Air India cabin baggage rules: hand luggage, checked bags & liquids
Understand Air India cabin baggage sizes, checked baggage allowances, fare rules and airport liquid restrictions before you travel.
Air India is India's flagship airline and connects the UK with major destinations across India, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and North America. Whether you're travelling for business, visiting family or heading off on holiday, understanding Air India's baggage rules before you fly can help you avoid unexpected charges and make your journey much smoother.
Unlike many European airlines, Air India's baggage allowance varies depending on your route, cabin class and fare type. Domestic and international flights can have different allowances, while some routes use a piece-based baggage system and others use a weight-based allowance. Knowing which applies to your booking is one of the easiest ways to avoid confusion at the airport.
Most Economy Class passengers can bring one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, while Business and First Class passengers benefit from a higher cabin baggage allowance. Cabin bags must also meet Air India's size restrictions, and remember that wheels, handles and side pockets all count towards the overall dimensions.
As with every airline, liquids carried through airport security must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed in accordance with the security regulations at your departure airport. These rules are set by airport security rather than Air India, so they apply regardless of your destination.
This guide explains Air India's cabin baggage rules, checked baggage allowances, baggage fees and airport liquid restrictions in one place. You'll also find practical packing advice, answers to the most common passenger questions and simple tips to help you avoid excess baggage charges.
Before you travel, take a few minutes to check the baggage allowance shown on your booking confirmation. Air India offers several fare types and baggage entitlements can differ between tickets, particularly on domestic services and selected international routes.
Planning ahead makes packing easier, reduces the risk of repacking at check-in and helps ensure you arrive at the airport fully prepared.
Free Cabin Bag Size
55 × 40 × 20 cm
Up to 7kg (Economy & Premium Economy)
Up to 10kg (Business)
Small personal item permitted
Checked Baggage Allowance
Typically 20–35kg (Weight Concept)
or 1–2 bags (Piece Concept)
Allowance depends on route & fare
Additional Baggage Fees
Charges vary by route
Online purchase is usually cheaper
Always pre-book if possible
Key Air India Baggage Tips
Check whether your journey uses the weight concept or piece concept, as Air India applies different baggage systems depending on the route.
Economy and Premium Economy passengers can usually carry one cabin bag up to 7kg, while Business Class passengers benefit from a higher cabin baggage allowance.
Ensure your cabin bag meets Air India's maximum dimensions before travelling, including wheels, handles and side pockets.
Your checked baggage allowance depends on your route, fare type and cabin class, so always check the allowance shown on your booking confirmation.
If you're travelling on a connecting itinerary with another airline, verify which carrier's baggage rules apply to your entire journey.
Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less and place them in a transparent resealable bag for airport security screening.
Keep passports, travel documents, medication, valuables and electronic devices in your cabin baggage rather than your checked luggage.
Weigh your checked bags before leaving home, as excess baggage charges can be expensive if your allowance is exceeded.
Purchasing additional baggage before you travel is normally much cheaper than paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
Travelling with only cabin baggage? A CabinCleared travel toiletries kit helps you comply with airport liquid rules while keeping essential branded toiletries organised and ready for security.
Before travelling, review your booking carefully, as baggage allowances can vary betw
een domestic and international flights and across Air India's fare options.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Air India baggage allowance by ticket type
Your Air India ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Economy
1 cabin bag included
Up to 7kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
55 × 40 × 20 cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical checked baggage allowance
20kg–35kg depending on route and fare
(Weight or piece concept may apply)
Best for:
Leisure travellers and passengers looking for Air India's most affordable fares.
Business Class
2 cabin bags included
Combined 10kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
55 × 40 × 20 cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical international checked baggage allowance
35kg–40kg - Depending on route and fare
(Weight or piece concept may apply)
Best for:
Business travellers and passengers wanting greater baggage flexibility.
First Class
2 cabin bags included
Combined 10kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
55 × 40 × 20 cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical international checked baggage allowance
40kg–50kg
Depending on route
(Weight or piece concept may apply)
Best for:
Passengers travelling on Air India's premium First Class routes with the highest baggage allowance and maximum comfort.
Checked baggage with Air India: what you need to know
Air India's checked baggage allowance varies according to your route, fare type and cabin class, so it's important to check the allowance shown on your booking confirmation before travelling.
Air India uses both the weight concept and the piece concept for checked baggage. Most international routes use a weight-based allowance, where your ticket includes a total baggage weight rather than a fixed number of bags. As long as you stay within your overall allowance and each individual bag meets Air India's limits, you can normally spread your allowance across multiple bags.
On selected routes, including many services to and from the United States, Canada and Japan, Air India uses the piece concept instead. Under this system, your allowance is based on the number of checked bags permitted, with Economy passengers typically allowed up to two bags weighing 23kg each, while Business and First Class passengers generally receive two checked bags up to 32kg each, depending on the fare purchased.
For journeys using the weight concept, your allowance depends on the route and fare selected. Economy passengers will usually receive between 20kg and 35kg, while Business and First Class passengers benefit from higher baggage allowances on most international services. Always check your individual booking, as allowances vary between destinations and fare families.
No individual checked bag may weigh more than 32kg, in line with international airport handling regulations. Bags that exceed this limit may need to be repacked before they can be accepted for travel.
If you need to travel with extra luggage, Air India allows passengers to purchase additional baggage before departure. Pre-booking extra baggage online is generally more convenient and is often less expensive than paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
Air India cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Air India's cabin baggage allowance depends on your cabin class and, in some cases, your route. Before travelling, always check your booking confirmation to confirm the baggage allowance that applies to your ticket.
Economy and Premium Economy passengers can usually bring one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, while Business and First Class passengers benefit from a higher cabin baggage allowance. Cabin baggage must comply with Air India's published size limits, including wheels, handles and any external pockets.
The standard maximum cabin bag size is 55 × 40 × 20cm. Smaller personal items, such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, may also be carried provided they meet Air India's personal item requirements and fit beneath the seat in front of you.
All liquids carried in your cabin baggage must comply with airport security regulations. Liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed inside a single transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. These rules are set by airport security and apply regardless of your destination.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are designed specifically for cabin baggage, making it easy to pack trusted branded products that comply with airport liquid restrictions and are ready for security screening.
Air India may check the size and weight of your cabin baggage at check-in or before boarding. Bags that exceed the permitted dimensions or weight may need to be checked into the hold and could incur additional charges.
Common cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Packing liquids in containers larger than 100ml.
Exceeding Air India's cabin baggage weight allowance.
Forgetting that wheels, handles and pockets count towards the maximum bag size.
Assuming every route has the same baggage allowance without checking your booking.
Leaving essential medication, travel documents or valuables in checked baggage Instead of your cabin bag.
Buying extra baggage at the airport instead of adding it before you travel.
Forgetting to check airport security rules for duty-free liquids if you're making a connecting flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cabin baggage can I take on Air India?
Economy and Premium Economy passengers can usually bring one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg. Business and First Class passengers receive a higher cabin baggage allowance. Always check your booking confirmation, as allowances may vary depending on your route.
What size cabin bag does Air India allow?
Air India's standard cabin baggage dimensions are 55 × 40 × 20cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. Bags that exceed these dimensions may need to be checked into the hold.
What is Air India's checked baggage allowance?
Air India's checked baggage allowance depends on your route, fare type and cabin class. Some routes use a weight-based allowance, while others use the piece concept with a specified number of checked bags.
Can I take liquids in my Air India cabin bag?
Yes. Liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed inside a single transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre, in line with airport security regulations.
Can I buy extra baggage before my flight?
Yes. Air India allows passengers to purchase additional checked baggage before travelling. Buying extra baggage in advance is usually more convenient and can be cheaper than paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
What happens if my baggage is overweight?
If your checked baggage exceeds your included allowance or an individual bag weighs more than 32kg, excess baggage charges may apply. Bags that exceed the maximum permitted weight may need to be repacked before they can be accepted for travel.
Can I take a laptop bag or handbag as well as my cabin bag?
Yes. Air India permits a small personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, in addition to your main cabin bag, provided it complies with the airline's size requirements.
Do Air India baggage rules change on partner airline flights?
Yes. If part of your journey is operated by another airline, different baggage allowances may apply. Always check the baggage allowance shown on your booking confirmation, particularly on codeshare or connecting flights.