Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general guidance only. Airline policies, fares, discounts, and government rules change frequently. Always verify with the airline or official source before making decisions. Rules vary by airline, fare type, route, and date.
Airport security in India is managed by CISF (Central Industrial Security Force). Understanding the rules before you arrive saves time and avoids confiscation of items. Here's everything you need to know.
1. What to Carry Through Security
Documents You MUST Have
- Photo ID: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID
- Boarding Pass: Printed or mobile (DigiYatra app works at major airports)
- For minors: School ID or birth certificate
2. Liquid Rules - €™ - €š - The 100ml Rule
In cabin baggage, each liquid container must be 100ml or less, placed in a clear 1-litre zip-lock bag:
- - €™ - € - ¦ Perfume, deodorant, moisturizer - €™ - €š - under 100ml each
- - €™ - € - ¦ Baby food and medicine - €™ - €š - allowed in reasonable quantity (declare at security)
- - €™ - € - ¦ Sanitizer - €™ - €š - up to 350ml allowed post-COVID
- - €™ - €š Water bottles with liquid (empty bottles are fine)
- - €™ - €š Hair oil, coconut oil in large containers
3. Items NOT Allowed in Cabin Baggage
- - €™ - €š Knives, scissors with blades over 6cm, blades, razors
- - €™ - €š Lighters and matchboxes (1 matchbox allowed on person)
- - €™ - €š Tools: screwdrivers, wrenches, drills
- - €™ - €š Sports equipment: bats, golf clubs, martial arts gear
- - €™ - €š Power banks over 160Wh
4. Items NOT Allowed in Check-in Baggage
- - €™ - €š Lithium batteries and power banks (carry in cabin only)
- - €™ - €š Flammable items: petrol, kerosene, aerosol sprays over 500ml
- - €™ - €š Fireworks and crackers
- - €™ - €š Compressed gas cylinders
5. DigiYatra - €™ - €š - Skip the Queue
Available at major airports (Delhi T3, Bangalore, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Pune, Vijayawada, Kolkata):
- Download the DigiYatra app
- Register with Aadhaar and face scan
- Walk through e-gates with facial recognition - €™ - €š - no physical ID check needed
6. CISF Security Stamp
CISF stamps your hand baggage tags. Keep the stamp visible - €™ - €š - security may check at the boarding gate. If your bag doesn't have a stamp, you may be sent back through security.
7. Speed Through Security - €™ - €š - Pro Tips
- Wear easy-to-remove shoes (metal detector requirement)
- Empty pockets completely before scanning
- Remove laptop and tablet from bag - €™ - €š - place separately on conveyor
- Keep liquids bag accessible on top of your cabin bag
- Use DigiYatra at supported airports
- Arrive during non-peak hours (avoid 6-9 AM and 5-8 PM rushes)
8. Special Items - €™ - €š - What to Know
| Item | Cabin | Check-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop | - €™ - € - ¦ | - €™ - € - ¦ | Remove for X-ray |
| Power Bank | - €™ - € - ¦ (under 160Wh) | - €™ - €š | Must be in cabin |
| Medicines | - €™ - € - ¦ | - €™ - € - ¦ | Carry prescription for controlled drugs |
| Dry Fruits | - €™ - € - ¦ | - €™ - € - ¦ | Packaged preferred |
| Musical Instruments | Depends on size | - €™ - € - ¦ | May need extra seat for large instruments |
| Wheelchair | - €™ - € - ¦ | Gate-checked | Pre-request with airline |
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