Air India Baggage Allowance — Checked & Cabin Bag Policy

Know your baggage limits before you fly — avoid surprise fees at the airport

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Baggage allowances on this page were last verified on 14 May 2026 against the official Air India website. Policies can change without notice — always confirm at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html before your flight. Figures below use cautious ranges where exact values vary by fare type, route or class of service.
💡 Pro tip: Pre-purchase extra baggage online Pre-purchasing extra baggage when booking on HappyFares or through Air India's "Manage Booking" portal is typically 20–30% cheaper than paying at the airport check-in counter. If you are close to your limit, add extra allowance at least 24 hours before departure.

Air India Baggage Allowance Summary

Last verified: 14 May 2026 · Official policy: https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html

Baggage type Allowance Details
Domestic checked baggage Typically 15 kg Economy; up to 30 kg Business Air India domestic base Economy fare typically includes approximately 15 kg checked baggage. Higher fare buckets (Eco Plus, Eco Flex) may include 20 kg or 25 kg. Business class typically includes around 30 kg. Always check your specific fare at booking — the allowance is shown in the fare details.
International checked baggage Typically 1 × 23 kg Economy on most routes; 2 × 23 kg on USA-bound flights; 2 × 32 kg Business and First Economy class: typically 1 piece × 23 kg on most international routes. North America routes (USA/Canada): typically allow 2 pieces × 23 kg each per passenger. Premium Economy: typically 2 × 23 kg. Business class: typically 2 × 32 kg. First class: typically 2 × 32 kg. Air India is a Star Alliance member; frequent flyer status may entitle you to extra allowance. Always confirm at airindia.com before flying.
Cabin bag (hand luggage) Approximately 8 kg Economy, up to 12 kg Business/First Dimensions: Economy cabin bag: typically maximum 55 × 40 × 20 cm. One personal item (laptop bag or handbag) is usually allowed in addition.
Excess baggage rate Chargeable Approximately ₹1,000–1,500 per kg on domestic routes (indicative). International excess rates vary widely by route — check airindia.com.
Infant baggage (under 2 years) See details Lap infants (under 2 years) typically receive around 10 kg checked. One collapsible stroller/pram is usually accepted free.
Sports / special equipment Chargeable Bicycles, surfboards, golf equipment typically accepted as checked baggage. Pre-book and declare to Air India in advance. Special baggage charges apply — confirm rates on the Air India website.
USA-bound flights Piece concept For USA-bound flights, Air India typically allows 2 pieces × 23 kg per passenger in Economy (piece-concept) rather than the standard 1 × 23 kg weight-concept on other routes.
⚠️ Air India offers tiered fares — base Economy (Eco Value) typically includes the lowest allowance, while higher tiers include more. Business and First always have generous 2-piece allowances. Check your fare details at booking for the exact allowance applicable. Baggage allowances are subject to change without notice. Codeshare flights may use the operating carrier's policy — not the marketing carrier's. Always check your booking confirmation and the official Air India policy at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html for the exact allowance applicable to your fare and route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air India's checked baggage allowance for domestic flights?

Typically 15 kg Economy; up to 30 kg Business. Air India domestic base Economy fare typically includes approximately 15 kg checked baggage. Higher fare buckets (Eco Plus, Eco Flex) may include 20 kg or 25 kg. Business class typically includes around 30 kg. Always check your specific fare at booking — the allowance is shown in the fare details. Always confirm at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html before flying.

What is Air India's checked baggage allowance for international flights?

Typically 1 × 23 kg Economy on most routes; 2 × 23 kg on USA-bound flights; 2 × 32 kg Business and First. Economy class: typically 1 piece × 23 kg on most international routes. North America routes (USA/Canada): typically allow 2 pieces × 23 kg each per passenger. Premium Economy: typically 2 × 23 kg. Business class: typically 2 × 32 kg. First class: typically 2 × 32 kg. Air India is a Star Alliance member; frequent flyer status may entitle you to extra allowance. Always confirm at airindia.com before flying. Always confirm at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html before flying.

What is the cabin bag (hand luggage) limit for Air India?

Approximately 8 kg Economy, up to 12 kg Business/First. Dimensions: Economy cabin bag: typically maximum 55 × 40 × 20 cm. One personal item (laptop bag or handbag) is usually allowed in addition. Always verify your specific allowance on https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html before flying — airlines can change these limits without prior notice.

What are Air India's excess baggage charges?

Approximately ₹1,000–1,500 per kg on domestic routes (indicative). International excess rates vary widely by route — check airindia.com. Excess baggage rates change frequently — confirm the current rate on https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html. To avoid excess charges, pre-purchase additional baggage online through "Manage Booking" — it is typically 20–30% cheaper than paying at the airport counter.

What is Air India's baggage allowance for infants?

Lap infants (under 2 years) typically receive around 10 kg checked. One collapsible stroller/pram is usually accepted free. Confirm current infant baggage policy at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html.

What about sports equipment and special items?

Bicycles, surfboards, golf equipment typically accepted as checked baggage. Pre-book and declare to Air India in advance. Special baggage charges apply — confirm rates on the Air India website.

How do I avoid excess baggage fees on Air India?

The best way to avoid excess baggage fees on Air India is to pre-purchase additional baggage allowance when booking on HappyFares or through the airline's "Manage Booking" portal before your flight — this is typically 20–30% cheaper than paying at the airport check-in counter. Also, weigh your bags at home before the airport. If you are travelling with a group, distribute weight across all passengers while staying within each individual limit. Codeshare flights may use the operating carrier's policy, not the marketing carrier's — confirm with both airlines.

Is the baggage allowance different on USA-bound flights with Air India?

For USA-bound flights, Air India typically allows 2 pieces × 23 kg per passenger in Economy (piece-concept) rather than the standard 1 × 23 kg weight-concept on other routes. Verify the specific allowance on https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html for your route and class of service.