Flight Baggage Rules Updated: Now Only One Hand Bag Allowed on Flights — Check Full Guidelines
If you’re planning to travel by air anytime soon, there’s an important update you must be aware of. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have issued new baggage guidelines for all flight passengers. According to the latest rule, only one hand bag is allowed per passenger on both domestic and international flights.
🧳 What’s New in the Hand Bag Policy?
The new policy is aimed at reducing congestion at security checkpoints, given the rising number of air travelers in India. Here’s what’s changing:
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Only one hand bag or cabin bag per passenger is allowed inside the flight.
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All other bags must be checked-in before boarding.
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This applies to both domestic and international flights.
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Only one additional personal item (like a ladies purse or laptop bag) is permitted, and only if it meets specific weight and size limits.
✈️ Air India Hand Baggage Rules (As per new policy)
| Class | Max Hand Bag Weight | Dimensions | Additional Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy / Premium Economy | 7 kg | 115 cm (L+W+H) | Allowed (up to 3 kg) |
| Business / First Class | 10 kg | 115 cm (L+W+H) | Allowed (up to 3 kg) |
Note: Additional personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) must fit under the seat.
📦 Air India Check-in Baggage Rules
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Economy Class: 15 kg (check-in)
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Business / First Class: Higher limits as per ticket
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Special Baggage (e.g. instruments): Allowed with an extra seat booking, up to 75 kg
✈️ IndiGo Hand Baggage Rules
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cabin Bag | 1 bag (Max 7 kg, 115 cm) |
| Additional Item | 1 (Ladies purse or laptop bag) – Max 3 kg |
Important: A female passenger cannot carry both a purse and a laptop bag.
📦 IndiGo Check-in Baggage Rules
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Domestic Flights: 15 kg allowed
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International Flights: 20–30 kg depending on the destination
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Multi-seat bookings: Extra 10 kg check-in baggage allowed
📝 Why Were These Rules Changed?
In November 2024, India saw a record number of air travelers, leading to long queues and delays at airport security. To manage this surge and ensure faster security checks, BCAS and CISF have streamlined the rules to allow just one hand bag per passenger.
📉 Previous Limits vs New Limits
| Class | Old Hand Bag Limit | New Hand Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 8 kg | 7 kg |
| Premium Economy | 10 kg | 7 kg |
| Business / First | 12 kg | 10 kg |
⚠️ Key Points to Remember Before You Fly
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Only one cabin bag allowed, per passenger.
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Check-in all additional bags at the airport counter.
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Keep personal items under 3 kg, or risk extra charges.
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For tickets booked before May 2, 2024, old rules apply.
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Oversized or overweight baggage will result in extra charges.
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Special baggage (e.g., instruments) allowed only if a seat is booked for it, and must be tied securely.
✅ Pro Tip:
Stick to the limits to avoid delays, fines, or last-minute check-ins at the gate.
Final Note: The new flight baggage policy is designed to improve your airport experience, not make it harder. So pack smart, weigh your bags, and follow the one-handbag rule to fly hassle-free.
