The 'One Cabin Bag' Rule is Now Strictly Enforced
The most significant change for passengers is the strict enforcement of the 'one cabin bag' rule by India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). While the rule itself has existed for years, airlines and airport security are now applying it with little
to no flexibility at all Indian airports for both domestic and international flights. This means passengers in economy class are permitted to carry only one main piece of hand luggage, which must adhere to the airline's specified weight and size limits. Any additional items, such as a laptop bag or handbag, must be consolidated into this single cabin bag. If you arrive at the security check with more than one item, you will likely be asked to repack or check the extra bag in, which can cause delays and frustration.
Understanding Cabin Bag Allowances
For most airlines in India, the standard allowance for this single piece of cabin baggage in economy class is a maximum weight of 7 kg. Business and first-class passengers often have a higher allowance, typically around 10 kg. The dimensions for the bag are also specific, generally around 55 cm in height, 40 cm in length, and 20 cm in width, though this can vary slightly by airline. It's crucial to check your airline's exact policy before you travel. In addition to the one main bag, passengers are usually allowed one small personal item, such as a lady's handbag, a small laptop bag, or a purse, which must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and typically has a separate weight limit of around 3 kg.
What About Check-in Luggage?
For domestic flights, the standard free check-in baggage allowance on most budget carriers remains 15 kg. Full-service carriers like Air India may offer a more generous allowance of 25 kg. For international flights, the allowance is more complex and typically follows either a 'weight' concept (e.g., 20-30 kg total) or a 'piece' concept (e.g., one or two bags of up to 23 kg each), depending on the destination and airline. Exceeding these limits can be expensive, with excess baggage fees for domestic flights costing as much as ₹400 or more per extra kilogram. Some airlines have also started offering 'zero baggage' fares at a discount for passengers traveling only with cabin luggage.
The Rules for Power Banks and Electronics
The rules for carrying power banks are firm and based on safety. All power banks must be carried in your cabin baggage; they are strictly prohibited in checked-in luggage. This is to ensure that in the rare event of a fire, it can be dealt with by the cabin crew. Generally, power banks up to a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) are permitted without any special permission. For those between 100Wh and 160Wh, you must get approval from the airline before your flight. Furthermore, recent directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have banned the use of power banks to charge devices while on board the aircraft. You can carry them, but you cannot use them during the flight.
Tips for a Smoother Airport Experience
To avoid issues at the airport, the best advice is to pack smart and check policies in advance. Consolidate your belongings into a single cabin bag and a small personal item. Weigh your bags at home to ensure they are within the limits. If you are carrying liquids, aerosols, or gels, remember they must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. For international travellers arriving in India, there's some good news: the customs duty-free allowance for Indian residents was increased in early 2026 to ₹75,000, and passengers over 18 can also bring in one new laptop duty-free in addition to this allowance.
