Indian Airline Baggage Rules 2026: A Complete Guide for Domestic Flights
Indian airline baggage rules look simple from a distance — "7 kg cabin, 15 kg check-in" — but the reality has more nuance than most travellers realise. Different airlines have different exact limits, dimensional restrictions, paid-baggage policies, and excess-fee structures.
This is the complete 2026 guide to baggage on Indian domestic flights, with a side-by-side comparison of all major carriers, restricted items, special baggage rules, and the smartest ways to avoid excess fees.
Cabin baggage allowance — airline by airline
| Airline | Cabin allowance | Personal item | Max dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo (6E) | 1 piece × 7 kg | 1 (laptop bag/handbag) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Air India (AI) | 1 piece × 8 kg (Y class) | 1 personal item | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Air India Express (IX) | 1 piece × 7 kg | 1 personal item | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Akasa Air (QP) | 1 piece × 7 kg | 1 personal item (3 kg) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| SpiceJet (SG) | 1 piece × 7 kg | 1 (laptop/handbag) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Alliance Air (9I) | 1 piece × 7 kg | 1 personal item | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
Air India is the outlier with 8 kg — an extra 1 kg compared to all LCCs. If you regularly travel with a laptop + clothes for 2-3 days, that 1 kg makes the difference between fitting in cabin or paying excess.
What counts as a "personal item"
Most Indian airlines allow one cabin bag PLUS one of these as a personal item:
- Laptop bag or briefcase
- Small handbag or purse
- Camera bag
- Diaper bag (for travellers with infants — usually unrestricted in count)
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Wheeled cases — even small ones — usually count as cabin bags, not personal items.
Check-in baggage allowance — airline by airline
| Airline | Domestic Y (Economy) | Premium / Business | Excess fee (online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 15 kg | 20-25 kg | ₹500/kg |
| Air India | 15 kg (Y), 25 kg (J) | 25-35 kg (premium) | ₹600/kg |
| Air India Express | 15 kg | 20 kg (Vatra Plus) | ₹500/kg |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg | 20 kg (Akasa Plus) | ₹500/kg |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg | 20 kg (SpiceMax) | ₹600/kg |
| Alliance Air | 15 kg | N/A | ₹500-700/kg |
Excess baggage — airport vs online rates
The fee gap between pre-paying online and paying at the airport is brutal. On most Indian carriers, airport excess is 2-3x the online rate.
| Excess scenario | Pre-paid online (per kg) | Airport drop-off (per kg) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 kg over limit | ₹500-600 | ₹1,200-1,800 | 2x-3x |
| 4-10 kg over limit | ₹500-800 | ₹1,500-2,500 | 2x-3x |
| 10+ kg over limit | Often requires pre-booking | ₹2,000+/kg | 4x+ |
If you know you'll be over — pre-pay online. The savings are routinely ₹1,500-3,000 per checked bag. Most airlines let you add excess up to 4 hours before departure via the booking management page.
Restricted and prohibited items
Cabin only (cannot be checked in)
- Power banks — cabin only. Up to 100 Wh (~27,000 mAh) without approval; 100-160 Wh with airline approval; over 160 Wh prohibited entirely.
- Lithium-ion batteries / spare laptop batteries — cabin only
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices — cabin only (cannot be used or charged on board)
- Cash, jewellery, valuable electronics, important documents — cabin recommended (airlines aren't liable for these in checked baggage)
Check-in only (cannot be in cabin)
- Sharp objects: knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, sporting equipment with sharp edges
- Liquids over 100 ml (subject to international standards)
- Sporting goods: bats, hockey sticks, ski poles
- Tools longer than 7 cm (screwdrivers, wrenches)
Prohibited entirely
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition (without proper documentation)
- Compressed gas cylinders (except medical oxygen with documentation)
- Flammable liquids (petrol, paint thinner)
- Corrosive substances (acids, mercury thermometers)
- Radioactive materials
Special baggage — what to declare in advance
If you're flying with any of these, contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure:
| Item | Approval needed? | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting equipment (bicycle, skis, surfboard) | Yes | ₹1,500-3,000 each way |
| Musical instruments (guitar, sitar, etc.) | Recommended | Standard checked rate |
| Wheelchair (manual) | Free, declared | Free |
| Wheelchair (motorised) | Yes, advance approval | Free if <160 Wh battery |
| Pet (in-cabin) | Yes, advance booking | ₹3,000-5,000 each way |
| Pet (cargo hold) | Yes, advance booking | ₹5,000-10,000 each way |
| Medical equipment | Doctor's note recommended | Free if essential |
What to do if your bag is lost or delayed
About 0.5-1% of checked bags on Indian domestic flights are delayed at arrival. The process:
- File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the arrival airport's baggage counter immediately. Don't leave the airport without one. The PIR number is your tracking key.
- Interim allowance — most airlines provide ₹2,500-5,000 for essential purchases while your bag is delayed. Keep receipts.
- Compensation if lost (after 21 days) — airlines must pay up to ~₹1.13 lakh per passenger under DGCA rules.
- Damaged bag — report at the airport before leaving. Airlines will repair or pay replacement value.
Travel insurance with baggage cover often pays out faster than the airline's process and covers items beyond the airline's per-kg compensation cap.
Tips to avoid baggage trouble
- Weigh your bag at home — a luggage scale costs ₹500 and pays for itself the first time you avoid ₹1,500 in airport excess
- Pre-pay excess baggage online — routinely 50-65% cheaper than airport rate. Add it via "Manage Booking" up to 4 hours before flight.
- Use the personal-item allowance — a laptop bag with extra clothes inside doesn't count toward your 7 kg cabin limit on most carriers
- Distribute weight across multiple bags if you're flying with a partner — the limit is per passenger, so 2 passengers = 30 kg combined
- Book Premium Economy or Business for trips with heavy baggage — the fare premium is often less than 2-3 excess-baggage fees
- Check airline-specific dimensional rules — some 7 kg bags fail the dimension test even when within weight
- Photograph your bag's contents before flying — speeds up insurance/airline claims if it's lost
How baggage rules differ on international flights
- Cabin allowance often 8-10 kg vs 7 kg domestic
- Check-in allowance typically 23-30 kg in economy on long-haul
- Multiple bags allowed on most international economy fares
- Excess fees calculated per piece on most international airlines, not per kg
If you're on a connecting itinerary (domestic + international leg), you typically get the international allowance for the whole journey.
Compare flights including baggage fees
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Search live fares →Frequently asked questions
What is the cabin baggage allowance on Indian domestic flights?
Most Indian carriers (IndiGo, Akasa, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Alliance Air) allow 1 piece up to 7 kg with max dimensions 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Air India is the outlier at 8 kg in economy.
What is the check-in baggage limit on Indian domestic flights in 2026?
Standard economy allowance is 15 kg on all major Indian carriers. Premium economy and business class allowances range from 20 kg to 35 kg.
How much does excess baggage cost on Indian airlines?
Pre-paid online: Rs 500-600 per kg. At the airport: Rs 1,200-2,500 per kg — 2-3x higher. Pre-pay via 'Manage Booking' up to 4 hours before flight to save.
Can I carry a power bank in checked baggage?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in cabin only. Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100-160 Wh requires airline approval; over 160 Wh prohibited.
What if my checked bag is lost or delayed?
File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at arrival airport before leaving. Interim allowance Rs 2,500-5,000 for essentials. Compensation up to ~Rs 1.13 lakh if officially declared lost after 21 days.
Do I need to declare a musical instrument in advance?
Recommended. While not always required, declaring 48 hours ahead lets the airline plan space. Counts as standard checked baggage if it fits dimensional limits.
Can I take liquids in cabin baggage?
Yes, with limits. Containers up to 100 ml each, fitting in a single transparent zip-lock bag of 1 litre capacity. Larger containers must go in checked baggage.
Are baggage rules different for international flights?
Yes. International economy typically allows 8-10 kg cabin, 23-30 kg check-in (often multiple pieces). Connecting domestic+international itineraries usually get the international allowance.
Can I share my baggage allowance with another passenger?
On most Indian carriers, no — allowance is per passenger. However, you can pool weight at check-in (one bag at 12 kg, another at 18 kg) as long as total is within combined limit.
What's the cheapest way to fly with extra baggage?
Pre-pay excess online (50-65% cheaper than airport rate). For frequent excess, consider Premium Economy or Business fares — the premium is often less than 2-3 excess fees per round trip.