550 to ₹800 per extra kilogram if paid at the airport counter. Some low-cost carriers have hiked their pre-booked excess baggage charges significantly as well. Pre-booking extra luggage online is almost always cheaper, often by 30-40%, than paying at the airport. For international flights, charges for an extra piece of luggage can be substantial, running up to $250 at the counter for routes to the US.
Tips for the Smart Traveller
Given the strict enforcement, smart packing is more important than ever. First, always check the specific baggage allowance for your fare class and route directly on the airline's website before you book and before you pack. Use a lightweight suitcase to maximize your packing capacity; a lighter bag can save you nearly 1 kg, which could mean the difference between being within the limit and paying a penalty. For families, avoid packing everything into one large suitcase, as this can easily exceed the per-bag weight limit of 23 kg or the absolute single-bag limit of 32 kg that is enforced for safety. Finally, remember that items like power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must be kept with you, not in the overhead bin.
