The 'One Cabin Bag' Rule Explained
The most significant change you'll notice at Indian airports is the stricter enforcement of the 'one cabin bag' rule by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). While the rule itself isn't new, airlines are now applying it far more consistently.
For most domestic economy class passengers, this means you are permitted one primary piece of hand baggage. The standard weight limit for this bag is typically 7 kg. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara adhere to this 7 kg limit, while Air India is often slightly more generous, allowing up to 8 kg in economy. The dimensions for this bag are also crucial, generally hovering around 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm, but it's always best to check your specific airline's website for exact measurements.
What Counts as a 'Personal Item'?
Here's where many travellers get confused. In addition to your one main cabin bag, you are also allowed one small personal item. This is not counted as your primary cabin luggage. A personal item is typically defined as a small bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. Accepted items usually include a ladies' handbag, a small laptop bag, a slim backpack, or a purse. Furthermore, certain other articles are generally permitted and do not count toward your allowance. These include an overcoat or wrap, a blanket, a small camera, a reasonable amount of reading material for the flight, and food for an infant travelling with you. The key is that these items should not be bulky.
Navigating Check-in Baggage Allowances
Unlike the government-mandated cabin baggage framework, check-in luggage allowances are determined entirely by the individual airlines and the type of ticket you purchase. For domestic travel in India, the most common free allowance for an economy class ticket is 15 kg. However, with the rise of unbundled fares, it's crucial to read the fine print. For instance, some airlines like Akasa Air offer 'Lite' fares that do not include any free check-in baggage. If you know you'll need to check a bag, it is almost always significantly cheaper to pre-purchase your baggage allowance online before your flight rather than paying the steep fees at the airport counter.
The 100ml Liquid Rule and Prohibited Items
The rule regarding liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in cabin baggage remains firmly in place across all Indian airports. Any such items must be in containers of 100 ml or less. Importantly, it is the size of the container that matters, not the amount of liquid inside it. All these containers must fit comfortably inside a single, transparent, resealable one-litre plastic bag. Certain items are strictly forbidden in cabin luggage, such as sharp objects like knives and scissors with blades over a certain length. Conversely, some items must be carried in your cabin bag and are not allowed in checked luggage. This includes all power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries, which must be declared at security.
A Note for International Arrivals
It's important to distinguish between airline baggage policies and national customs regulations. Separate from the cabin bag enforcement, the government introduced new customs laws under the 'Baggage Rules, 2026' earlier this year. These rules apply to passengers arriving in India from an international destination. The main change is an increase in the general duty-free allowance for personal goods from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This means you can bring in more goods without paying customs duty. Additionally, the duty charged on items valued above this allowance has been reduced, simplifying the process for international travellers.
