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. TheBookFlight is not responsible for any changes in airline or government policies.
Note: Airline policies, fares, and rules change frequently. Always verify with the airline or official source before making decisions. Information provided is for general guidance only.
Understanding luggage allowances before your flight helps you avoid excess baggage charges and packing stress. This guide covers cabin and check-in baggage limits for all major Indian airlines, excess baggage fees, restricted items, and money-saving tips.
Cabin baggage (hand luggage) goes with you inside the aircraft cabin. Here's what each airline allows:
| Airline | Weight | Dimensions (cm) | Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 7 kg | 55 x 35 x 25 | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item (purse/laptop bag) |
| Air India | 8 kg | 55 x 40 x 20 | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg | 55 x 40 x 20 | 1 cabin bag only |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg | 55 x 35 x 25 | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item (under seat) |
| Alliance Air | 7 kg | 55 x 35 x 25 | 1 cabin bag |
Personal items: Most airlines allow 1 additional small personal item (laptop bag, purse, or small backpack) in addition to your cabin bag. This must fit under the seat in front of you. IndiGo and Akasa Air are the most generous with this.
| Airline | Economy | Business/Premium | Max per bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 15 kg (included in most fares) | 25 kg | 32 kg |
| Air India | 15-25 kg (varies by fare) | 35 kg | 32 kg |
| SpiceJet | 15 kg (included in most fares) | 25 kg | 32 kg |
| Akasa Air | 15 kg (Saver+, Flexi fares) | — | 32 kg |
| Alliance Air | 15 kg | 25 kg | 32 kg |
No free check-in baggage on lowest fares: IndiGo's "Saver" fare, SpiceJet's base fare, and Akasa's "Saver" fare do NOT include free check-in baggage. You must purchase it separately during booking or at the airport (more expensive). Always check your fare type before packing.
| Airline | Pre-booked (Online) | Airport Counter |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ₹350-₹750 per 5 kg (varies by route) | ₹500+ per kg |
| Air India | ₹500-₹600 per 5 kg | ₹600 per kg |
| SpiceJet | ₹350-₹650 per 5 kg | ₹500+ per kg |
| Akasa Air | ₹400-₹700 per 5 kg | ₹500+ per kg |
Save money: Pre-book extra baggage online during booking or through the airline's "Manage Booking" section. Airport counter charges are typically 2-3x more expensive. Pre-booking can save you ₹1,000-₹3,000 on a single trip.
| Item | Cabin Bag | Check-in Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power bank | Yes (under 100Wh) | No | Must be in cabin bag, not check-in |
| Laptop | Yes | Yes (not recommended) | Keep in cabin for safety |
| Medicines | Yes | Yes | Keep essential medicines in cabin bag |
| Baby formula/milk | Yes (reasonable quantity) | Yes | Exempt from 100ml liquid rule |
| Musical instruments | If fits in overhead bin | Yes (with protection) | Some airlines allow buying extra seat for large instruments |
TheBookFlight shows baggage allowance for every fare type so you can choose the right option.
Search FlightsIndiGo allows 1 cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg with dimensions not exceeding 55x35x25 cm. You can also carry 1 personal item (laptop bag, purse, or small backpack) in addition to the cabin bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
No. The lowest fares on IndiGo (Saver), SpiceJet (base fare), and Akasa Air (Saver) do NOT include free check-in baggage. You must purchase it separately. Higher fare types like Flexi, Super Saver, and Business include check-in baggage. Always check your fare type.
Excess baggage at the airport counter costs approximately Rs 500 or more per kg depending on the airline and route. Pre-booking extra baggage online is significantly cheaper — typically Rs 350 to Rs 750 per 5 kg. Always pre-book if you know you will need extra baggage.
No. Power banks must always be carried in your cabin bag, never in check-in luggage. Power banks with capacity under 100Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) are allowed. Power banks over 160Wh are prohibited entirely. Most standard power banks (10,000-20,000 mAh) are within the allowed limit.
Yes. Most airlines have a maximum single bag weight limit of 32 kg regardless of your total baggage allowance. If you have 40 kg total allowance, you would need to split it into 2 bags, each under 32 kg. This is for handling safety at the airport.
Yes. You can carry dry food, snacks, sandwiches, fruits, and other solid food items in your cabin bag. Liquids and semi-liquid foods (chutneys, curries, soups) must follow the 100ml rule. Baby food and formula are exempt from this restriction.