The full specification
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Number of cabin bags | 1 main bag + 1 personal item |
| Main bag — Economy/Premium Economy | Max 7 kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Main bag — Business/First | Max 10 kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Personal item | Max 3 kg, fits under the seat |
| Personal item examples | Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack, small waist pouch |
| Lap infants (under 2 years) | No separate allowance |
Pre-May-2024 ticket exemption
Tickets booked before 4 May 2024 are exempt from the 7 kg cap. Carry your booking confirmation showing the ticket-issue date. The agent verifies against GDS records.
Cabin baggage per Indian airline
| Airline | Economy main bag | Premium tier |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm | UpFront: 10 kg |
| Air India | 8 kg domestic, 7 kg regional | 12 kg Business, 14 kg First |
| Air India Express | 7 kg, 55×40×20 cm | 10 kg Business |
| SpiceJet | 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm | SpiceMax: 10 kg |
| Akasa Air | 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm | — |
| Star Air | 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm | — |
| Alliance Air | 7 kg, 55×35×25 cm | — |
What if your cabin bag is overweight
- Repack at airport. Move heavy items to checked-in. Free.
- Gate-check. Free — bag goes to cargo hold, collect at baggage claim.
- Pay excess. Domestic ₹500-700/kg airport; ₹350-450/kg pre-purchased online.
- Buy an add-on bag. Akasa, AIX sell pre-flight extra cabin bag (₹400-700).
Frequently asked questions
What is the BCAS one-bag rule in India?
Effective December 2024, BCAS limits each passenger to ONE piece of cabin baggage. The bag must weigh ≤7 kg (Economy/Premium Economy) or ≤10 kg (Business/First) and measure within 55 × 40 × 20 cm. You may additionally carry ONE small personal item under 3 kg.
How many bags can I take on flight in India cabin?
ONE main cabin bag (7 kg Economy / 10 kg Business) PLUS one personal item (3 kg). The personal item must fit under the seat in front. Lap infants get no separate bag allowance.
What is the cabin baggage weight limit on Indian flights?
Economy/Premium Economy: 7 kg. Business/First: 10 kg. Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm including wheels and handles.
Can I carry handbag in addition to cabin bag in India?
Yes. One small personal item under 3 kg in addition to your 7 kg main cabin bag. The personal item must fit under the seat.
What was the BCAS rule change in December 2024?
BCAS standardised cabin baggage rules across all Indian airports: 7 kg + 55×40×20 cm Economy, 10 kg Business, one personal item explicitly permitted. Tickets booked before 4 May 2024 are exempt from the 7 kg cap.
Are tickets booked before May 2024 exempt from new baggage rules?
Yes. Pre-4-May-2024 tickets are grandfathered under previous airline-specific limits. Carry your booking confirmation to the airport.
What happens if my cabin bag exceeds 7 kg?
At the gate, your bag is weighed. Over 7 kg: move items to checked-in bag (if any), pay airline excess (₹600-800/kg domestic), or gate-check the bag (free, sent to cargo hold).
Does the BCAS one-bag rule apply to international flights from India?
Yes. The 7 kg / 55×40×20 cm Economy limit applies to ALL departures from Indian airports — domestic and international.
Sources
- BCAS Operational Circular on Cabin Baggage Standards (December 2024)
- DGCA CAR Section 7 Series M Part II
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