The Standard Rule: 15 kg Checked, 7 kg Cabin
For most domestic economy flights in India, a standard allowance has taken shape across major airlines. Passengers can typically expect to check in one bag weighing up to 15 kg for free. For carry-on or cabin luggage, the limit is generally one bag weighing a maximum
of 7 kg. However, this is where it gets tricky. Airlines are becoming much stricter about enforcing these limits. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has reinforced a 'one-hand-baggage' rule, which means items like a laptop bag or purse may need to be consolidated into your single cabin bag at the boarding gate. Always check the specific dimensions allowed for cabin bags, as they can differ slightly between airlines and aircraft types, like Boeing versus smaller Q400 planes.
Air India: Fare Tiers Dictate Your Allowance
As a full-service carrier, Air India has a more complex, fare-based baggage system. The cheapest 'Economy Value' domestic fares now come with a 15 kg checked baggage allowance, putting them in line with low-cost carriers. However, if you book an 'Economy Classic' or 'Economy Flex' ticket, your allowance increases to 20 kg and 25 kg, respectively. For cabin baggage on domestic routes, economy passengers can carry one main bag up to 8 kg, plus a smaller personal item. It's crucial to note that on many international routes, particularly to the USA, Air India follows a 'piece concept', typically allowing two checked bags of up to 23 kg each in economy class. Always verify the allowance printed on your ticket, as it depends heavily on both your fare brand and destination.
IndiGo: Sticking to Basics with Stricter Checks
As India's largest domestic airline, IndiGo's policy is straightforward but rigorously enforced. The standard allowance for domestic travel remains 15 kg for checked baggage and 7 kg for a single piece of cabin baggage. IndiGo has also clarified a 'personal item' allowance, such as a small laptop bag or purse, which can weigh up to 3 kg, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. The biggest change for travellers is the increased vigilance at the airport. Gate agents are now stricter about weighing cabin bags and charging hefty fees for any excess. Pre-booking extra weight online is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter, where fees can be around ₹550 per extra kilogram.
Vistara and SpiceJet: Know Your Fare Type
Vistara also operates on a class-based system. Domestic economy class allows 15 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of cabin luggage. However, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers receive higher allowances of 20-30 kg for checked bags and 10-12 kg for cabin bags. SpiceJet largely follows the 15 kg checked and 7 kg cabin model. One key thing to watch for with SpiceJet is their 'Hand Baggage Only' fares. These tickets are cheaper but, as the name implies, do not include any free checked baggage allowance, which can catch travellers by surprise if they don't read the fine print during booking. For both airlines, exceeding the limit means paying extra, and pre-purchasing additional allowance online is always the more cost-effective option.
Tips to Avoid Extra Charges
The simplest way to avoid baggage stress is to weigh your bags at home before leaving for the airport. A simple luggage scale is a great investment for frequent flyers. If you know you'll be over the limit, pre-book extra baggage online. Airlines universally offer a better rate for this than the charges at the airport check-in counter or, even worse, at the boarding gate. Pay close attention to the number of pieces allowed. Some fares, especially on IndiGo, are strictly for one checked bag; even if your total weight is under 15 kg, a second bag can attract an extra fee. Finally, for international travellers, remember that customs rules for what you can bring into India duty-free were also updated in 2026, with the general allowance for personal goods increased to ₹75,000 and a separate exemption for one new laptop.
