Air India Carry-On Baggage Allowance: 7 kg, Size & Handbag Rules

Updated: April 12, 2026

Air India Carry-On Baggage Allowance: 7 kg, Size & Handbag Rules

Air India allows one main carry-on bag plus one small personal item on both domestic and international flights. Economy and Premium Economy passengers may carry a main cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg, while Business and First Class passengers may carry up to 10 kg.


The main bag must not exceed 55 × 40 × 20 cm, with total dimensions of no more than 115 cm. In addition, Air India currently allows one small personal item weighing up to 3 kg, such as a ladies' handbag, purse, laptop bag or small camera bag, provided it fits under the seat and meets the applicable size limit.


If your cabin bag is overweight, oversized or you bring an extra full-sized carry-on, Air India can require it to be checked. If this causes you to exceed your checked-baggage allowance or applicable size limits, additional charges can apply.

Quick answer: Air India Economy and Premium Economy = 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg + 1 personal item up to 3 kg. Business and First = 1 cabin bag up to 10 kg + 1 personal item up to 3 kg. Main carry-on size is 55 × 40 × 20 cm. The personal item must generally stay within 40 × 30 × 20 cm and fit under the seat.

Table of Contents

Air India carry-on baggage allowance showing 7 kg and cabin bag rules

Air India Carry-On Allowance at a Glance

Class Main Carry-On Main Bag Size Additional Personal Item
Economy 1 bag up to 7 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm 1 item up to 3 kg
Premium Economy 1 bag up to 7 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm 1 item up to 3 kg
Business 1 bag up to 10 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm 1 item up to 3 kg
First 1 bag up to 10 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm 1 item up to 3 kg

The main carry-on bag must also stay within a total of 115 cm when length, width and height are added together.

This applies to both domestic and international Air India flights and is not increased by Maharaja Club or Star Alliance frequent-flyer status.

Does Air India's 7 kg Carry-On Limit Include Your Handbag?

No. Air India's current policy treats the small personal item as an additional allowance.

In Economy or Premium Economy, you can generally have:

  • One main cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg, plus
  • One qualifying personal item weighing up to 3 kg.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and meet the applicable dimensions.

Example: A 7 kg roller carry-on plus a 2 kg laptop bag can fit within Air India's published cabin policy, provided both meet their respective size requirements and contain permitted items.

Air India Economy and Premium Economy Carry-On Allowance

Economy and Premium Economy passengers receive:

  • 1 main carry-on bag
  • Maximum weight: 7 kg / 15 lb
  • Maximum size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
  • Total dimensions: maximum 115 cm
  • Plus one personal item up to 3 kg

This applies whether your flight is domestic or international.

Air India Business and First Class Carry-On Allowance

Business and First Class passengers receive a higher main cabin-baggage weight allowance:

  • 1 main carry-on bag
  • Maximum weight: 10 kg / 22 lb
  • Maximum size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
  • Total dimensions: maximum 115 cm
  • Plus one personal item up to 3 kg

The additional Business/First allowance is weight, not a second full-size cabin bag. Air India's one-main-carry-on rule still applies.

What Is the Air India Carry-On Size Limit?

The current maximum dimensions for the main cabin bag are:

55 cm × 40 cm × 20 cm

or approximately:

21 × 15 × 7 inches

Total linear dimensions must not exceed 115 cm / 45 inches.

When measuring your bag, include:

  • Wheels
  • Handles
  • Side pockets
  • External frames
  • Anything sticking out of the bag

A bag advertised as “cabin size” is not automatically Air India compliant. Some popular carry-on suitcases are deeper than Air India's published 20 cm limit.

See What If My Carry-On Bag Is Slightly Bigger?.

What Counts as a Personal Item on Air India?

Air India allows one additional small personal item weighing no more than 3 kg / 6 lb, provided it fits under the seat in front of you.

Air India's current examples include:

  • Ladies' handbag
  • Purse
  • Small waist pouch
  • Laptop or notebook in a bag
  • Camera or camera bag
  • Binoculars
  • Overcoat or wrap
  • Rug or blanket
  • Folding umbrella
  • Required onboard medicines
  • Reasonable amount of reading material
  • A small amount of permitted duty-free goods

Personal Item Size

For the small bags marked by Air India as personal items, the current maximum dimensions are:

40 × 30 × 20 cm

with total dimensions not exceeding 90 cm.

If the personal item is too large, Air India can count it as your main cabin bag. You may then need to check either that item or your original carry-on.

Can You Carry Two Bags on an Air India Flight?

Yes, if by “two bags” you mean one full-size cabin bag plus one qualifying personal item.

You cannot normally bring:

  • One full-size roller bag, plus
  • A second full-size backpack or trolley bag

and treat both as cabin baggage.

The second item must qualify as the smaller additional personal item.

See Can You Bring 2 Carry-On Bags in India?.

What Happens If Your Air India Carry-On Is More Than 7 kg?

Air India can require an overweight or oversized cabin bag to be checked in.

The airline's current policy says that carry-on baggage beyond the permitted:

  • Weight
  • Size
  • Number of pieces

must be checked.

Whether you then pay an additional charge depends on your overall checked-baggage entitlement and the applicable baggage conditions.

Do not assume that paying a fee lets you keep a 9 kg or 12 kg Economy cabin bag onboard. Air India can require the bag to move to the hold.

What If Your Air India Carry-On Is Only 1 kg Overweight?

If your Economy cabin bag weighs 8 kg instead of 7 kg, it is technically above Air India's published allowance.

You may be asked to:

  • Remove an item and place it in your permitted personal item if space and weight allow
  • Move permitted items to checked baggage
  • Check the cabin bag
  • Pay applicable charges if the checked-baggage allowance is then exceeded

There is no published guaranteed “1 kg grace allowance.” Even if a slightly overweight bag is sometimes overlooked operationally, passengers should not plan their packing around receiving an exception.

See What If My Luggage Is 1 kg Overweight?.

Can You Carry a 10 kg Bag on Air India?

It depends on your cabin class.

Class Is a 10 kg Main Carry-On Within the Allowance?
Economy No
Premium Economy No
Business Yes
First Yes

The bag must still comply with the published 55 × 40 × 20 cm size limit.

How Strict Is Air India About Hand Baggage?

Air India has the right to weigh and measure cabin baggage and enforce its published limits.

How frequently bags are checked can vary by:

  • Airport
  • Flight load
  • Aircraft
  • Check-in staff
  • Gate staff
  • How obviously large or heavy the bag appears

A small backpack may attract less attention than an obviously oversized hard-shell suitcase, but this does not create an exemption.

Pack to the published limit rather than trying to predict whether your particular bag will be weighed.

How Much Does Air India Charge for an Overweight Carry-On?

Air India's current cabin-baggage page says that baggage beyond the allowed cabin size, weight or piece limit will need to be checked.

It currently publishes the following additional charges in this context:

Flight Published Charge
Domestic ₹3,000
International US$75

Air India states that an additional charge applies if the baggage then exceeds the applicable free baggage allowance or maximum size limits.

This is different from ordinary checked-baggage excess rates. Air India's separate excess-baggage schedule can charge by kilogram or by piece depending on your route and ticket.

For detailed excess baggage comparisons, see Air India vs IndiGo Extra Baggage Fees.

Can You Carry Two Bags for a 30 kg Air India Allowance?

This question usually refers to checked baggage, not carry-on baggage.

If your Air India ticket shows a 30 kg checked-baggage allowance under the weight concept, whether you can split the weight between multiple checked pieces depends on the route, fare and baggage system applicable to your ticket.

The cabin rule remains separate:

  • Economy/Premium Economy: 1 main carry-on up to 7 kg
  • Business/First: 1 main carry-on up to 10 kg
  • Plus one qualifying personal item up to 3 kg

A 30 kg checked-baggage allowance does not mean you can bring 30 kg into the cabin.

What Is the Air India Liquids Rule?

Liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage generally must be in individual containers of 100 ml or less.

Air India says:

  • Each container must hold 100 ml or less.
  • A container larger than 100 ml is not accepted simply because it is only partially full.
  • Containers must fit comfortably inside one transparent resealable bag.
  • The bag must have a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

Examples include:

  • Water and beverages
  • Shampoo
  • Toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturizer
  • Hair gel
  • Perfume
  • Liquid cosmetics

Does Duty-Free Shopping Count Toward Your Air India Cabin Allowance?

Air India allows a small amount of permitted duty-free goods as part of its additional-item policy.

However, liquids purchased duty-free have additional security requirements.

Air India says duty-free liquids must generally be:

  • Purchased in the Airport Security Hold Area
  • Properly sealed where required
  • Carried according to security screening rules

International-to-domestic connection in India: Large duty-free liquids can create problems when you have to pass through Indian domestic security again. Air India advises placing liquids above the permitted cabin allowance into checked baggage before the next security screening where required.

Can You Carry Power Banks and Lithium Batteries on Air India?

Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in cabin baggage, not checked baggage.

Air India's current rules say:

  • Spare or loose lithium batteries must be carried in hand baggage.
  • Lithium-ion batteries must normally not exceed 100 Wh under the standard allowance.
  • Lithium-metal batteries must not exceed 2 g lithium content under the standard allowance.
  • Power banks are treated as spare batteries.
  • Power banks and spare batteries should be protected from short circuits.
  • Air India currently states a maximum of two spare batteries under this provision.

If your cabin bag is gate-checked, remove power banks and spare lithium batteries before handing the bag over.

What Is Not Allowed in Air India Carry-On Baggage?

Some items are prohibited from the cabin or subject to specific restrictions.

Examples include certain:

  • Weapons
  • Explosives
  • Sharp objects
  • Flammable substances
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Oversized liquids
  • Dangerous battery-powered devices

The exact treatment depends on the item.

Do not assume an item banned from carry-on can automatically go into checked baggage. Some dangerous goods are prohibited from the aircraft entirely, while others are specifically required to travel in cabin baggage.

See What Is Not Allowed in Hand Baggage in India?.

Can You Carry Medicines Over 100 ml?

Air India provides exceptions for necessary medicines and certain medical liquids.

For larger quantities, you may be asked to show:

  • A prescription
  • A doctor's note
  • Proof that the medicine is required during the journey

The name on prescribed medicine should correspond with the passenger where applicable.

Do not carry more liquid medicine than reasonably necessary for the trip without supporting documentation.

Air India Cabin Allowance When Traveling With an Infant

Air India currently allows passengers traveling with an infant to carry personal and infant cabin items weighing up to a total of 5 kg / 11 lb.

This may include:

  • Food for the flight
  • Feeding bottles
  • A carry-on tote for food and bottles

Baby food, milk, juice, sterilized water and similar infant products can receive liquid-rule exceptions when the amount is reasonable for the journey.

What If Your Ticket Says Air India but Another Airline Operates the Flight?

For codeshare or interline travel, baggage rules can depend on the operating carrier and itinerary.

Before packing, check:

  • Which airline actually operates each flight
  • The cabin-baggage rule shown on your ticket
  • Whether another carrier has a smaller size or weight limit

The most restrictive operating-carrier rule can matter during a multi-airline journey.

Is Air India Express Carry-On the Same as Air India?

No. Air India and Air India Express are separate airlines with separate baggage policies.

Do not apply the Air India Business/First 10 kg allowance to Air India Express.

Air India Express currently publishes a standard Economy cabin allowance of approximately 7 kg and offers its own rules for a cabin bag plus personal item, with an optional Xtra Carry-On product on eligible bookings.

Always check which airline operates your flight. An Air India Express ticket beginning with IX or a flight marketed in connection with Air India can have different cabin baggage rules from an Air India-operated flight.

How to Avoid Air India Carry-On Baggage Problems

  • Weigh your main cabin bag before leaving home.
  • Keep Economy/Premium Economy at or below 7 kg.
  • Keep Business/First at or below 10 kg.
  • Keep your personal item at or below 3 kg.
  • Measure wheels and handles as part of your bag.
  • Do not rely on a 1 kg grace allowance.
  • Use your personal-item allowance strategically for a laptop or small handbag.
  • Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage.
  • Move large liquids to checked baggage before security.
  • Check the operating airline if you have a codeshare flight.
  • Recheck Air India's official baggage page shortly before travel.

Bottom line: Air India Economy and Premium Economy passengers can carry one main cabin bag up to 7 kg, while Business and First passengers can carry up to 10 kg. The main bag cannot exceed 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Air India also currently permits one qualifying personal item weighing up to 3 kg. If your main bag is overweight or oversized, it can be moved to checked baggage and additional charges may apply.

Official Air India Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Air India's 7 kg carry-on allowance include the handbag?

No. Air India's current policy allows Economy and Premium Economy passengers one main cabin bag up to 7 kg plus one additional qualifying personal item weighing up to 3 kg. The personal item must fit under the seat and meet the applicable size limit.

What is the carry-on baggage allowance for Air India?

Economy and Premium Economy passengers may carry one main bag up to 7 kg. Business and First Class passengers may carry one main bag up to 10 kg. The maximum main-bag dimensions are 55 × 40 × 20 cm. One additional personal item up to 3 kg is also allowed.

Does a ladies' handbag count as hand luggage on Air India?

A ladies' handbag can qualify as Air India's additional personal item rather than the main carry-on bag, provided it does not exceed the applicable 3 kg weight and size limits and fits under the seat.

Can I take a laptop bag in addition to my 7 kg Air India carry-on?

Yes. Air India lists a laptop or notebook in a bag as one of the permitted additional personal items. The personal item may weigh up to 3 kg and must fit under the seat.

What size can the Air India personal item be?

Air India's current published maximum for qualifying small personal bags is 40 × 30 × 20 cm, with total dimensions not exceeding 90 cm.

Can I carry two full-size cabin bags on Air India?

No. Air India permits one main cabin bag plus one smaller qualifying personal item. Two full-size trolley bags or cabin backpacks are not the same as one carry-on plus one personal item.

Can we carry 2 bags for a 30 kg allowance on Air India?

A 30 kg allowance generally refers to checked baggage, not cabin baggage. Whether you can split a weight-based checked allowance across multiple pieces depends on the route and ticket conditions. Cabin baggage remains limited to one main bag plus one personal item.

What happens if my Air India carry-on is more than 7 kg?

An Economy or Premium Economy carry-on above 7 kg is outside the published allowance. Air India can require the bag to be checked, and charges may apply if this causes you to exceed your checked-baggage allowance or other baggage limits.

What if my Air India carry-on is 1 kg overweight?

An 8 kg Economy carry-on is technically overweight. Air India does not publish a guaranteed 1 kg grace allowance. You may need to redistribute permitted items or check the bag.

Can I exceed 7 kg in Air India Economy?

Not under the standard published cabin allowance. Economy and Premium Economy are limited to 7 kg for the main cabin bag. Business and First Class receive the higher 10 kg allowance.

Is a 10 kg bag a regular carry-on on Air India?

A 10 kg main cabin bag is within the published allowance for Business and First Class but exceeds the standard allowance for Economy and Premium Economy.

How strict is Air India with hand baggage?

Air India can weigh or measure cabin baggage and enforce the published limits. Enforcement frequency may vary by airport or flight, but passengers should not rely on an unpublished tolerance.

What are the dimensions for Air India carry-on baggage?

The current maximum main carry-on size is 55 × 40 × 20 cm, with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm.

Do wheels count in Air India's cabin bag dimensions?

Yes. Measure the complete outside dimensions of your bag, including wheels, handles and protruding pockets.

What happens if my Air India cabin bag is too large?

Air India can require an oversized cabin bag to be checked. If the bag then exceeds the applicable checked-baggage entitlement or size rules, additional charges can apply.

How much does Air India charge for an overweight carry-on?

Air India's current cabin-baggage page lists an additional charge of ₹3,000 for domestic travel and US$75 for international travel in connection with cabin baggage that must be checked and exceeds applicable free baggage or size limits. Other excess checked-baggage charges can also vary by route and baggage concept.

Can I carry liquids in Air India cabin baggage?

Yes. Individual liquid, aerosol and gel containers generally must be 100 ml or smaller and fit inside one transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre, subject to applicable security exceptions.

Can I carry a 200 ml bottle that is only half full?

No under the standard cabin liquids rule. Air India states that containers larger than 100 ml are not accepted simply because they are partially filled.

Can I carry medicine over 100 ml on Air India?

Necessary medicines can receive an exception, but supporting prescription or medical documentation may be required and the quantity should be reasonable for the journey.

Can I carry a power bank on Air India?

Yes, subject to Air India's battery limits. Power banks are treated as spare batteries and must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage.

Does Air India allow a handbag plus a laptop bag?

Air India's additional allowance is generally for one qualifying personal item. If you already use a handbag as the personal item, a separate laptop bag may be treated as an additional piece unless the items can be consolidated.

Does duty-free shopping count as another carry-on bag?

Air India permits a small amount of qualifying duty-free goods as an additional item, subject to security regulations. Large purchases or excessive additional baggage should not be assumed to be exempt from cabin baggage limits.

Is Air India Express cabin baggage the same as Air India?

No. Air India Express has a separate baggage policy. Its standard Economy cabin allowance is generally 7 kg, with its own personal-item and optional Xtra Carry-On rules. Always check the operating airline before packing.

Updated August, 2026.

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