The 'One Cabin Bag' Rule is Now Universal
The most significant change affecting all flyers is the strict enforcement of the 'one cabin bag' rule by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Previously, travelers might have managed to carry a small trolley bag alongside a separate laptop bag or large
handbag. That is no longer the case. Now, you are permitted only one piece of cabin baggage. Any additional items like a laptop bag, purse, or other small bags must be consolidated into that single piece. For most domestic economy class passengers, this single bag is capped at 7kg. While the weight and size limits aren't new, the enforcement at security checkpoints and boarding gates is now much stricter across all Indian airports, for both domestic and international flights.
Is a Personal Item Still Allowed?
While the 'one bag' rule sounds absolute, there is a nuance. In addition to your main 7kg cabin bag, you are technically allowed one smaller 'personal item'. This could be a small ladies' handbag, a slim laptop sleeve, or a small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. However, the interpretation and enforcement of this can vary between airline staff at the gate. To be safe, it's best to assume that your main cabin bag is all you have. If you do carry a separate personal item, ensure it is genuinely small and be prepared to consolidate it into your main bag if asked. Some airline guidelines specify a weight limit of around 3kg for this personal item.
Domestic Check-in Allowances: Know Your Fare
For domestic check-in baggage, the standard for most economy class tickets remains 15kg. However, this is no longer a one-size-fits-all rule. Airlines like Air India have introduced tiered fare structures (e.g., Value, Classic, Flex) where the baggage allowance can vary. A 'Value' or 'Lite' fare might offer only 15kg, while a 'Flex' fare could provide a more generous 20kg or 25kg allowance. Similarly, IndiGo offers fare types like 'Stretch' that allow for more weight or multiple pieces. The crucial takeaway is to check the specific baggage allowance tied to your exact fare type during booking, as the cheapest fare may no longer come with the allowance you're used to.
The One-Piece Check-in Trap
Another critical point to be aware of, especially on budget carriers like IndiGo, is the strict one-piece limit for check-in baggage on standard fares. This means even if your two smaller bags have a combined weight of less than the 15kg allowance, you will be charged an extra-piece fee for the second bag. This rule catches many travelers by surprise at the check-in counter. If you need to carry more than one bag, it is almost always cheaper to either upgrade to a fare that allows multiple pieces or pre-book the extra piece online well before your flight.
Electronics, Power Banks, and Special Items
The rules for carrying electronics remain consistent: power banks are strictly prohibited in checked luggage and must be carried in your cabin bag. There are also limits on their capacity, with those over 160 Wh generally banned entirely. Laptops should always be carried in your cabin baggage for safety. E-cigarettes are also banned from checked baggage. A surprising item on the restricted list for many Indian airlines is dry coconut (copra), which is considered a fire hazard due to its high oil content and is banned from both cabin and checked luggage.
