You are packing to fly with Air India, but you are not sure what is their luggage allowance?
Don’t worry, many travelers find Air India baggage policy slightly confusing, especially when it comes to international and connecting flights.
This post looks at Air India luggage allowance, their limits, how rigorously they enforce carry-on limits and the consequences if your bag is slightly oversized.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- One carry-on bag allowed (22 x 16 x 8 in / 55 x 40 x 20 cm).
- Carry-on weight limit: 8 kg (18 lb).
- One personal item allowed that must fit under the seat.
- Domestic checked baggage: First 40 kg, Business 35 kg, Economy 25 kg, Infants 10 kg, Alliance Air 15 kg (10 kg for Shimla/Kullu routes).
- International checked baggage: First/Business 32 kg (70 lb) per piece, max 62 in / 158 cm; Economy 23 kg (50 lb) per piece, two pieces total 107 in (273 cm) combined.
- Excess baggage fee: INR 500 + GST per kg on domestic flights; international rates vary by route.
- Prohibited in hand luggage: sharp objects, sporting goods, firearms, tools, and self-defense items.
- Air India is generally strict with size and weight limits; oversized or overweight bags may incur extra fees.
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Air India Hand Baggage Allowance
What is allowed in hand luggage on Air India?
Each passenger is allowed to have one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a laptop bag, small backpack, or handbag, with the following size and weight:
- Carry-on dimensions: 22 in x 16 in x 8 in / 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (length + width + height)
- Carry-on weight: 18 lb / 8 kg
The personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
Domestic Baggage Allowance
If you exceed Air India’s free baggage allowance, an extra charge for excess baggage will apply.
For domestic flights within India, the excess baggage rate is INR 500 plus applicable GST per kg.
Excess baggage rates are provided in USD, and hence rates would be applicable in USD or its equivalent in local currency.
GST rates will be applicable on the value reflected on all Excess Baggage tickets (EBTs) issued in India, except from the exempted airports.
Air India Checked Baggage Allowances
Air India Domestic Baggage Allowance
| Cabin class/Flight | Baggage allowance |
|---|---|
| First Class | 40Kgs. |
| Business Class | 35Kgs. |
| Economy Class | 25Kgs. |
| Infants in all classes | 10Kgs. |
| Alliance Air flights ( except Shimla/Kullu) ( Aircraft types – ATR)* | 15Kgs. |
| Alliance Air flights to/from Shimla / Kullu* | 10Kgs. |
Air India General International Baggage Allowance
Air India Checked Baggage Size
Baggage Dimensions for First and Business
The total of the three dimensions (length + height + width) must not exceed 62 inches or 158 centimeters for each piece.
The maximum weight permissible for a single piece of baggage is 32 kgs or 70 pounds.
Baggage Dimensions for Economy
For Economy passengers with two pieces of luggage, the total combined dimensions (length + breadth + height) of both pieces should not exceed 273 cm (107 inches). Also, the linear dimension of each piece should not exceed 62 inches.
The weight of each bag must not exceed 23 kgs or 50 pounds.
Air India Baggage Restrictions
Air India provides a list of items that you are not allowed to carry onboard its airplanes. Therefore, while traveling, you need to avoid carrying some of these items with you:
Items Which Cannot Be Carried In Hand Baggage
- Personal Items
- Sharp Objects
- Sporting Goods
- Guns and Firearms
- Tools
- Martial Arts/Self-Defense Items
Final Thoughts
There is a high chance that your luggage size and weight will be checked at the airport. Therefore, it is better to stay within the airline carry-on size and weight requirements.
If you choose to take the risk with a late or heavy carry-on bag, you may end up paying significant luggage fees.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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