New Horizons, New Connections
Starting in August 2026, Air India Express will connect Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport directly with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This is a significant development, as it makes Guwahati the first hub in Northeast India to offer non-stop
flights to West Asia. For countless travellers who previously had to connect through larger metros like Delhi or Kolkata, this means shorter journeys and greater convenience for business, leisure, and visiting family in the UAE. As bookings open and travel plans take shape, understanding airline baggage policies is the first step to a smooth journey.
Checked Baggage: Knowing Your Limit
For most travellers to the Gulf, the checked baggage allowance is the most important number to know. Unlike domestic flights, where the standard allowance is often a modest 15 kg, international routes are more generous. On airlines like Air India Express and IndiGo, the standard economy allowance for flights from India to Dubai or Abu Dhabi is typically 30 kg. Some airlines, like SpiceJet, also offer a 30 kg allowance for routes to Dubai and other Gulf destinations. It's crucial to understand whether your airline uses a 'weight concept' or 'piece concept'. Most airlines on India-Gulf routes use the weight concept, meaning you can check in multiple bags as long as their combined weight does not exceed your 30 kg limit. However, always verify this, as no single bag should ever weigh more than 32 kg for safety reasons.
The High Cost of Extra Kilos
Ignoring your baggage allowance is one of the costliest mistakes you can make at the airport. Excess baggage fees are notoriously high and can quickly add a significant, unplanned expense to your trip. For instance, charges at the airport can be as high as INR 700 or more per extra kilogram. If your bag is 5 kg overweight, you could be looking at an additional fee of INR 3,500 or more. The smart move is to pre-book any extra baggage you anticipate carrying. Airlines offer the option to purchase additional weight online, often at a substantial discount compared to airport rates. This can be done on the airline's website, sometimes up to a few hours before departure, and can save you from a stressful and expensive situation at the check-in counter.
Cabin Baggage: What to Carry Onboard
The rules for cabin baggage are just as strict. For most economy class flights originating in India, passengers are allowed one piece of hand baggage weighing no more than 7 kg. In addition to this main cabin bag, you can usually carry one small personal item, such as a ladies' handbag or a laptop bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines are quite specific about the dimensions of cabin bags, so it's wise to check the exact size limits before you pack. An oversized or overweight cabin bag will be moved to checked luggage at the gate, often incurring a hefty fee. Some airlines now offer 'Xtra Carry-On' services, allowing you to purchase an additional 3 to 5 kg of cabin allowance, a useful option for those who prefer to travel light without checking in a bag.
Navigating Special and Restricted Items
When travelling internationally, it's important to be aware of rules regarding specific items. Liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, all placed within a single transparent, resealable plastic bag. Electronics like laptops are generally permitted in cabin baggage but may need to be screened separately. For those returning from the Gulf, especially after Haj or Umrah, there are special provisions. For example, SpiceJet explicitly allows an additional 5 litres of Zam Zam water for passengers travelling from Jeddah to India, in addition to their regular allowance. Conversely, certain items like power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in your carry-on, not in checked luggage, for safety reasons. Always check the airline's list of prohibited items to avoid having your belongings confiscated.
