- Domestic cabin bag: 1 bag, max 7 kg (BCAS one-cabin-bag policy, May 2024)
- International cabin bag: Typically 7–8 kg depending on airline
- Standard size limit: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (most airlines)
- Liquids rule: 100ml per container in 1-litre transparent bag
- Power banks: Must be in cabin baggage; not allowed in checked
- Laptops: Must be removed at security checkpoint
- Overweight cabin bag: Must be checked in; airport rates are 3–5x higher
- Authority: BCAS (security), DGCA (aviation standards)
BCAS One-Cabin-Bag Policy (Effective May 2024)
The most significant change to India's hand baggage rules in recent years came into effect in May 2024, when the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) mandated a strict one-cabin-bag policy for all domestic flights in India.
This policy applies equally to all airlines operating domestic routes — IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and all others. The policy was introduced to reduce congestion in aircraft cabins and speed up boarding times.
See our detailed guide on the impact: What Happens If Cabin Bag Is Just 1 Inch Too Big.
Cabin Baggage Allowance by Airline
| Airline | Domestic Cabin Bag | International Cabin Bag | Personal Item? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 7 kg (1 bag) | 8 kg | 1 small item allowed |
| IndiGo | 7 kg (1 bag) | 7 kg | At discretion |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg (1 bag) | 7 kg | At discretion |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg (1 bag) | 7 kg | At discretion |
| Air India Express | 7 kg (1 bag) | 7 kg | At discretion |
| Star Air | 7 kg (1 bag) | N/A | At discretion |
Cabin Bag Size Limits in India
Size limits for cabin bags vary slightly between airlines but most follow the standard 55 x 35 x 25 cm (length x width x depth) including handles and wheels.
| Airline | Max Dimensions (L x W x D) | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 8 kg (intl) / 7 kg (domestic) |
| IndiGo | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 7 kg |
| SpiceJet | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 7 kg |
| Akasa Air | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 7 kg |
| Air India Express | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 7 kg |
See: What If My Carry-On Bag Is Slightly Bigger?
What Counts as a Personal Item?
Under the BCAS one-cabin-bag policy, the definition of what constitutes an "allowed personal item" in addition to the main cabin bag varies by airline. Generally, small items that fit under the seat in front of you may be permitted:
- Small laptop bag or briefcase
- Ladies handbag (small to medium)
- Small backpack that fits under seat
- Duty-free shopping bag
- Camera bag (small)
- Child's small bag
- Full-size backpack
- Trolley bag
- Garment bag
- Large camera or equipment bag
- Second full-size cabin bag
- Gym or sports bag
What Happens If Your Cabin Bag Is Overweight?
- Bag is identified as overweight at check-in counter or boarding gate
- Airline staff tag it for checked baggage
- You pay the excess baggage fee (much higher at airport than online)
- Bag is collected at the baggage carousel on arrival — not returned at the gate
To avoid this: buy pre-paid extra baggage online at least 24 hours before departure. See full guide: What Happens If Cabin Bag Is Just 1 Inch Too Big.
Liquids & Restricted Items in Cabin Baggage
| Item | Cabin Baggage | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids under 100ml | Yes (in 1L bag) | Yes (no limit) |
| Liquids over 100ml | No (except exemptions) | Yes |
| Duty-free sealed liquids | Yes (international only) | Yes |
| Medicines (liquid) | Yes (with prescription) | Yes |
| Power banks / spare batteries | Yes (mandatory) | No |
| Laptop / tablet | Yes (remove at security) | Not recommended |
| Sharp objects (blades >6cm) | No | Yes (secure packaging) |
| Sports equipment | No | Yes |
See: Airport Security in India: 10 Items You Must Remove.
International vs Domestic Cabin Baggage Rules
| Rule | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cabin bags | 1 bag (BCAS mandatory) | Typically 1 bag + personal item |
| Weight limit | 7 kg | 7–8 kg (airline-dependent) |
| Duty-free liquids in cabin | Not permitted | Permitted in sealed STEB bag |
| Liquids rule | 100ml applies | 100ml applies |
| Size limit | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (typically) |
Airline Cabin Baggage Comparison 2026
| Airline | Domestic | International | Excess Baggage (airport) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 7 kg, 1 bag | 8 kg, 1 bag | Moderate |
| IndiGo | 7 kg, 1 bag | 7 kg, 1 bag | High (₹500–700/kg) |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg, 1 bag | 7 kg, 1 bag | High |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg, 1 bag | 7 kg, 1 bag | Moderate |
| Air India Express | 7 kg, 1 bag | 7 kg, 1 bag | Moderate |
Check current policies: IndiGo Baggage Allowance | Air India Baggage Guidelines.
Pro Tips: Hand Baggage Allowance in India
- Weigh your cabin bag at home before leaving. Use a digital luggage scale — they cost under ₹500 and save hundreds in airport excess charges. Aim for under 6.5 kg to have a safety buffer.
- Pack power banks and spare batteries in cabin baggage only. These are prohibited in checked baggage on all Indian airlines. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.
- Buy extra baggage allowance online at least 24 hours before departure. Pre-purchased extra baggage is 3–5x cheaper than paying at the airport. Book on the airline website directly.
- Use a soft-sided cabin bag. Soft bags can be compressed to fit in sizers and overhead bins. Hard-shell bags at exactly the size limit often fail the gauge test due to their rigid structure.
- Keep your liquids bag at the top of your cabin bag. Easy access to your liquids bag speeds up security screening significantly. Don't bury it at the bottom under your clothes.
- Don't rely on duty-free bags as a second cabin bag on domestic routes. Duty-free bags are only allowed as additional items on international flights. On domestic Indian routes, all bags count toward your one-bag allowance.
- Laptop bags may count as your one cabin bag on some airlines. On IndiGo domestic flights, a laptop bag can count as your single cabin bag if it exceeds the personal item size. Check before arriving at the airport.
- Check the DGCA's guidelines for your rights. See the DGCA Passenger FAQ for official rules on baggage and passenger rights.
Related Articles
- What Happens If Cabin Bag Is Just 1 Inch Too Big — BCAS one-bag policy explained in detail.
- What If My Carry-On Bag Is Slightly Bigger? — Size enforcement rules.
- Airport Security in India: 10 Items You Must Remove — Security checkpoint rules.
- Domestic Airlines in India: Websites & Baggage — All domestic airlines with direct links.
- Will Airlines Deliver Lost Luggage in India? — What to do if baggage goes missing.
- Apple AirTag India Baggage Tracking — Track your baggage on Indian airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hand baggage allowance in India?
On domestic flights, BCAS mandates one cabin bag not exceeding 7 kg (May 2024 policy). On international flights, typically 7–8 kg depending on the airline. Air India allows 8 kg on international routes.
What is the cabin bag size limit in India?
The standard size limit is 55 x 35 x 25 cm including handles and wheels. IndiGo uses 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Always check your specific airline's size policy before travel.
Can I carry one cabin bag and a laptop bag on domestic flights in India?
The BCAS one-cabin-bag policy allows one bag of max 7 kg. A small personal item may be allowed at the airline's discretion but is not guaranteed. Check with your airline before travel.
What is the 7 kg rule in India for cabin baggage?
The 7 kg rule is the BCAS-mandated maximum weight for a single cabin bag on domestic flights in India, effective May 2024. All domestic airlines enforce this limit.
Can I carry 8 kg in hand luggage in India?
On domestic flights the limit is 7 kg. Air India allows 8 kg on international routes. Budget carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet allow 7 kg on all routes.
Does Air India allow more cabin baggage than other airlines?
Yes. Air India allows 8 kg on international routes and follows the 7 kg BCAS rule domestically. Air India is generally more generous with baggage than budget carriers.
What happens if my cabin bag is overweight at an Indian airport?
It will be checked in at your expense. Airport excess baggage rates are 3–5x higher than pre-purchased online rates. Always buy extra baggage allowance online before travel.
Are liquids allowed in cabin baggage on Indian flights?
Yes, in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in one 1-litre transparent bag. Duty-free sealed bags, medicines, and baby food are exempt on international flights.
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