Air India Baggage Policy: Flying is exciting — until you reach the airport check-in counter and are suddenly weighing luggage or digging clothes out of your suitcase. That’s where knowing Air India’s baggage policy pays off. Whether you’re boarding a domestic flight from Delhi to Bengaluru or jetting off internationally, the rules around what you can carry — and how much — affect your comfort, wallet, and travel experience.

Air India’s policy is shaped by safety regulations, aircraft limitations and fare class distinctions. Recently, the airline shifted to a fare-family model (e.g., Comfort, Comfort Plus, Flex), affecting the free baggage allowances, especially on domestic flights. That’s why understanding the policy in detail helps you avoid surprises, extra fees, or last-minute repacking.

Carry-On (Cabin) Baggage Rules: What You Can Take Onboard

When you think of “carry-on,” imagine the bag you wheel beside you and a small item under the seat.

Allowed Bags

Air India lets each passenger bring:

• 1 piece of carry-on baggage, PLUS

• 1 personal item (like a handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, or small camera bag) — as long as they fit specified size and weight limits.

Size and Weight Limits

• Carry-on bag: Maximum weight varies by travel class

  • Economy/Premium Economy: up to 7 kg (15 lb)

  • Business/First Class: up to 10 kg (22 lb)

  • Bag dimensions should not exceed length 55 cm × width 40 cm × height 20 cm (total approx 115 cm).

• Personal item: Must fit under the seat in front of you and generally weigh up to 3 kg (6 lb). Examples include a laptop, small backpack, purse, umbrella, or travel blanket.

Important Notes

• You may only bring one carry-on bag with you onboard, even if your personal item is small — this is mandated by Indian aviation security rules (BCAS “One Hand Baggage Rule”).

• If your cabin baggage exceeds size or weight limits, you must check it in, and excess fees may apply.

Checked Baggage — Domestic Flights

Checked baggage — the bags you hand over at check-in that go in the aircraft hold — are governed by your fare category and class of travel.

Free Baggage Allowance (FBA)

Air India now operates a menu-based fare family system. That means your free checked baggage depends on the fare you buy: Value, Classic, Flex, or premium classes.

Typical domestic allowances are:

📌 Note: The lowest economy fare buckets like “Comfort” and “Comfort Plus” have had their baggage reduced to 15 kg, aligning Air India with other Indian carriers, like IndiGo and Vistara.

Single-Piece vs Multiple Bags

Domestic allowances are typically weight-based rather than “piece-based.” That means as long as the total weight of your checked luggage doesn’t exceed the allowed kilograms, you can distribute it across one or more bags — provided no single piece weighs more than 32 kg (per safety rules).

Special Cases

• Infants: Usually get a small checked baggage — around 10 kg — plus a collapsible stroller or carrycot.

• Star Alliance Gold members: May receive additional free checked baggage on Air India flights.

Checked Baggage — International Flights

International routes vary more because allowances depend on destination regions and fare type.

Weight vs Piece Concept

Air India uses both systems internationally:

• Piece concept: Common on North America/Europe routes — e.g., 1 or 2 pieces of up to 23 kg each in Economy.

• Weight concept: Used in regions like Asia or Middle East — a total weight (e.g., 25–40 kg) across bags.

For example (indicative figures):

📌 Actual allowances depend on ticketed fare class and route, and may differ by airline partner if on a codeshare. Always check your baggage entitlement on your ticket/boarding pass or via the airline website before flying.

Maximum Dimensions and Weight Per Piece

• No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lb).

• Standard size limits keep total dimensions (L+W+H) per piece at 158 cm (62 inches). Oversize baggage may be charged extra or transported as cargo.

Excess Baggage Charges — When You’ve Packed Too Much

Even with careful packing, sometimes your luggage goes over the limit. Here’s how Air India handles that:

Weight-Based Charges (Domestic)

• Excess baggage costs are charged per kilogram at the check-in counter.

• In India, typical rates are around ₹650 per kg (plus taxes).

Piece-Based Charges (International)

For international travel, excess charges vary by route and whether your flight uses weight or piece concept:

• An additional piece (up to 23 kg) could cost between USD ~200–300 per piece on major long-haul sectors.

• Overweight fees (if a bag is between 23–32 kg) are extra.

Oversized Items

Baggage exceeding the allowed size (e.g., larger than 158 cm or 200-300 cm for special cargo) may not be accepted as checked luggage and might need to go via cargo services — or incur large handling fees.

Pre-Book & Save

Good news: You can pre-book excess baggage online at discounted rates up to several hours before departure — often far cheaper than paying at the airport counter.

Special Items — Music Gear, Sports Equipment, Pets & More

Not all baggage fits neatly into bags.

Sports Equipment & Special Baggage

Air India classifies items like golf clubs, skis, or large musical instruments as special baggage. They count toward your checked allowance, but additional handling charges may apply.

Fragile, Valuable, Oversized Items

If you’re carrying fragile antiques, expensive electronics, or diplomatic mail, Air India often requires you to book an extra seat to accommodate them safely.

Assistive Devices

Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and medical devices are typically transported free of charge, but should be declared ahead of time for safe handling.

Practical Packing Tips & Common Confusions

Here’s the real-world advice seasoned travellers swear by:

Carry-On Realities

• Officially, you get one carry-on and one personal item — but ambiguous signage or staff interpretation sometimes causes disputes at boarding checks. “Two bags” are generally not allowed unless explicitly within the personal item rules.

• Weigh and measure your carry-on at home — airports enforce rules strictly, especially on full flights.

Know Your Fare

Your PNR/booking reference or boarding pass often states your exact baggage allowance. That’s the final word — not general rules or past experiences.

Avoid Packing Prohibited Items

This isn’t an Air India rule per se, but security regulations forbid many items in cabin bags (e.g., flammables, sharp objects). Familiarize yourself with airport rules at your departure city in advance to prevent confiscation.

Conclusion: Baggage Know-How = Stress-Free Travel

Air India’s baggage policy might seem complex at first, but when broken into clear parts — carry-on rules, checked luggage allowances, charges, and special items — it becomes manageable. Following these key guidelines helps you travel with confidence, avoid unexpected fees, and enjoy a smoother journey from check-in to touchdown.

In short:

✔️ Always check your exact baggage entitlement on your ticket or through the airline website.
✔️ Pre-book excess baggage online if you expect larger bags.
✔️ Pack smart — both within the free limits and with room to manage oversize or overweight charges.
✔️ Respect cabin and international baggage size/weight limits — don’t rely on assumptions.

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