Booked an Air India flight and not sure how much luggage you can actually carry? You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the complete Air India baggage policy for 2026 — cabin baggage, checked baggage allowance, excess baggage fees, and the special rules for power banks, sports gear, and infants. Everything here is drawn from Air India’s official baggage guidelines, so you can pack with confidence and skip the surprise charges at the counter.
Air India uses two different systems depending on where you fly: the weight concept (counting total kilograms) for most domestic and international routes, and the piece concept (counting bags) for travel to and from North America. Knowing which one applies to your ticket is the single biggest thing that saves you money.
Air India Cabin Baggage Allowance
Your Air India cabin baggage allowance depends on your travel class. Across the entire network, you’re allowed one piece of hand baggage plus one personal item.
| Travel Class | Cabin Baggage Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Economy & Premium Economy | Up to 7 kg (15 lb) | 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm |
| Business & First Class | Up to 10 kg (22 lb) | 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm |
The maximum cabin bag size is 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches), and that measurement includes handles, pockets, and wheels. A bag even slightly over the limit may be tagged for the hold at the gate.
The One Hand Baggage Rule
This trips up a lot of travelers. Under India’s security regulations (BCAS “One Hand Baggage Rule”), you may carry only one piece of hand baggage — regardless of your class or frequent flyer status, on both domestic and international flights. Bring a second carry-on and it gets checked into the hold, with or without your consent.
Your Personal Item
In addition to your cabin bag, you can carry one personal item — a laptop bag, handbag, briefcase, or small backpack — as long as it fits under the seat in front of you and weighs no more than 3 kg. The personal item should not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. Anything larger gets counted as your main cabin bag.
Air India Checked Baggage Allowance
The Air India checked baggage allowance varies by fare family, route, and travel class. The single most important rule across the whole network: no individual bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lb) — this is a safety limit for baggage handlers and applies everywhere.
Domestic Checked Baggage (Within India)
Domestic allowance is tied to your fare family:
- Lower fares (Comfort/Value type): 15 kg, one piece
- Higher fares (Flex type): 25 kg, two pieces
- Business Class: 25–35 kg
A useful detail from Air India’s rules: passengers with a free baggage allowance under 25 kg get one piece, while those with 25 kg or more get two pieces. Any bag beyond your free allowance attracts excess charges.
International Checked Baggage (Weight Concept Routes)
For most international destinations outside North America, Air India applies the weight concept:
- Economy: 23–25 kg (one or two pieces depending on route)
- Business Class: 2 pieces x 32 kg
- First Class: 2 pieces x 32 kg
International Checked Baggage (Piece Concept — USA & Canada)
Flights to and from the USA and Canada follow the piece concept, counting bags rather than total weight:
- Economy: 2 pieces x 23 kg (50 lb) each
- Business Class: 2 pieces x 32 kg (70 lb) each
- First Class: 2–3 pieces x 32 kg (70 lb) each
If you’re flying a domestic Air India sector connecting to an international flight on the same ticket, the international allowance applies to your whole journey — a handy way to carry more on the India leg.
Air India Excess Baggage Fees
Going over your free baggage allowance means paying excess baggage charges. Rates vary by route, so always check your specific sector, but here’s the general picture:
- Domestic: roughly ₹600 per kg plus GST over the limit
- International (weight concept): around USD 10–55 per kg depending on destination
- International overweight bag (23–32 kg): approx. USD 130 on India–US/UK routes
- Extra piece: approx. USD 240 on long-haul routes
The golden rule: pre-book excess baggage online. Buying extra allowance before you reach the airport — ideally several hours ahead of departure — can be up to 20% cheaper than counter rates. You can add it through Manage Booking on Air India’s website or app.
Power Banks, Batteries & Restricted Items
Air India follows DGCA and international safety rules on lithium batteries:
- Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only — never in checked luggage.
- Power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed; 100–160 Wh need airline approval; over 160 Wh is prohibited.
- Lithium battery-powered self-balancing devices (hoverboards) are banned from cabin baggage.
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less, inside a clear resealable bag.
- Sharp objects, flammable substances, and explosives are prohibited in the cabin.
Essential medication is allowed in cabin baggage regardless of liquid limits, provided you carry the prescription or doctor’s note.
Special & Sports Baggage
Travelling with gear? Air India accepts sports equipment and musical instruments as part of your free baggage allowance, though special handling fees may apply.
- Sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles, cricket and archery kits) — accepted as checked baggage; max 32 kg and 300 cm total dimensions per item. Items beyond this go as cargo.
- Small musical instruments (violins) — can travel in the cabin if they fit overhead.
- Large instruments (cellos, double bass) — require an extra seat (CBBG) or must be checked.
Inform Air India at booking or at least 24–48 hours before departure when carrying special baggage so handling can be arranged.
Infant Baggage Allowance
Infants under 2 years travelling on a lap are entitled to one piece of checked baggage up to 10 kg, plus one collapsible stroller, carrycot, or infant car seat free of charge. You can also bring baby essentials like formula and feeding bottles in the cabin.
Maharaja Club & Star Alliance Extra Allowance
Air India’s frequent flyers earn extra baggage based on their tier:
- Silver members: additional allowance on Air India-operated flights only.
- Gold & Platinum members (Star Gold): additional allowance on Air India and Star Alliance flights — typically +20 kg on weight-concept routes or +1 piece on piece-concept routes.
Note that the one-hand-baggage cabin rule still applies regardless of your membership status.
Quick Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
A few minutes of prep saves real money:
- Weigh your bags at home — a digital luggage scale pays for itself in one trip.
- Pre-book excess online rather than at the counter.
- Pack valuables, electronics, medication, and documents in the cabin.
- Check your exact fare family allowance on your ticket — fare type, not class, often decides your weight.
- Verify your bag’s real dimensions, including wheels, against the 55 cm hard limit.
For comparison with other carriers and route-specific details, our airline baggage policies hub covers dozens of airlines, and you can cross-check the most current figures on Air India’s official baggage guidelines page. Lithium battery and power bank rules are governed by the DGCA, India’s civil aviation regulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much baggage is allowed on Air India?
Economy passengers carry 7 kg cabin plus checked allowance of 15–25 kg domestic or 23–25 kg international, while Business and First Class get 10–12 kg cabin and up to 2 x 32 kg checked.
Can I carry two hand bags on Air India?
No. Air India allows only one cabin bag plus one personal item under 3 kg, as mandated by Indian security rules.
Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?
No. Power banks must travel in your cabin baggage only and are never permitted in checked luggage.
What is the maximum weight for a single Air India bag?
No single piece of baggage may exceed 32 kg (70 lb) anywhere on the Air India network.
Is excess baggage cheaper online?
Yes. Pre-booking extra baggage through Manage Booking before departure can be up to 20% cheaper than airport counter rates.
