Baggage Allowance Guide for Indian Travelers (2026) — Cabin, Check-in & Airline Rules
🧳 Baggage Allowance Guide for Indian Travelers (2026)
Understanding baggage allowance rules is important before flying — especially when airlines charge extra fees for excess baggage, overweight bags, sports equipment, and cabin restrictions.
This guide explains baggage rules for Indian domestic & international flights in 2026, including:
✔ Cabin baggage allowance
✔ Check-in baggage allowance
✔ Airline comparison
✔ International route rules
✔ Excess baggage fees
✔ Special items (laptops, strollers, food, medicine)
✔ Tips to avoid extra charges
✈️ 1. Domestic Flight Baggage Allowance (India)
Most Indian airlines follow similar baggage policy across economy class.
📍 Domestic Carry-On / Cabin Baggage
| Airline | Cabin Allowance |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | 7 kg |
| Air India | 7 kg |
| Vistara | 7 kg |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg |
| Alliance Air | 7 kg |
✔ Laptop bag / small personal item often allowed free in addition to 7kg.
📍 Domestic Checked-In Baggage
| Airline | Free Checked Baggage |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | 15 kg |
| Air India | 25 kg |
| Vistara | 15–23 kg |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg |
📌 Air India offers the highest free allowance domestically.
🌍 2. International Flight Baggage Allowance (Indians Traveling Abroad)
International baggage varies by region.
🌏 Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Oman, Bahrain)
Economy Class:
✔ 1 piece × 23 kg or
✔ 30 kg (weight system airlines)
Premium/luxury airlines often allow more.
🇺🇸 USA & Canada
Most airlines follow the piece system:
✔ 2 × 23 kg checked baggage (Economy)
✔ Cabin: 7–10 kg depending on airline
🇬🇧 🇪🇺 UK & Europe
Economy:
✔ 1×23 kg or 30 kg depending on carrier
Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz) may offer no free checked baggage.
🇦🇺 Australia & New Zealand
Common allowances:
✔ 30 kg (weight based) or
✔ 1×23 kg
🎓 Students Flying Abroad
Students get extra baggage on selected airlines:
✔ Emirates
✔ Qatar Airways
✔ Etihad
✔ Lufthansa
✔ Air India
Student perks include:
- Additional 10–20 kg extra
- Student certification / Admission letter required
🧳 3. Special Items & Personal Items
Allowed as personal carry items:
✔ Laptop bag
✔ Handbag
✔ Coat/jacket
✔ Umbrella
✔ Duty free shopping
✔ Infant diaper bag
💰 4. Excess Baggage Fees
Fees depend on:
✔ Route
✔ Airline
✔ Weight
✔ Bag size
Typical fees (approx):
| Route | Excess Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic | ₹300–₹600 per kg |
| Middle East | $10–$25 per kg |
| USA/Canada | $100–$200 per extra piece |
| Europe | €10–€30 per kg |
📏 5. Baggage Size / Dimensions
Most airlines follow 158 cm (L+W+H) for check-in.
Cabin bag size typically:
55cm × 35cm × 25cm
🍼 6. Infant & Child Baggage Allowance
Infants (0–2 years) typically get:
✔ 10 kg extra (some airlines)
✔ Stroller or Pram free
Students + families benefit highly here.
🤒 7. Medicines & Food Rules
Allowed in cabin:
✔ Prescription medicines
✔ Baby food
✔ Dry snacks
✔ Water only after security (unless onboard)
Liquid restrictions apply on international flights:
✔ Max 100ml containers
✔ Must fit inside 1 liter zip-lock bag
🎣 8. Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments
Allowed with extra fees depending on airline:
✔ Skis
✔ Golf bags
✔ Bicycles
✔ Guitars
✔ Keyboards
Always pre-book online — cheaper than airport.
🧠 9. Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
✔ Weigh bags before airport
✔ Buy extra baggage online 24 hours before travel
✔ Use compression packing cubes
✔ Wear heavier clothing/layers
✔ Claim student offers (if eligible)
✔ Use airline credit card discounts
❓ 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do airlines allow both cabin bag + laptop bag?
✔ On most domestic airlines, yes.
Q2. Do international flights allow more baggage?
✔ Yes — especially USA, Canada & Middle East routes.
Q3. Which airline gives students extra baggage?
✔ Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Lufthansa, Air India.
Q4. Can Indians carry food abroad?
✔ Dry snacks allowed, meats/dairy restricted by customs.
Q5. Is power bank allowed in check-in luggage?
❌ No — only in cabin baggage.