New Flight Baggage Policy: Passengers Now Allowed Only One Hand Bag – Full Details Inside

By Sagar J Mar 15, 2025, 10:45 IST

Revised Baggage Regulations for Air Travel: What You Need to Know

Passengers planning to travel by air must take note of an important change in baggage policies. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revised the hand baggage policy, limiting passengers to carrying only one hand bag inside the flight. This rule applies to both domestic and international flights, and any additional bags must be checked in.

Understanding the New Hand Baggage Policy

As per the new guidelines issued by BCAS and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), passengers will be restricted to one cabin bag. This regulation aims to streamline airport security checks and reduce congestion at boarding gates.

Air India’s Updated Baggage Rules

  • Economy and premium economy class passengers can carry a hand bag weighing up to 7 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (length + width + height).

  • First class and business class travelers can carry up to 10 kg in hand baggage.

  • Apart from the main cabin bag, passengers are allowed to carry either a laptop bag or a ladies’ purse, provided its weight does not exceed 3 kg.

  • Any additional bags beyond these allowances must be checked in.

  • Oversized or overweight baggage will attract additional charges.

  • Passengers with special baggage, such as musical instruments, may book an extra seat, but the weight must not exceed 75 kg.

IndiGo’s Hand Baggage Restrictions

  • Passengers can carry one cabin bag weighing a maximum of 7 kg.

  • The dimensions should not exceed 115 cm (length + width + height).

  • An additional personal item (either a ladies’ purse or a laptop bag) is allowed, but it must not exceed 3 kg.

  • Any baggage exceeding these limits will incur extra charges.

IndiGo’s Check-In Baggage Policy

  • Domestic flight passengers can check-in luggage up to 15 kg.

  • Those booking double or multiple seats are permitted an extra 10 kg.

  • International check-in baggage allowances vary by destination, typically ranging from 20 kg to 30 kg per passenger.

Reasons Behind the Change in Baggage Rules

The decision to revise baggage regulations comes in response to a rising number of air travelers. Passenger traffic hit record highs in November 2024, significantly increasing pressure on airport security systems. The new rule aims to reduce delays and improve the overall efficiency of security screening processes.

Previous vs. Current Hand Baggage Limits

Previously, airlines allowed passengers to carry more hand baggage:

  • Economy class: 8 kg

  • Premium economy: 10 kg

  • First/business class: 12 kg

Under the revised policy, the new limits have been reduced to:

  • Economy/premium economy: 7 kg

  • First/business class: 10 kg

Key Points to Remember While Traveling

  • Only one hand bag is permitted per passenger on both domestic and international flights.

  • Additional bags beyond this limit must be checked in.

  • Economy and premium economy passengers can carry up to 7 kg of hand baggage.

  • First and business class passengers can carry up to 10 kg.

  • Passengers with flight bookings made before May 2, 2024, can carry slightly higher baggage allowances.

  • These changes have been implemented to enhance security efficiency and reduce airport congestion.

By adhering to these updated baggage regulations, passengers can ensure a smooth travel experience without unnecessary delays or inconveniences at the airport.