The aviation industry has implemented significant changes to Flight Baggage Rules, with Indian airlines leading major reforms that took effect in 2024 and will be strictly enforced through 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the current baggage policies across major airlines.
Major Changes in Indian Flight Baggage Rules
New “One Bag Policy” Implementation
Starting May 2, 2024, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) introduced stricter hand baggage rules that are being rigorously enforced. The key change is the limitation to one hand bag per passenger on all domestic and international flights departing from India.
Why These Changes Were Made
The new rules address several challenges:
- Increased passenger volumes breaking previous records
- Longer security check times at airports
- Overcrowded boarding areas due to multiple carry-on items
- Need for streamlined airport operations
Indian Airlines – Current Flight Baggage Rules
Air India
- Cabin bags: 1 hand bag + 1 personal item (laptop bag OR purse)
- Weight limits: Economy/Premium Economy: 7kg, Business/First: 10kg
- Size limits: 55x40x20cm (total dimensions not exceeding 115cm)
- Personal item: Maximum 3kg, must fit under seat
- Important: Tickets booked before May 2, 2024 follow old rules (Economy: 8kg, Premium: 10kg, Business/First: 12kg)
IndiGo
Effective: May 2, 2025 (strict enforcement)
- Cabin bags: 1 hand bag + 1 personal item
- Weight limits: 7kg for main cabin bag
- Size limits: 55x35x25cm (total 115cm)
- Personal item: Maximum 3kg (laptop bag OR purse, not both)
- Check-in: Domestic: 15kg, International: 20-30kg depending on destination
SpiceJet
Current rules (effective October 2020)
- Cabin bags: 1 piece maximum 7kg
- Size limits: Boeing aircraft: 55x35x25cm, Q400: 50x35x23cm
- Personal items: Laptop bag/purse allowed if total weight stays under 7kg
- Check-in: 15kg domestic, 20-30kg international
Vistara
- Weight limits: Economy: 7kg, Premium Economy: 10kg, Business: 12kg
- Size limits: 55x40x20cm
- Special benefit: Gold/Platinum members get 12kg regardless of class (domestic flights)
- Check-in: Economy: 15kg, Premium: 20kg, Business: 30kg
International Airlines – Current Flight Baggage Rules
Emirates
- From India: Only 1 piece allowed (115cm total dimension limit)
- Weight limits: Economy: 7kg, Business/First: 10kg
- Size limits: 55x38x22cm
- Business/First: Additional briefcase (45x35x20cm) or garment bag allowed
- Check-in: Economy: 20-35kg, Business: 40kg, First: 50kg (varies by fare type)
Qatar Airways
- Cabin bags: Economy: 1 piece (7kg), Business/First: 2 pieces (15kg total)
- Size limits: 50x37x25cm
- Special: Brazil routes allow 10kg in Economy
- Check-in: Economy: 20-35kg (by fare), Business: 40kg, First: 50kg
American Airlines
- Cabin bags: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
- Size limits: 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23cm)
- Personal item: 18x14x8 inches (45x35x20cm)
- Weight: No weight restrictions
- Exception: Basic Economy passengers limited to personal item only
United Airlines
- Cabin bags: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
- Size limits: 22x14x9 inches (56x35x23cm for carry-on)
- Personal item: 17x10x9 inches (43x25x22cm)
- Weight: No weight restrictions
- Exception: Basic Economy limited to personal item only
Key Enforcement Changes
Stricter Measurements
Airlines are now installing size checkers at check-in counters and gates. The days of “sneaking by” with slightly oversized bags are over.
Personal Item Restrictions
- Cannot carry both laptop bag and purse simultaneously on Indian airlines
- Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you
- 3kg weight limit strictly enforced for personal items
Pre-May 2024 Ticket Exemptions
Passengers with tickets purchased before May 2, 2024 can still use the older, more generous allowances:
- Economy: 8kg (instead of 7kg)
- Premium Economy: 10kg
- Business/First: 12kg (instead of 10kg)
Upcoming European Changes
The European Union voted in June 2025 to ban airlines from charging extra fees for carry-on bags. The new rules would allow:
- One cabin bag up to 7kg free of charge
- Maximum dimensions: 100cm total
- Personal item: 40x30x15cm maximum
- Implementation: Pending approval from 55% of EU member states
Travel Tips for 2025
Pack Smart
- Invest in lightweight luggage that meets airline specifications
- Weigh bags at home before departing to avoid surprises
- Consolidate items into one main bag rather than multiple small bags
Airport Preparation
- Arrive early to handle any baggage issues
- Check your specific airline’s website before traveling, as rules vary
- Label all carry-on items in case they need to be checked
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Pre-book excess baggage online (cheaper than airport rates)
- Consider checking bags if you normally carry multiple items
- Pack essentials in your one allowed carry-on bag
The aviation industry’s move toward stricter baggage policies reflects the growing passenger volumes and the need for more efficient airport operations. By understanding and preparing for these Flight Baggage Rules, travelers can ensure smoother, hassle-free journeys in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the new hand baggage allowance for flights departing India?
From May 2, 2024 onwards, passengers may carry only one hand bag (cabin bag) plus one personal item (laptop bag or purse) on domestic and international flights.
2. What are the weight and size limits for cabin baggage on Indian airlines?
- Air India & IndiGo: Cabin bag up to 7 kg; total dimensions not to exceed 115 cm (e.g., 55×40×20 cm for Air India, 55×35×25 cm for IndiGo)
- Air India Business/First Class: Up to 10 kg.
3. Can I carry both a laptop bag and a purse as personal items?
No. You may carry only one personal item under 3 kg (either a laptop bag or a purse) in addition to your single cabin bag.
4. How were the old rules applied to tickets issued before May 2, 2024?
Tickets booked before May 2, 2024 follow the previous allowances: Economy carried up to 8 kg, Premium Economy 10 kg, and Business/First 12 kg of hand baggage.
5. What happens if my baggage exceeds the allowed weight or dimensions?
Airlines will require you to check in the excess bag and levy additional fees at the check-in counter or boarding gate. Size-check cages are strictly enforced.
6. Do international carriers departing India follow the same one-bag rule?
Yes. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other international airlines enforce India’s one-bag policy (115 cm total) but may differ on weight and personal-item allowances.
7. How can I avoid extra baggage charges?
- Weigh and measure your baggage at home before traveling
- Consolidate travel items into your single cabin bag
- Pre-book excess baggage online for lower fees
- Arrive early at the airport to address any baggage issues without stress
