Domestic Checked Baggage: The 15 kg Rule
For most domestic flights within India, the standard checked-in baggage allowance for economy class passengers is 15 kg. Airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet generally adhere to this limit. Air India also offers a 15 kg allowance for its base
'Economy Value' fares. It's crucial to note that this is often for a single piece of luggage; some airlines may charge an extra fee for a second bag even if the total weight is under 15 kg. Business-class passengers and those on more flexible or premium economy tickets often get a higher allowance, ranging from 20 kg to 35 kg depending on the carrier and fare type. To avoid surprises, it's always best to pre-book any excess baggage online, as airport rates are significantly higher.
Cabin Baggage: The 7 kg Standard
The rule for what you can carry into the cabin is fairly consistent across Indian domestic airlines. Most carriers, including IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet, permit one main cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg. Air India is slightly more generous, allowing up to 8 kg for economy passengers. In addition to this main bag, passengers are usually allowed one small personal item, such as a handbag or a slim laptop bag, which should typically weigh under 3 kg and be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Be aware that airlines are becoming stricter with enforcement, and you may be asked to place your personal item inside your main cabin bag if it appears too large at the boarding gate. The dimensions of your cabin bag are also important, with the typical limit being around 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm.
Power Banks: Carry-On Only
This is one of the most critical and non-negotiable rules: power banks and any spare lithium-ion batteries are strictly prohibited in checked-in luggage. They must be carried in your cabin baggage. This is a safety measure, as a malfunctioning battery in the cargo hold poses a significant fire risk that cannot be managed mid-flight. Most power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (which covers most standard 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh models) are allowed without needing special airline approval. Power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline permission. Furthermore, recent rules from the DGCA state that you cannot use the power bank to charge devices during the flight and it should not be stored in the overhead bin.
Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)
The international '100ml rule' applies to all domestic flights in India as well. Any liquid, gel, paste, or aerosol in your hand luggage must be in a container that is 100ml or smaller. It is the size of the container that matters, not how much liquid is inside; a half-empty 200ml bottle of shampoo will not be allowed. All your small containers must fit comfortably into a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of about 1-litre capacity. Exceptions are generally made for essential medicines (with a prescription), and baby food for infants travelling with you.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Certain items are completely banned from aircraft, including explosives, flammable items like lighter fluid, and corrosive substances. Other items are restricted. Sharp objects like knives and scissors with blades longer than 6 cm are not allowed in the cabin but can be placed in your checked luggage. The same goes for sporting goods like cricket bats and golf clubs. Self-defense items such as pepper spray and tasers are also forbidden in the cabin. Toy or replica weapons are also prohibited in hand baggage to avoid any confusion or security alerts. If you are ever in doubt, the safest option is to either pack the item in your checked bag (if permitted) or leave it at home.
International Flights: Always Double-Check
While the domestic rules are relatively standard, baggage allowances for international flights can vary dramatically based on the destination and the airline. For example, flights to the USA often operate on a 'piece concept', allowing two checked bags of up to 23 kg each for economy passengers. For other international destinations, the allowance might be a single bag of 25 kg or 30 kg. Cabin baggage rules are generally similar, but it is essential to confirm the specifics with your airline. Factors like the fare class and your frequent flyer status can also affect your allowance. Never assume the domestic rules apply to your international journey.
