Airline Luggage Size Restrictions in Indian Flights

Post author:Suvankar Das
Post last modified:July 12, 2024
Post published:October 26, 2020
Post comments:14 Comments

Why do you need to check airline luggage size restrictions before your journey? The answer is simple — to avoid extra charges during check-in.

Nowadays airlines are really strict about the dimension and the weight of the baggage. So, if you choose a bigger size suitcase you may have to pay extra bucks to check in your baggage. A similar thing happens if the weight of your baggage exceeds the guidelines.

Airlines’ luggage regulations vary from country to country and airline to airline. It often becomes difficult to manage the baggage if you in a world trip or head for attending conferences abroad. To simplify your job we are publishing a series of useful articles describing the rules of baggage allowances in major airlines of all the popular countries of every continent.

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This time we are presenting the scenario of baggage rule for Indian airlines.

Related article: Airline Checked Baggage Restrictions in USA

Why Should Check Airline Luggage Size Restrictions in Indian Flights

If you are not an Indian or you don’t have a plan to visit India, you can simply avoid this article.

India is a huge country, the seventh-largest in the world with a total area of 3.287 million km². Though there is a very busy railway network throughout the nation, Indian citizens frequently use air routes for intercity transportation to save time. If you are an Indian citizen who travels frequently on Indian flights for business, conferences, family tours, or some other purpose, this article is very useful for you.

India is a very popular destination for foreign tourists owing to the incredible variations of the nation from north to south and east to west (all types of landscapes, historical monuments, culture). Also, India is a country where someone can experience almost everything at a pretty low cost, which attracts travel lovers around the world greatly.

Every year at least 10 million foreign travelers visit India to experience the beauty and the culture of the nation. Let’s take a brief look over the reasons for which such a great number of international tourists visit incredible India.

Tajmahal, which is among the 7 wonders, is one of the topmost attractions to the travelers; you can visit there via Agra airport.

From the north to the northeast you’ll get the great Himalayan belt offering you beautiful tourist places like Simla, Manali, Ladakh, Lahul-Spiti, Kashmir, Kalpa, Mussouri, Haridwar, Nainital, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Asam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and many more.

In the northeastern region you’ll get the green beauty of the wettest region in the world, Cherrapunji, and Mawsinram; besides you’ll get many wildlife sanctuaries in this region.

Eastern and southeastern coast of India is full of beautiful beaches beside the Bay of Bengal. Puri, Gopalpur, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag), Chennai beaches, Pondicherry beaches, Rameswaram are some most popular in this list.

Kanyakumari is situated in the extreme south with an amazing view of the confluence of three oceans, Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Visiting the Vivekananda Rock leads you to a different world.

In the southwest, the greenery Munnar and backwater of Alleppy (in Kerala) are well known to the entire world. Kovalam beach beside the Arabian sea is famous for its beauty and finest black sand.

On the Western coast, Mumbai is the business capital of India, while Goa is the tourist capital. In the season of Christmas, Goa beaches become full of foreign tourists, while parties remain on full day and night. Calangute, Palolem, Agonda, Cola, Colva, Arambol, Ashvem, are some of the best beaches in Goa.

In the west, you explore the desert, lakes, and the history of Rajputs in Rajasthan, while Gujral offers you the tallest statue in the world (the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the Statue of Unity).

In the middle, you’ll get many national forests in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu. Moreover, you can experience the beauty of Nilgiri Mountain in Ooty, Coonoor.

There are two beautiful coral islands in India; Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep at the Arabian Sea, these are top attractions to foreigners.

A great number of historical caves, monuments, and temples also attract foreign travelers and researchers to India.

Last but not the least, India is one of the fastest-growing markets, and all the big multinational companies throughout the world investing here to grow business.

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Many international tourists cover multiple spots when they visit India. If you are planning to head towards south India from Himachal Pradesh in the north, you must prefer flying to a cheap flight rather than spending two odd days in the train route.

Again, if you are planning to visit Maldives or Singapore or maybe Mauritius after the India trip, you have to book seats in flight, maybe an Indian flight. Before starting your journey, if you check the details of airline luggage size restrictions in the top Indian flights, then you can pack up your suitcase accordingly.

So, if you are a foreign traveler, visiting India for tour/ business/ research purpose, this article gonna be very useful to you.

The luggage regulations are different in every Indian flight; especially the rules for check-in and cabin baggage varies a lot in domestic and international flights.

So, let’s explore how is it.

Related article: Baggage Size for Airlines – Africa

Restricted Items as per Indian Airlines Luggage Regulations

People have knowledge about airline luggage regulations in Indian flights — People are waiting in the airport with luggage to check-in

There are certain items that are totally banned to keep in your baggage while you are checking in to any Indian airlines; those items cannot be included either in checked-in or in carrying on baggage. There are few restricted items for carrying on or cabin baggage, which may be included in checked-in baggage.

However, the list is very much similar to most of the other airlines in the world. We are including the list in this article for your remembrance.

A. The following items are totally banned in Indian airlines (both in Carry on or in Checked in baggage).

Any Explosive Materials: This means each and every such item; you are supposed to realize.
Compressed/liquefied gases: Butane, Oxygen, Liquid nitrogen, Aqualung cylinders, etc. and any other.
Flammable Items: Aerosol, Fuels, Gasoline, Gas Torch, Lighter, Matchbox and sticks, Turpentine, Paint Thinner, etc.
Oxidizing materials: bleaching powder, peroxides, etc.
Any type of poisonous substances: bacteria or virus materials etc.
Any class of infectious substances: insecticides, weed-killers, etc.
Any type of radioactive materials: Uranium, Plutonium of any other.
All types of corrosive or irritative materials: acids, alkalis, mercury, toilet cleaners, wet cell battery, etc.
Magnetized materials.
Briefcases with installed alarm devices.

B. The following items are restricted in carrying on or cabin baggage.

Lighters, Scissors-metal, Replica of a toy weapon.
Any Sharp Object: Scissors, Cutters, Ice Axes, any type of blade (including razor blade), any type of knife (including utility knives), Sabres, Sword, etc.
Sports items: Any type of Bat, Golf Clubs, any type of Sports stick, Bows and Arrows, Pool Cues, Spear Guns, etc.
Any type of Guns, firearms or their parts (BB guns, Compressed Air Guns, a replica of guns/firearms, Ammunition, Starter pistols)
Tools: Axes and hatchets, Crowbars, Cattle Prods, Hammers, any type of Drills, any type of Saws, Screwdrivers (eyeglass repair kits may be allowed), Wrenches, Pliers and anything similar.
Any type of Self Defense Items/weapons: Pepper Spray, Billy Clubs, Black Jacks, Brass Knuckles, Kubatons, Night Sticks, Nunchakus, Martial Arts Items, Stun Guns/Shocking Devices, Throwing Stars and anything related.
Power Banks, SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7.

C. Following are restricted items which may be allowed as checked-in item after special approval

Wheelchair/ Mobility Scooter powered by spillable/non-spillable batteries
Other medical devices
dry ice

Baggage Allowance in Various Indian Airlines

The major airlines in India are Air India, Air Asia India, Alliance Air, Go Air, Indigo, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect, Spice Jet and Vistara. General airline baggage regulations for Indian flights have been discussed in the last section. Now you’ll be provided the rules for free baggage allowances for these 8 major airlines in India.

Air India

Air India is the property of the Government of India (though recently proceeding for partial privatization). They have different baggage rules for international and domestic flights.

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance in International flights

Dimension of each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for economy class: 23 kg (50 lbs)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for first and business class: 32 kg (70 lbs)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 2
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in first and business class: 2
For economy class: combined dimension 2 bag must not exceed 273cm (107 inches)
Infants baggage for all classes: 10 kg

B. Checked in Baggage Allowance in domestic flights

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for economy class: 25 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for the business class: 35 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for first class: 40 kg
The maximum weight permissible for a single piece of baggage: 32 kgs
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 1
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in first/business class: 2
Infants baggage for all classes: 10 kg

C. Carry on baggage Allowance in international and domestic Boeing and Airbus aircraft

Dimension per bag: 115 cm (length + width + height) or 55 x 35 x 25 cms (height x length x Width)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for economy class: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for first/business class: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 1
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in business class: 2
In addition,1 personal bag is allowed for the passengers of each all classes: Lady’s handbag, Laptop, overcoat/wrap, blanket, camera/binoculars, reading materials, Infant’s feed/basket, fully collapsible wheelchair, crutches, walking stick, folding umbrella, medicine.

D. Charges for excess baggage

Domestic: INR 500 / kg + GST
International (Weight): Varies upon route/destination – (first excess 0-23 kg: USD 50-300), (excess 23-32 kg: USD 40-180)
International (dimension): 158-203 cm : USD 40-180

Alliance Air

Alliance air is a fully owned subsidiary of Air India Limited and provides services in 53 destinations within the nation via 16 ATR 72-600 (70 Seater) and 2 ATR 42-320 (48 Seater) aircraft. Due to the smaller size of the aircraft, the airline luggage regulations in Alliance Air differs a lot from Air India, especially the allowances for the cabin baggage.

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for each passenger: 20-25 kg (varies on destination and connection)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger: 1

B. Carry on Baggage Allowance

Dimension for each bag: 85 cms (linear) or 40 x 30 x 15 cms (16 x 12 x 15 inches) (height x length x Width)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for each passenger: 5 kg
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger: 1

Air Asia India

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for domestic flights: 15 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for international flights: 20-40 kg (please check conditions)
For other details please contact the airline (Other details not specified systematically)

B. Carry on baggage Allowance

Dimension per bag : 56cm X 36cm X 23cm (height x length x Width)
Additional cabin baggage dimension: 40 X 30 X 23cm (height x length x Width)
The additional bag maybe 1 laptop bag/handbag.
Maximum allowed weight per bag: 7 kg
Total weight per bag: 7 kg

C. Charges for excess baggage

You can pre-book for the excess baggage.

Go Air

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for economy class: 15 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for the business class: Up to 35 kg
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 1
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in business class: Varies
For infants: None extra

B. Carry on baggage Allowance in international and domestic Boeing and Airbus aircraft

Dimension per bag: 115 cm (length + width + height) or 55 x 35 x 25 cms (height x length x Width)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for any class: 7 kg (17.6 lbs)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for first/business class: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in any class: 1

Indigo

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for domestic flights: 15 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for international flights (Bangkok, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Male’, Phuket, Hong Kong & Kathmandu): 20 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for international flights (Colombo, Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah, Singapore, Abu Dhabi & Kuwait): 30 kg

B. Carry on baggage Allowance

Dimension per bag: 115 cm (length + width + height) or 55 x 35 x 25 cms (height x length x Width)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for any class: 7 kg
Maximum allowed weight per bag for first/business class: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Infants baggage for all classes: 7 kg

C. Charges for excess baggage

Domestic: INR 400/kg
International: INR 525/kg

Jet Airways

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance (domestic)

Dimension for each bag: Not specified
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for economy class: 15-25 kg
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for the business class: Up to 30 kg
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 1
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in business class: 2

B. Checked in Baggage Allowance (International)

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for economy class: 23-30 kg (depends upon destination)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for the business class: 32-40 kg (depends upon destination)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in economy class: 1-2 (depends)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger in business class: 1-3 (depends)

C. Carry on baggage Allowance

Dimension per bag for Boeing aircrafts (for domestic and international): 21.7 X 35 X 25 inches or 55 X 35 X 25 cms (height x length x Width)
Dimension per bag for ATR aircrafts (for domestic): 19.5 X 17.6 X 8 inches or 50 X 45 X 20 cms (height x length x Width)
Maximum allowed weight per bag for any class (domestic): 7 kg
Maximum allowed weight per bag for economy class (International): 7 kg
Maximum allowed weight per bag for business class (International): 10 kg
Maximum number of the allowed bag: 1

D. Charges for excess baggage

USD 150 and varies upon conditions

Spicejet

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance (domestic)

Dimension for each bag: Not specified
Maximum allowed total baggage weight: 15 kg (22 kg for J&K)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger: 1

B. Checked in Baggage Allowance (International)

Dimension for each bag: 158 cm or 62 inch (length + width + height)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight: 20-30 kg (depends upon destination)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger: 1-2 (depends)

C. Carry on baggage Allowance

Dimension per bag for Boeing aircrafts: 115 cms (height + length + Width)
Dimension per bag for ATR aircrafts: 108 cms (height + length + Width)
Maximum allowed weight per bag: 7 kg
Maximum number of the allowed bag: 1
Additional items: ladies’ purse or a small bag containing a laptop not weighing more than 3 kgs.

D. Charges for excess baggage

contact airlines

Vistara

A. Checked in Baggage Allowance (domestic)

Dimension for each bag: Not specified
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for economy class: 15-30 kg (depends)
Maximum allowed total baggage weight for the business class: 30-40 kg (depends)
Maximum number of baggage allowed by per passenger: 1-2 (maximum 32 kg/bag)

B. Carry on baggage Allowance

Dimension per bag for Boeing aircrafts: 55 x 40 x 20cm / 22 x 16 x 8 inches.
Maximum allowed weight per bag for economy class: 7 kg
Maximum allowed weight per bag for premium class: 10 kg
Maximum allowed weight per bag for the business class: 12 kg
Maximum number of the allowed bag: 1
Additional items: A Lady’s handbag, overcoat/rag/wrap, camera/ binoculars, reading materials, Infant’s feed /Feeding bottle, Collapsible wheelchair/crutches/ Walking stick/umbrella (Folding type), A Laptop, etc.

C. Charges for excess baggage

INR 500/kg

Air Deccan, Air Odisha, JetKonnect, Luwang Air, Zoom Air are some other air services in India. Apart from these airlines of all countries land in international Indian airports. If you are choosing to book any of those for international travel you can simply contact to the corresponding airline authority for their luggage regulations.

Airline Luggage Size Restrictions on Indian Flights: Conclusion

This man didn't know airline luggage regulations — The Sad Man – paid extra bucks for excess luggage

The domestic flight fares are almost comparable to a first-class train ticket in India (if you book early). So, if you are traveling through Indian destinations, shifting by flights is the best way especially if you prefer to save a lot of time.

Related Articles You may be interested in:

Note: Not only the baggage sizes, but need need to be aware of the luggage weight also. Once your luggage cross the ideal weight, airlines will charge you extra. So you must follow the rule and include clothes and other accessories selectively in your suitcase to maintain the suggested weight. In case your baggage weight is becoming excess, you can simply divide into 2-3 suitcases; one may be carried by your partner, or even by your kids (mini luggages).

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If you like this article and find it helpful social sharing would be highly appreciated; you can also share your insights in the comment box below.

Suvankar Das

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Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.

Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.

He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!

This Post Has 14 Comments

Cathy Cavarzan October 26, 2020 Reply

This is a very well researched article on what the requirements are if traveling to India and abroad. The airlines now days make it so difficult and confusing to find what the requirements are . We need sites and articles like this that lay it all out without searching. Thank you
1. Dr. SD October 27, 2020 Reply
  
  Than you for your visit here in MTA, and share your insight on this article. It is my delight that, you like the article.
  
  We are working in this area and continue to post more similar articles explaining airlines luggage regulations all over the world.
Autofreak October 27, 2020 Reply

This is highly informative, I am not an Indian and I have no plan to work or live in India. But a book made me fall in love with a few Indian culture. In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the author described Himalaya as one of the coolest places to visit in the world. For this reason, it is part of my tourism wish list.I was surprised that toys that resemble weapons are not allowed in India airline, though I would love to know why.
1. Dr. SD October 28, 2020 Reply
  
  Himalayan region is really a beautiful place to visit. The huge belt of the Himalaya offers you a lot of incredible places that you’ll just fell in love with. I couldn’t describe those here in this article as it is mainly on a different topic explaining the airline’s luggage regulations in the Indian airline, to help travelers who visit India.
  
  We are preparing more articles explaining the beautiful places throughout India.
  
  The description of the monk you have read in the book is absolutely right.
  
  The replica of a weapon may be dangerous sometime to horrify the passengers. To keep calm weather inside flight they do not allow even a toy which is a replica of weapon.
  
  Thank you for your visit here.
Tolu October 27, 2020 Reply

thanks for taking the time to write this informative piece. You did a great work. Though I have not been to India that does not mean what you have written is not useful to me. Going by your description of the place I must surely visit India soon. The keyword when traveling is to travel light. Traveling with excess luggage can put someone at risk. I try as much as possible to travel light either by air, rail or road. thanks for the information of those things a traveler is prohibited to carry along when traveling by air. very useful.

Great piece
1. Dr. SD October 28, 2020 Reply
  
  Thanks for your visit to MTA and your compliments.
  
  Maybe you are not an Indian, but the general baggage regulations are similar to other airlines, may vary a little though. The rules for free baggage allowances are different in other airlines depending on the size of the aircraft.
  
  We are publishing similar articles for other parts of the world too. Another similar content published a few days back is, “Baggage size in airlines – Africa“
  
  If you ever plan to visit African countries, you can take a look.
Chris October 28, 2020 Reply

Great article on what can and can’t be taken onto a Indian plane, as we are planning a trip to the country this summer, and we have never been before.

I was a little surprised to see that liquids/drinks were not included on the danger list, why is this? Most flights have banned drinks being taken on them from the outside these days?
1. Dr. SD October 29, 2020 Reply
  
  Thank you for your visit here in MTA and share your insight.
  
  It is nice that you are visiting India in the summer, but summer is hot in India, so choose hilly places rather than seaside. To get an idea about the best places to visit in India you can keep watching here on this website, a lot of ideas are coming soon. However, for the season of winter, you can check some links for a better idea:
  
  Cola beach in Goa
  
  Things to do in Pondicherry – … >
  
  Liquid or drinks, of course, may be poisoned, which is the a main reason that many airlines do not allow. Besides, people often throw plastic bottles here and there. Indian airlines will serve you purified water in free of cost during your journey.
Abe903 October 28, 2020 Reply

It’s hard to think Everything and anything when we talking about luggage/ baggage. It’s better to make a good plan before your upcoming flight, from your ticket, baggage etc. You need to know much the rules and regulations of that airline that you’re going to avail. the weight of the baggage, how many hand carry are allowed. Its hard to becoming or have an extra/excess baggage at the airport.it takes time and effort to arrange all that. The best way is plan..plan..to your coming flight….
1. Dr. SD October 29, 2020 Reply
  
  Thank you for your visit and post a comment.
  
  Planning before a trip is the best way, you are absolutely right. If you plan accordingly, you can have a hassle free journey.
Abe903 October 29, 2020 Reply

Everything and anything when talking about luggage/baggage in every airport /airline is hard to think because in every airline in airports the world has luggage /baggage rules and regulations. It is better to plan and manage your upcoming flights. Study or think all the rules and regulations of the airline that you’re going to face, from weight or kilos of every baggage. it’s hard to have or becoming excess baggage, they collect you some amount depending on how much your excess. Some others decide to return the extra or excess baggage. So when you do this it takes another extra time and effort. the best way is to take a good plan before your coming to flight….from ticket /baggage and all info of your flight before anything else…
1. Dr. SD October 30, 2020 Reply
  
  Thank you for your visit here in MTA and post a comment.
  You are right, if you don’t reach the airport without proper planning about your luggage, you have to pay extra bucks which are very embarrassing. So the simplicity about the baggage we have created this post, though it is mainly for the tourists or travelers in India. However, we are publishing similar contents on ‘airline baggage regulations’ for many other popular countries.
Achievers October 29, 2020 Reply

Thanks so much for sharing this. It is really essential to have airline regulations because it safeguard the lives of passengers and airline crew from hijackers, or threat by some passengers that may appear dangerous to aircraft. I am not an Indian but I appreciate this. Thanks for the list of items that are allowed and not allowed in boarding an aircraft.
1. Dr. SD October 30, 2020 Reply
  
  Thanks for your visit and sharing the insight.
  
  Though you are not an Indian, the general baggage regulations are almost similar to every airline. So anybody can follow the general rules. But the rule for free baggage allowances is different in many airlines. This article described the baggage allowance details only for Indian flights so that Indian and foreign travelers get a general idea before their trip to India.
  
  However, we are publishing similar articles for other popular nations too.