Air India Baggage Allowance: Rules, Limits & Extra Fees
Knowing your Air India baggage allowance depends on factors such as your fare, cabin class, and route. On domestic flights, checked baggage ranges from 15–40 kg, while cabin baggage is 7 kg in Economy/Premium Economy and 10 kg in Business/First Class.
This guide covers cabin and checked baggage limits, international allowances, excess baggage charges and restricted items.
Air India Baggage Allowance at a Glance
For domestic Air India flights, checked baggage ranges from 15 kg to 40 kg, depending on your fare and cabin class. Cabin baggage is 7 kg in Economy/Premium Economy and 10 kg in Business/First Class.
| Cabin | Fare | Checked Baggage | Cabin Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Value | 15 kg (33 lb) | 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Economy | Classic | 20 kg (44 lb) | 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Economy | Flex | 25 kg (55 lb) | 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Premium Economy | Value | 15 kg (33 lb) | 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Premium Economy | Flex | 25 kg (55 lb) | 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Business | Value | 30 kg (66 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Business | Flex | 40 kg (88 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| First | First | 40 kg (88 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
Important: These checked-baggage figures apply to Air India-operated flights, not Air India Express or codeshare flights. Your ticket remains the final reference for your allowance.
Air India Cabin Baggage Allowance
You can carry one cabin bag:
- Economy/Premium Economy: 7 kg
- Business/First: 10 kg
- Maximum size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Total dimensions: 115 cm
Personal Item
One small personal item weighing up to 3 kg is also allowed, provided it fits under the seat. This can include a handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, medicines or similar items.
Personal-item size: Up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
For infants, personal and infant cabin items can total up to 5 kg.
Air India Checked Baggage Allowance
Domestic checked baggage is based on your fare and cabin class:
- Economy: 15–25 kg
- Premium Economy: 15–25 kg
- Business: 30–40 kg
- First: 40 kg
How Many Checked Bags Can You Carry?
Your checked bag allowance depends on your route, fare and free baggage allowance (FBA).
Domestic Flights
- Under 25 kg FBA: 1 checked bag
- 25 kg or more: Up to 2 checked bags
International Flights
Piece concept routes: Economy Value allows 1 × 23 kg; other eligible
- Economy/Premium Economy fares allow 2 × 23 kg
- Business/First allow 2 × 32 kg.
Weight concept routes: The baggage allowance is based on total weight and varies by destination and fare.
Maximum per bag: No checked bag can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb).
Important
Passengers on separate Air India tickets can get FBA if:
- The connecting flight is within 24 hours
- Both flights are operated by Air India
Checked Baggage Size
- Each checked bag: Maximum 158 cm total dimensions
- Economy/Premium Economy: 2 pieces combined up to 272 cm
Infants are entitled to one collapsible stroller, carrycot, or infant car seat. Assistive devices can also be carried free of charge, subject to applicable limits.
Air India International Baggage Allowance
International baggage rules depend on the destination and fare. Air India uses both weight and piece concepts.
Common Routes
| Destination | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf/Middle East | 25–35 kg | 40–45 kg |
| Southeast Asia | 25–35 kg | 40–45 kg |
| Australia/New Zealand | 25–35 kg | 40–45 kg |
| Europe | 1–2 pieces, up to 23 kg each | 2 pieces, up to 32 kg each |
| USA/Canada | 1–2 pieces, up to 23 kg each | 2 pieces, up to 32 kg each |
The exact allowance varies by fare and destination, so check your ticket before packing.
Air India Baggage Rules for Codeshare Flights
If your journey includes another airline, do not assume Air India's baggage allowance applies throughout.
For codeshare and interline journeys, baggage rules can depend on the operating carrier . Check the baggage allowance shown on your ticket and the rules of the airlines involved.
Key Points
- Extra baggage allowance does not apply to partner-operated or codeshare flights.
- Silver members get extra baggage only on Air India flights; Gold and Platinum members may also get it on Star Alliance flights.
- Power banks are allowed only in cabin baggage.
- Lithium battery-powered self-balancing devices and Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices are prohibited.
Air India Excess Baggage Charges
If your checked baggage exceeds the free allowance on your ticket, excess baggage charges apply. Prepaid excess baggage can save up to 20% compared with airport charges.
Overweight Baggage Charges
To/from India (international)
| Route | Fees Per kg |
|---|---|
| Middle East, Africa, SAARC | USD 17 |
| Southeast Asia | USD 22 |
| Australia/New Zealand | USD 37 |
Between international destinations (not via India)
| Route | Charges Per kg |
|---|---|
| Middle East/Africa ↔ SAARC | USD 22 |
| Middle East/Africa ↔ Southeast Asia | USD 32 |
| Southeast Asia ↔ SAARC | USD 32 |
| Australia/New Zealand ↔ Middle East/Africa | USD 45 |
| Australia/New Zealand ↔ SAARC | USD 45 |
| Australia/New Zealand ↔ Southeast Asia | USD 55 |
Domestic Excess Baggage
| Route | Per kg |
|---|---|
| India ↔ India | INR 800 |
Note: Taxes may apply. Air India’s baggage allowance on your ticket is the final reference, and charges are subject to change.
Important
- Prepay for extra baggage up to 2 hours before departure.
- For an overweight bag, buy additional allowance up to 32 kg until 6 hours before departure.
- Available to passengers with an e-ticket starting with 098, except interline and codeshare flights.
Tip: If you know you need extra baggage, buy it in advance rather than waiting until the airport.
Charges for Oversized Baggage
International destinations (excluding Canada): USD 125 per piece
Canada: CAD 180 per piece
Within India: INR 2,000 per piece
Restricted & Prohibited Items
Liquids, Aerosols & Gels
- Cabin containers: generally maximum 100 ml each
- Includes drinks, toiletries, gels, sprays and liquid cosmetics
- Medicines, inhalers and baby food may have specific exemptions, subject to screening.
Batteries & Power Banks
- Spare batteries and power banks: cabin baggage only
- Lithium-ion batteries: maximum 100 Wh
- Lithium-metal batteries: maximum 2 g
- Up to 2 spare batteries, subject to applicable rules.
Other Restricted Items
Restrictions apply to items such as:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Lithium-powered self-balancing devices
- Certain drones and unmanned aircraft
- Hazardous, flammable or dangerous items
A kirpan is permitted on eligible domestic flights within India, subject to Air India's size requirements; it is not permitted on international flights.
US-Bound Flights
Powder-like substances over 350 ml (12 oz) in cabin baggage may require additional screening. Non-essential powders are best placed in checked baggage.
Cremated remains may be carried in cabin or checked baggage, subject to security and packaging requirements.
Maharaja Club Extra Baggage
Eligible Maharaja Club members receive additional baggage depending on their tier and whether the journey follows the weight or piece concept.
| Tier | Piece Concept | Weight Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 1 × 23 kg | 20 kg |
| Gold | 1 × 23 kg | 20 kg |
| Silver | No extra | 5 kg |
| Red | No extra | No extra |
Terms and route-specific conditions apply.
How to Check Your Exact Air India Baggage Allowance
Your ticket is the most important reference. Before travelling:
- Check the baggage allowance on your e-ticket.
- Confirm whether the journey is weight- or piece-based.
- Check any connecting airline.
- Weigh and measure your bags.
- Buy excess baggage in advance if needed.
You can also use Air India's Baggage Calculator to check the allowance applicable to your booking.
Quick Packing Checklist
Before leaving for the airport, make sure:
- Your cabin bag meets the weight and size limits.
- Your checked bag is within your free allowance.
- No individual checked bag exceeds 32 kg.
- Power banks and spare batteries are in your cabin baggage.
- Liquids are packed according to security rules.
- Your ticket matches the baggage allowance you are expecting.
Final Word
The easiest way to avoid baggage surprises is to check the allowance on your Air India ticket before packing. Your fare, route and connecting airlines can all change the applicable baggage rules.
For the latest route-specific limits and charges, check Air India's official baggage pages before departure.
FAQs
How much baggage is allowed on Air India domestic flights?
Checked baggage ranges from 15 kg to 40 kg, depending on your fare and cabin class. Cabin baggage is 7 kg in Economy/Premium Economy and 10 kg in Business/First.
