Air India Express + AIX Connect Merger Context
Air India Express (IATA: IX) is the low-cost arm of the Air India group, fully owned by Tata Sons. Following the 2024 merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), Air India Express now operates one of the largest single-fleet LCC operations in India with 60+ Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. All AIX Connect flights have been rebranded under Air India Express, but legacy bookings retain their original PNR format.
Air India Express Baggage Allowance 2026
Domestic Routes
| Fare Type | Checked | Cabin | Personal Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xpress Value (lowest) | 15 kg | 7 kg | Laptop bag (must fit under seat) | Non-refundable; no free seat selection |
| Xpress Lite | 20 kg | 7 kg | Laptop bag | Free seat selection from T-48h |
| Xpress Flex | 25 kg | 7 kg | Laptop bag | Free date change; priority boarding |
| Xpress Biz (premium) | 30 kg | 10 kg | Laptop bag | Front cabin seat; meal included |
International Routes
| Route Group | Xpress Value | Xpress Lite | Xpress Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf (DXB, AUH, MCT, DOH, BAH, KWI, JED, RUH) | 30 kg checked + 7 kg cabin | 35 kg + 7 kg | 40 kg + 7 kg |
| Southeast Asia (KUL, SIN, BKK) | 25 kg + 7 kg | 30 kg + 7 kg | 35 kg + 7 kg |
| South Asia (KTM, CMB, DAC, MLE) | 25 kg + 7 kg | 30 kg + 7 kg | 35 kg + 7 kg |
Source: airindiaexpress.com/baggage, May 2026. Note: AIX consistently offers more generous Gulf-route baggage than IndiGo and SpiceJet (30 kg standard vs 25–30 kg).
Air India Express Excess Baggage Fees
| Channel | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Online (pre-purchased, 4h+ before departure) | ₹350/kg | ₹900/kg |
| Online (within 4h of departure) | ₹500/kg | ₹1,100/kg |
| Airport check-in counter | ₹550/kg | ₹1,400/kg |
Air India Express Web Check-in
- Open airindiaexpress.com → click "Web Check-in"
- Enter PNR (6 or 8 characters) + last name
- Choose seat (Xpress Lite/Flex: free standard seats from T-48h; Xpress Value: ₹150–₹500 for any seat)
- Confirm → boarding pass PDF
The Air India Express app supports the same flow and additionally pulls real-time delays + gate info from airline OPS. Available iOS + Android — search "Air India Express" (the AIX Connect app was retired in 2025).
Air India Express Cabin Baggage Rules
Maximum cabin bag dimensions: 55 cm × 35 cm × 25 cm, weight 7 kg. One laptop bag under 3 kg is permitted as a personal item. Items larger than the cabin bin specification are gate-tagged and travel in the hold; weight overage triggers excess baggage fees at airport rates.
Special Baggage on Air India Express
Musical Instruments
Smaller instruments (ukulele, violin) within the cabin baggage specs may be carried in the overhead bin. Larger instruments (guitar in hard case, accordion) must either be checked or have a seat purchased for them (cabin seat: pay current fare for the seat).
Sports Equipment
Bicycles, surfboards, golf bags: ₹2,500 oversize charge (domestic) / ₹6,000 (international) plus standard excess weight charges if applicable. Must be pre-booked via airindiaexpress.com Manage Booking → Special Baggage.
Hajj/Umrah Pilgrims
Air India Express offers extra baggage allowance for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims on JED and MED routes during Hajj season (book via dedicated Hajj fare class). Typical allowance: 40 kg checked + 7 kg cabin + 5 kg Zamzam water container free.
Air India Express Refund Policy Snapshot
Air India Express follows DGCA's 24-hour cancellation rule. Outside that window:
- Xpress Value: ₹3,500 domestic / ₹6,500 international (cancellation fee)
- Xpress Lite: ₹3,000 / ₹6,000
- Xpress Flex: ₹2,000 / ₹4,000 (also free reschedule once)
- Xpress Biz: Refundable minus ₹1,500 / ₹3,500
Refund timeline: 5–7 business days for credit card, 3–5 days for net banking, instant for credit shell.