The 'One Cabin Bag' Rule Is Now Strictly Enforced
The most significant change affecting all travellers departing from Indian airports is the strict enforcement of the 'one cabin bag' policy by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). While the rule has existed for a while, its universal and stringent
application is new for 2026. For economy class passengers, this means you are generally permitted one primary cabin bag weighing up to 7 kilograms. While officially this is often supplemented by a small personal item like a handbag or laptop sleeve, gate agents are increasingly demanding that all items be consolidated into the single larger bag to speed up boarding. The primary aim of this crackdown is to reduce congestion at security checkpoints and ensure flights depart on time, a response to India's booming air passenger traffic.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
The confusion for many travellers lies in what constitutes the second, smaller 'personal item'. Officially, most airlines permit one small handbag, purse, or laptop bag that can fit under the seat in front of you, in addition to your 7 kg cabin bag. However, the enforcement can vary. To be safe, passengers should be prepared to fit their personal item inside their main carry-on if requested. The standard dimensions for the main cabin bag are typically around 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, but this can differ slightly between carriers like Air India and IndiGo. Exceeding the weight or size limit, or arguing about a second bag, will likely result in being forced to check your luggage at the gate, often for a significant fee.
What About Check-in Luggage?
The new enforcement focuses primarily on cabin baggage, while check-in luggage allowances remain largely determined by individual airlines and the fare you purchase. For domestic travel on budget carriers like IndiGo or SpiceJet, the standard allowance remains 15 kg for most economy fares. It is crucial to note that the cheapest 'lite' fares often include no checked baggage at all. Full-service carriers are more generous; Air India, for example, offers a 25 kg allowance on many domestic routes. For international travel, the allowance is highly dependent on the destination and airline, with a 23 kg single bag being a common standard for economy class on full-service carriers. Always check your allowance at the time of booking, as pre-paying for extra weight online is always cheaper than at the airport counter.
New Customs Allowances for International Arrivals
For those travelling internationally, the government also introduced the new Baggage Rules, 2026, which came into effect in February. These changes are designed to make things easier at customs. The general duty-free allowance for Indian residents returning home has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. In a welcome move for professionals and students, passengers over the age of 18 can now bring in one new laptop duty-free. Furthermore, the rules for bringing in personal gold jewellery have been simplified. For Indian residents who have lived abroad for over a year, women can now bring in up to 40 grams and men up to 20 grams duty-free, with the limit based on weight rather than a fluctuating value.
Faster Baggage Delivery at the Belt
In another passenger-friendly move, BCAS has mandated faster baggage delivery for arriving flights. Airlines are now required to ensure the first checked bag appears on the carousel within 10 minutes of the aircraft parking, and the final bag must be delivered within 30 minutes. This directive, issued in early 2026 to all major Indian carriers, aims to cut down the frustratingly long waits that travellers often face after a long journey and to reduce crowding in the arrival halls of India's busy airports.
