Figures on this page are approximate and may be out of date. Baggage rules are set by each airline and change frequently — always verify on the airline's official website or in your booking confirmation before travel.
Cabin / Hand Baggage
Most airlines allow one cabin bag plus one personal item (laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack). The cabin bag must fit in the overhead bin; the personal item goes under the seat in front of you.
| Airline | Cabin bag weight | Max dimensions (L+W+H) | Personal item |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 7 kg | 115 cm | Allowed (small bag/laptop bag) |
| Air India | 8 kg | 115 cm | Allowed |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg | 115 cm | Allowed (handbag/laptop bag) |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg | 115 cm | Allowed |
| Air India Express | 7 kg | 115 cm | Allowed |
| Emirates | 7 kg (Economy) | 55 × 38 × 20 cm | Allowed |
| Qatar Airways | 7 kg (Economy) | 50 × 37 × 25 cm | Allowed |
| Singapore Airlines | 7 kg (Economy) | 55 × 38 × 20 cm | Allowed |
* Approximate. Verify on the airline's official website before travel.
Check-in Baggage — Domestic Routes
Check-in (hold) baggage limits on domestic routes depend on the fare type purchased. Budget and Saver fares often include 15 kg; Flexi and Business fares typically include more. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact allowance on your ticket.
| Airline | Economy (base fare) | Economy (Flexi / higher) | Business / First |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 15 kg | 15–25 kg (fare-dependent) | N/A (domestic) |
| Air India | 25 kg | 25 kg | 35 kg |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg | 20 kg | N/A (domestic) |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg | 20–25 kg (fare-dependent) | N/A (domestic) |
| Air India Express | 15 kg | 20 kg | N/A |
* Approximate. Fare type determines your exact allowance — check your booking confirmation.
Check-in Baggage — International Routes
International baggage allowances are typically higher than domestic, and vary by route region. Some airlines use a piece concept (number of bags) rather than a weight limit on certain international routes — check your ticket.
| Airline | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | 25 kg | 35 kg |
| IndiGo (international) | 20–30 kg (route-dependent) | N/A |
| Emirates | 25–35 kg (route-dependent) | 40 kg |
| Qatar Airways | 23–30 kg (route-dependent) | 40 kg |
| Singapore Airlines | 25–30 kg | 40 kg |
| Lufthansa | 23 kg (1 piece) | 32 kg (2 pieces) |
| British Airways | 23 kg (1 piece) | 32 kg (2 pieces) |
| Air Arabia | 20–25 kg (fare-dependent) | N/A |
* Approximate. Allowances vary by route and fare class — verify on the airline's website.
Excess Baggage Fees
Carrying more than your allowed baggage attracts excess fees charged by the airline at the airport. These fees are significantly higher than buying extra baggage in advance online — always pre-purchase additional allowance if you expect to exceed your limit.
| Airline | Approximate excess fee (domestic) | Pre-purchase available? |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ₹500–750 per kg | Yes — via IndiGo website or Ghurio add-ons |
| Air India | ₹350–500 per kg | Yes |
| SpiceJet | ₹450–600 per kg | Yes |
| Akasa Air | ₹500 per kg | Yes |
| Air India Express | ₹450–500 per kg | Yes |
* Approximate. Rates vary by route and season — pre-purchase on the airline's website for exact pricing.
Pre-purchasing extra baggage online is typically 30–50% cheaper than paying at the airport counter. Do it at least 24 hours before departure for the best rates.
Special Items
Sports equipment
Items like bicycles, golf bags, ski equipment, and surfboards are usually accepted as checked baggage but may require advance notice and attract a flat fee (typically ₹1,500–₹5,000 for domestic flights). Contact the airline at least 48 hours before travel.
Musical instruments
Small instruments (violin, guitar) can often travel in the cabin if they fit in the overhead bin and you pay for an extra seat. Larger instruments (cello, double bass) travel as checked cargo. Check with the airline before booking.
Medical equipment
Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and wheelchairs are typically allowed and often exempt from baggage limits. Contact the airline's special assistance team ahead of travel.
Liquids (cabin)
The 100 ml rule applies to liquids carried in cabin baggage on all flights. Each container must hold no more than 100 ml and all containers must fit in one clear 1-litre resealable bag per passenger. Exceptions apply for baby food and essential medicines.
Prohibited Items
The following are never permitted in cabin or checked baggage:
- Explosives, flares, and fireworks
- Flammable liquids (petrol, lighter fluid) beyond permitted limits
- Lithium batteries above 160 Wh (except with airline approval)
- Weapons and firearms (without special documentation and prior airline approval)
- Radioactive or toxic materials
Power banks and spare lithium batteries must always travel in cabin baggage — they are not permitted in checked bags. DGCA (India's aviation authority) and BCAS guidelines apply to all flights operating to/from India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baggage allowance the same on a connecting flight?
On most itineraries booked as a single ticket, the same allowance applies throughout. On separately ticketed connections, each airline applies its own rules — check both bookings.
Can I pool baggage allowances across passengers in the same booking?
Some airlines allow pooling; most domestic Indian carriers do not. Check the fare rules in your booking confirmation.
My checked bag exceeded the weight limit at drop — what do I pay?
You pay the airline's excess baggage rate at the airport counter. Rates are typically ₹500–750/kg for domestic flights. Card payment is accepted at most counters.
Can I carry a power bank on the flight?
Yes, but only in your cabin baggage. Power banks are prohibited in checked bags. Banks above 27,000 mAh (100 Wh) require airline approval; above 43,200 mAh (160 Wh) are not permitted.