Quick Facts: Luggage Allowance on Indian Domestic Flights (2026)
- Air India (Economy domestic): 25 kg free checked + 7 kg cabin
- IndiGo (Economy): 15 kg free (most fares) + 7 kg cabin
- SpiceJet (Economy): 15 kg free (most fares) + 7 kg cabin
- Akasa Air (Economy): 15 kg free + 7 kg cabin
- Cabin bag limit: 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm (BCAS one-bag policy, May 2024)
- IndiGo cabin size: 55×40×20 cm
- Airport excess fee: ~₹500–700/kg (pre-purchase online is far cheaper)
- Infant checked bag: 10 kg (most airlines)
Table of Contents
Checked Baggage Allowances by Airline
| Airline | Economy Free Checked | Business Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 25 kg | 35 kg | Most generous domestic carrier; good for heavy luggage |
| IndiGo | 15 kg (most fares) | N/A (domestic) | Some budget fares: 0 kg free; check at booking |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg (most fares) | N/A (domestic) | Varies by fare; check SpiceMax fares for more |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg | N/A (domestic) | Consistent 15 kg free across most Economy fares |
| Air India Express | 15 kg | N/A | Budget arm of Air India; less generous than full Air India |
Air India Is Best for Heavy Luggage. Air India's 25 kg free checked baggage allowance is 10 kg more than budget carriers. Over a year of regular domestic travel (say 24 flights), this can save you ₹80,000–1,20,000 in excess baggage fees compared to IndiGo or SpiceJet. For frequent travelers with heavy bags, Air India's slightly higher ticket prices often work out cheaper overall.
Cabin Baggage Allowances (2026)
| Airline | Max Weight | Max Dimensions | Personal Item? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 7 kg (dom) / 8 kg (intl) | 55×35×25 cm | Usually yes |
| IndiGo | 7 kg | 55×40×20 cm | At discretion |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | At discretion |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | At discretion |
| Air India Express | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | At discretion |
See full details: Hand Baggage Allowance in India: 7 kg Rule, Size Limits & Airline Guide.
BCAS One-Cabin-Bag Policy (May 2024)
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) mandated a one-cabin-bag policy for all domestic passengers effective May 2024:
- Maximum one cabin bag per domestic passenger
- Maximum 7 kg weight for the cabin bag
- Must fit within airline's specified dimensions
- A small personal item (laptop bag, small handbag) may be allowed at airline discretion but is not guaranteed
Gate-Checking Costs More. If your cabin bag is overweight or oversized, it will be gate-checked. Airport excess baggage rates are ₹500–700 per kg — 3–5x more than pre-purchasing online. See: What Happens If Cabin Bag Is Just 1 Inch Too Big?
Excess Baggage Fees on Indian Domestic Flights
| Airline | Online Pre-Purchase (per kg) | Airport Rate (per kg) |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ~₹400–600 | ~₹500–700 |
| SpiceJet | ~₹350–550 | ~₹450–650 |
| Air India | ~₹300–500 | ~₹400–600 |
| Akasa Air | ~₹350–500 | ~₹450–600 |
Always pre-purchase extra checked baggage online. Airport rates are never better than online rates and are often significantly higher. Buy extra baggage at the time of booking or at least 24 hours before travel for maximum savings.
Infant & Child Baggage Allowances
| Passenger Type | Free Checked Bag | Cabin Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (under 2 years, lap) | 10 kg (most airlines) | None (on parent's lap) |
| Child (2–11 years, own seat) | Same as adult (15–25 kg) | 7 kg (same as adult) |
| Child 12+ (own seat) | Same as adult | 7 kg (same as adult) |
Infant baggage perks: Many airlines also allow a stroller/pram to be checked in free for infants, in addition to the 10 kg baggage. Check your specific airline's infant policy at booking.
Special Items — Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments
Special items that cannot fit in standard baggage must be handled separately:
- Sports equipment (badminton rackets, cricket bats, golf clubs) — must be checked in; counts toward or in addition to standard allowance depending on airline
- Musical instruments — small instruments can be carried in cabin as personal items; large instruments require a separate seat booking or checked in as oversized baggage
- Bicycles — must be checked in as oversized baggage; advance notice required; additional fees apply
- Surfboards and skis — oversized baggage; advance notice and fees
See: Badminton Racket on a Flight in India.
How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees on Indian Domestic Flights
- Pre-purchase extra checked baggage online at the time of booking — this is 3–5x cheaper than airport rates
- Use Air India for trips with heavy luggage — 25 kg free (vs 15 kg on budget carriers) means Air India's often higher ticket prices work out cheaper overall
- Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes to the airport — coats, jackets, and footwear are not weighed
- Pack to 14 kg not 15 kg — airport scales sometimes read 200–300g heavier than home scales; a 1 kg buffer prevents disputes
- Distribute weight across family members — each adult has their own 15–25 kg allowance; redistribute legally between bags
- Ship heavy items ahead — courier services like Delhivery, DTDC, or Blue Dart can be cheaper than airline excess baggage fees for large quantities
Full Airline Domestic Baggage Comparison 2026
| Airline | Free Checked (Economy) | Cabin Bag | Cabin Dimensions | Airport Excess/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 25 kg | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | ~₹400–600 |
| IndiGo | 15 kg | 7 kg | 55×40×20 cm | ~₹500–700 |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | ~₹450–650 |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | ~₹450–600 |
| Air India Express | 15 kg | 7 kg | 55×35×25 cm | ~₹400–600 |
Pro Tips: Maximising Your Baggage Allowance on Indian Domestic Flights
- Book Air India for heavy luggage trips. The 25 kg free allowance vs 15 kg on budget carriers is a 10 kg difference. At ₹500/kg excess rate on IndiGo, this saves ₹5,000 per round trip on a well-loaded bag.
- Pre-purchase extra baggage at booking, not later. Excess baggage prices increase the closer you get to departure. At booking you get the best rate. The day before departure, prices are higher. At the airport, rates are highest.
- Check your fare type carefully on IndiGo. IndiGo's cheapest "Super Saver" fares on some routes include zero free checked baggage. Read the baggage section carefully before assuming 15 kg is included.
- Use the 14 kg rule for checked bags. Always aim to pack to 14 kg on a 15 kg allowance. Airport scales can be 200–500g heavier than your home scale. This one-kilo buffer regularly saves the ₹500–700 excess charge.
- Keep valuables and essentials in your cabin bag always. Even if your checked bag gets delayed or lost, your laptop, phone, documents, medication, and money are with you. See: Will Airlines Deliver Lost Luggage in India?
- For frequent domestic travel, get an airline credit card. Cards like the IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card or Air India SBI Card offer extra baggage allowance as a benefit, reducing excess fees over time.
- Know that power banks must be in cabin baggage. Power banks (portable chargers) are prohibited in checked baggage and must be in your cabin bag. This non-negotiable point can affect how you distribute weight between bags.
- For OCI/NRI returning visitors with heavy luggage, choose Air India. Air India's 25 kg allowance plus their international connections (often arriving at Indian airports) means less re-checking and lower total baggage costs than connecting through a budget carrier.
Related Articles
- Hand Baggage Allowance in India: 7 kg Rule, Size Limits & Airline Guide — Full cabin bag rules.
- What Happens If Cabin Bag Is Just 1 Inch Too Big? — Gate-check fees and enforcement.
- Will Airlines Deliver Lost Luggage in India? — Lost baggage recovery guide.
- Domestic Airlines in India: Websites & Baggage — All airlines with direct links.
- Badminton Racket on a Flight in India — Sports equipment rules.
- FAQs on India Baggage Rules 2026 — Comprehensive Q&A.
Official External Resources
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) — Official BCAS guidelines on the one-cabin-bag policy and domestic baggage rules for all Indian airlines.
- DGCA Passenger FAQ — Official DGCA guidance on passenger rights, baggage allowances, and excess baggage regulations in India.
- IndiGo Baggage Allowance Policy — IndiGo's official checked and cabin baggage allowance for domestic and international routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much luggage is allowed on domestic flights in India?
Air India: 25 kg checked + 7 kg cabin. IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air: 15 kg checked + 7 kg cabin (most Economy fares). Cabin bag maximum is 7 kg under BCAS policy.
What is the cabin baggage limit on IndiGo domestic flights?
One cabin bag, max 7 kg, dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm including handles and wheels. Bags above 7 kg or oversized will be gate-checked at airport rates (₹500–700/kg).
How much free checked baggage does Air India give on domestic flights?
25 kg free checked baggage per adult on most domestic Economy routes. Business Class: 35 kg. Infants: 10 kg. Air India has the most generous domestic allowance of any Indian carrier.
What is the excess baggage fee on Indian domestic flights?
₹500–700 per kg at airport on budget carriers. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online costs ₹300–600 per kg — significantly cheaper. Always pre-purchase to avoid airport rates.
Can I carry two bags as cabin baggage on Indian domestic flights?
No. The BCAS one-cabin-bag policy (May 2024) restricts you to one cabin bag of max 7 kg. A small personal item may be allowed at airline discretion but is not guaranteed.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees on Indian domestic flights?
Pre-purchase extra baggage online (3–5x cheaper than airport), use Air India for heavy luggage (25 kg free), wear heavy clothes to the airport, pack to 14 kg not 15 kg, and distribute weight across family members.
What is the baggage allowance for infants on Indian domestic flights?
Most airlines provide 10 kg free checked baggage for infants (under 2 years). Infants on laps have no cabin bag allowance of their own. Children with their own seats get the same allowance as adults.
What items are not counted in baggage weight on Indian domestic flights?
Items often excluded from baggage weight: mobility aids (wheelchairs), approved infant items, child safety seats, and some medical devices. Coats/jackets worn to the airport are not weighed. Check with your airline for their specific exemptions.
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