Airport Baggage Rules in India 2026: Cabin & Check-in Baggage Allowance Guide

Airport baggage rules in India can feel confusing because cabin baggage, checked-in baggage, airline weight limits and airport security restrictions are not the same thing. The allowance printed on your ticket is the starting point, while the airline’s latest restricted-items policy decides what can safely travel in each bag.

This updated 2026 guide explains how to check your baggage allowance, what to pack in cabin and check-in bags, how power-bank and liquid rules work, and what to do if your bag is overweight or delayed. Rules can differ by airline, route, fare family, aircraft and connecting carrier, so always verify your own booking before leaving for the airport.

1. Cabin baggage vs checked-in baggage: what is the difference?

Cabin baggage (also called hand baggage or carry-on baggage) stays with you in the aircraft cabin. It must fit within the airline’s size and weight limits and pass security screening. Checked-in baggage is handed over at the airline counter or bag drop, tagged to your journey and carried in the aircraft hold. You collect it at the baggage belt after landing.

Do not assume that an item allowed in checked baggage is also allowed in the cabin. Sharp objects, for example, may be accepted in checked baggage but refused at the security checkpoint in hand baggage. Conversely, spare lithium batteries and power banks generally need to stay with you in the cabin and must not be packed in checked baggage.

2. How much cabin baggage can you carry on an Indian flight?

There is no single weight allowance that applies to every airline and every ticket. The airline, cabin class, fare type and operating carrier determine your free allowance. As examples, Air India currently lists up to 7 kg for Economy and Premium Economy and up to 10 kg for First and Business Class, with a maximum cabin-bag size of 55 × 40 × 20 cm (total dimensions 115 cm). IndiGo lists one cabin bag up to 7 kg and maximum dimensions of 55 × 35 × 25 cm (total 115 cm).

Airline example	Cabin allowance shown by airline	Maximum dimensions
Air India	Economy / Premium Economy: 7 kg; First / Business: 10 kg	55 × 40 × 20 cm; total 115 cm
IndiGo	One cabin bag up to 7 kg	55 × 35 × 25 cm; total 115 cm

These are airline examples, not a guarantee for every booking. Check your e-ticket and the operating airline’s baggage page, especially on codeshare or multi-airline journeys. Handles, wheels and side pockets may count towards the bag’s dimensions. If your bag is over the free limit, the airline may ask you to check it in or pay an excess-baggage charge.

3. Checked-in baggage allowance: do not rely on a generic 15 kg rule

Checked baggage is often shown as a weight allowance (for example, 15 kg, 20 kg or 25 kg) or as a piece allowance (for example, one or two bags with a maximum weight per piece). Your allowance can change with the fare family, route, cabin class, frequent-flyer status and ticket conditions.

For example, Air India’s published domestic table shows different Economy allowances for Value, Classic and Flex fares, and separate limits for Premium Economy and Business. Its published checked-baggage page also explains that the table applies to Air India-operated flights and may not apply to Air India Express or codeshare flights. This is why the allowance on your actual ticket is more reliable than a general online chart.

Before packing, open your booking confirmation or manage-booking page and look for “Baggage allowance”. Check both the total weight and any per-piece size or weight cap. If your itinerary has separate tickets, different airlines or a self-transfer, do not assume that the first airline’s allowance will carry over to the next flight.

4. Power banks and spare batteries: keep them in your cabin bag

Power banks and spare lithium batteries are a common reason for baggage repacking at the airport. They should not be placed in checked-in baggage. Keep them in your hand baggage, protect exposed terminals against short circuits and follow the battery-capacity limit set by your airline.

• Air India’s published guidance allows a maximum of two power banks per passenger, each up to 100 Wh, in hand baggage only. Its guidance says power banks must not be placed in checked baggage and must not be stowed in overhead bins.
• IndiGo also says power banks and spare/loose lithium batteries must be in hand baggage, kept within the passenger’s reach and not placed in checked baggage or overhead compartments. Its current policy gives additional capacity conditions, so check the airline page before travel.
• Do not use or recharge a power bank during the flight unless the operating airline explicitly confirms that it is permitted. Follow crew instructions at all times.

Important 2026 safety notice: Air India’s restricted-baggage page states that the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank is prohibited from carriage in cabin and checked baggage on flights to, from or within India. If you own this exact model, do not take it to the airport.

5. Liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage

For many departures from Indian airports, cabin liquids, aerosols and gels are subject to security screening limits. Air India’s published guidance says each container must be 100 ml or less and that containers should fit in one transparent, resealable 1-litre bag. A container larger than 100 ml may be refused even if it is only partly full.

Common examples include shampoo, lotion, perfume, toothpaste, creams, gels, sprays and drinks. Pack larger toiletries in checked baggage where permitted. Keep medicines, medically necessary liquids, baby food and special dietary items separate and ready to explain or present for inspection; supporting documentation may be useful. Airport and airline screening decisions still apply.

Duty-free liquids and international connections can have additional conditions. Keep the purchase receipt and security tamper-evident bag intact when required, and check the transit airport’s rules before opening the sealed bag.

6. What should go in cabin baggage and what should go in checked baggage?

Item	Practical packing guidance
Passport, visa, cash, jewellery and essential documents	Keep with you in cabin baggage or on your person.
Power bank and spare lithium batteries	Cabin baggage only; protect terminals and follow capacity limits.
Laptop, tablet and phone	Prefer cabin baggage; follow the airline’s battery and screening rules.
Liquids and toiletries	Cabin: follow container and transparent-bag limits. Larger permitted bottles: pack in checked baggage.
Knives, scissors and sharp tools	Do not pack in cabin baggage; check whether the specific item is allowed in checked baggage.
Fragile or valuable items	Carry in cabin baggage where permitted; checked baggage may be handled roughly.
Medication needed during the journey	Keep accessible in cabin baggage and carry prescription or supporting documents when relevant.

This is a planning guide, not an exhaustive prohibited-items list. Some items are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage. Check the airline’s restricted-items list and airport security instructions for unusual, battery-powered, medical or specialist equipment.

7. Items that may be refused at airport security

Weapons, explosives, flammable substances, corrosive chemicals and other dangerous goods are subject to strict restrictions. Sharp items such as knives, blades and many scissors are not accepted in cabin baggage. Toy or replica weapons can also cause problems because they may look like real weapons. Do not pack a questionable item and hope to explain it at the checkpoint.

For a detailed item-by-item check, use the airline’s official restricted-baggage page. Air India publishes guidance covering batteries, aerosols, sharp objects, tools, sports equipment, medical supplies and other categories. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) also publishes passenger guidance on permitted and prohibited items and security screening.

8. International arrival in India: customs baggage rules are different

Do not confuse an airline’s baggage weight allowance with India’s customs duty-free allowance. The airline decides how much baggage you may check in or take into the cabin. Customs rules decide what goods you may bring into India and whether you must declare them or pay duty.

The Government of India notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, along with the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and a master circular, on 2 February 2026. These rules address matters such as passenger declarations, general free allowance and certain special categories. They do not mean that an airline will accept an unlimited-weight suitcase. For current customs limits and exceptions, consult the official government notification and declaration guidance before arrival.

9. What happens if your baggage is overweight?

If your bag exceeds the free allowance, the airline may charge an excess-baggage fee, ask you to move items between bags or require the bag to be checked in. Fees vary by airline, route, airport, timing and purchase channel. Buying additional baggage online before departure may be cheaper than paying at the airport, but compare the terms shown for your specific booking.

Do not move a power bank or spare battery into checked baggage just to reduce cabin-bag weight. Instead, remove non-essential items, redistribute permitted items within the airline’s limits, or purchase extra baggage in advance.

10. Lost, delayed or damaged baggage: what to do

If your checked bag does not arrive, is damaged or appears to have been opened, contact the airline’s baggage-service desk before leaving the arrival area. Keep your baggage tag, boarding pass and booking details. Ask the airline to create a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or the equivalent case reference and note the delivery or claim process.

Photograph visible damage and keep receipts for reasonable essential purchases if the airline asks for them. For international journeys, liability and claim deadlines may be governed by applicable international conventions and the airline’s conditions of carriage. Report the issue promptly and follow the airline’s written instructions; do not assume that every claim has the same deadline or compensation amount.

11. Airport baggage checklist before you leave home

• Check the baggage allowance on the ticket and confirm the operating airline.
• Weigh your cabin and checked bags at home; measure the cabin bag including wheels and handles.
• Keep your passport, medication, valuables and travel documents accessible.
• Move power banks and spare lithium batteries to cabin baggage and protect their terminals.
• Pack cabin liquids in compliant containers and keep them ready for screening.
• Remove sharp objects and prohibited items from hand baggage.
• Label checked bags inside and outside with your name and contact details.
• Keep the baggage tag until you have collected your bag and checked it for damage.

Frequently asked questions

How many kg of cabin baggage is allowed on domestic flights in India?

It depends on the airline and fare. For example, Air India lists 7 kg in Economy and Premium Economy and 10 kg in First and Business; IndiGo lists one cabin bag up to 7 kg. Check the allowance on your own ticket.

Can I carry two bags in the cabin?

Airline and security rules generally limit the main hand-baggage allowance, although some airlines permit a small personal item in addition. Check the exact size, weight and number-of-pieces rules for your carrier and fare.

Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?

No. Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage, protect them against short circuits and follow the operating airline’s capacity and handling restrictions.

Are liquids above 100 ml allowed in cabin baggage?

Ordinary cabin liquids are generally subject to a 100 ml-per-container screening limit at Indian airports. Medical, infant-food and special-dietary exceptions may apply after inspection. Check the airport and airline guidance for your journey.

Is the baggage allowance the same on every airline?

No. It can vary by airline, route, fare family, cabin class, operating carrier and ticket conditions. Always use the allowance shown in your booking.

Do India’s 2026 Customs Baggage Rules change my flight baggage weight?

No. Customs rules concern goods brought into India and duty/declaration requirements. Your airline’s baggage allowance separately controls the weight, size and number of bags accepted for the flight.

Official sources and further reading

• Air India – Cabin baggage allowance
• Air India – Checked baggage allowance
• Air India – Restricted and prohibited baggage
• IndiGo – Cabin baggage rules
• IndiGo – Baggage policy and restricted items
• BCAS – Passenger security FAQs
• Press Information Bureau – Baggage Rules, 2026 announcement

Last reviewed: 6 November 2026. Airline policies and security instructions can change. Recheck the official rules close to departure and follow airport security and crew directions.