Disclaimer: Cabin baggage rules vary by airline, fare class, and route. Always verify current policies with the airline before travel. Policies may change without notice.
Hand baggage (cabin baggage or carry-on) rules can be confusing, especially when different airlines have different limits. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can carry on Indian domestic flights.
General DGCA Guidelines
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sets broad guidelines, but individual airlines define their specific rules:
- Standard hand baggage weight limit: 7 kg (most airlines)
- Maximum dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (typical)
- One cabin bag + one small personal item (purse, laptop bag)
Airline-Specific Hand Baggage Limits
IndiGo
- Weight: 7 kg (one cabin bag)
- Size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Personal item: Small handbag/laptop bag allowed in addition
- Note: Strict enforcement at boarding gates. Overweight cabin bags will be charged and moved to cargo.
Air India
- Economy: 8 kg (one cabin bag)
- Business Class: 2 bags, 7 kg each
- Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Note: Air India is generally more generous than budget carriers.
SpiceJet
- Weight: 7 kg (one cabin bag)
- Size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Personal item: Small personal item allowed
Akasa Air
- Weight: 7 kg (one cabin bag)
- Size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Note: Similar to IndiGo policies.
What You Can Carry in Hand Baggage
- Laptop, tablet, phone, chargers
- Medicine and prescription drugs (carry prescription)
- One lighter or matchbox (in pocket, not in bag)
- Snacks and dry food
- Jacket, sweater, or shawl (can be worn)
- Reading material, headphones
- Baby food and nappies (for infants travelling with you)
Prohibited Items in Cabin Baggage
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors over 6 cm, razor blades)
- Liquids over 100 ml per container (must be in a clear zip-lock bag)
- Flammable items (lighters in bags, aerosol cans over 100 ml)
- Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers)
- Sports equipment (cricket bats, golf clubs — check in instead)
- Self-defense items (pepper spray, tasers)
Liquid Rules for Cabin Baggage
The standard 100 ml rule applies on all Indian domestic flights:
- Each container must be 100 ml or less
- All containers must fit in a single transparent zip-lock bag (approximately 1 litre)
- The zip-lock bag must be presented separately at security screening
- Exceptions: Baby food/formula and prescribed medicines (with prescription)
Tips to Avoid Baggage Issues
- Weigh your bag at home before leaving for the airport
- Use a lightweight bag - the bag weight counts towards the 7 kg limit
- Wear heavy items - jackets, boots can be worn instead of packed
- Pack liquids separately for quick security screening
- If in doubt, check in the item rather than risk it being confiscated at security
Questions About Baggage?
WhatsApp us at +91-9650863349 for airline-specific baggage queries.