New Air Travel Baggage Guidelines: What You Need to Know
Essential Update for Air Travelers
If you're planning an upcoming flight, there's a crucial update you should be aware of. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) along with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has rolled out new baggage regulations for all passengers. Under the new guidelines, each passenger is permitted only one hand bag on both domestic and international flights.
๐งณ Changes to Hand Bag Regulations
The updated policy aims to alleviate congestion at security checkpoints due to the increasing number of air travelers in India. Here are the key changes:
- Each passenger is allowed only one hand bag or cabin bag on board.
- All other bags must be checked in prior to boarding.
- This rule applies to both domestic and international flights.
- One additional personal item (such as a ladies purse or laptop bag) is allowed, provided it adheres to specific weight and size restrictions.
โ๏ธ Air India Hand Baggage Regulations
| Class | Max Hand Bag Weight | Dimensions | Additional Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy / Premium Economy | 7 kg | 115 cm (L+W+H) | Allowed (up to 3 kg) |
| Business / First Class | 10 kg | 115 cm (L+W+H) | Allowed (up to 3 kg) |
Note: The additional personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) must fit under the seat.
๐ฆ Air India Check-in Baggage Regulations
- Economy Class: 15 kg (check-in)
- Business / First Class: Higher limits based on ticket type
- Special Baggage (e.g., instruments): Allowed with an extra seat booking, up to 75 kg
โ๏ธ IndiGo Hand Baggage Regulations
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cabin Bag | 1 bag (Max 7 kg, 115 cm) |
| Additional Item | 1 (Ladies purse or laptop bag) โ Max 3 kg |
Important: A female passenger cannot carry both a purse and a laptop bag.
๐ฆ IndiGo Check-in Baggage Regulations
- Domestic Flights: 15 kg allowed
- International Flights: 20โ30 kg depending on the destination
- Multi-seat bookings: Extra 10 kg check-in baggage allowed
๐ Reasons for the Rule Changes
In November 2024, India experienced a surge in air travelers, resulting in lengthy queues and delays at airport security. To manage this influx and facilitate quicker security checks, BCAS and CISF have revised the regulations to permit only one hand bag per passenger.
๐ Comparison of Old and New Limits
| Class | Old Hand Bag Limit | New Hand Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 8 kg | 7 kg |
| Premium Economy | 10 kg | 7 kg |
| Business / First | 12 kg | 10 kg |
โ ๏ธ Key Reminders Before You Fly
- Only one cabin bag is allowed per passenger.
- Check-in all additional bags at the airport counter.
- Keep personal items under 3 kg to avoid extra charges.
- For tickets booked before May 2, 2024, previous rules apply.
- Oversized or overweight baggage will incur additional fees.
- Special baggage (e.g., instruments) is permitted only if a seat is booked for it and must be secured properly.
โ Pro Tip:
Adhere to the limits to prevent delays, fines, or last-minute check-ins at the gate.
Final Note: The updated flight baggage policy aims to enhance your airport experience, not complicate it. So, pack wisely, weigh your bags, and comply with the one-handbag rule for a smooth journey.