Air India Baggage Policy

Cabin Baggage:

Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag, max 7 kg (15 lbs), dimensions not exceeding 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in, including handles/wheels) + 1 personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) max 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15 x 11 x 5 in) that fits under the seat. For tickets issued before May 2, 2024, the limit was 8 kg (17 lbs).
Premium Economy: 1 carry-on bag, max 10 kg (22 lbs), same dimensions + 1 personal item.
First/Business Class: 1 carry-on bag, max 12 kg (26 lbs), same dimensions + 1 personal item.
Enforcement: Strict per Indian BCAS regulations (one hand baggage rule). Oversized/overweight bags must be checked, with fees starting at INR 600/kg domestically or $10–$35/kg internationally. Gate checks may occur, especially at UAE airports.
Liquids: Max 100 ml per container, total 1 liter, in a transparent, resealable bag.
Prohibited Items: Sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), flammable items (e.g., lighters, fuels), explosives, and excessive lithium-ion batteries (>100 Wh or >2 spare batteries) banned in carry-on. Lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be in carry-on only.
Sikh Passengers: Kirpans allowed on domestic flights within India as checked baggage (blade ≤15 cm, total ≤22 cm); prohibited in carry-on for international flights or domestic flights from international terminals.

Checked Baggage:

Domestic Flights (India):

Economy Comfort/Comfort Plus: 15 kg (33 lbs).
Economy Flex: 25 kg (55 lbs).
Business: 32 kg (70 lbs).
First: 40 kg (88 lbs).

International Flights (Piece Concept, e.g., to/from USA, Canada, Europe, UK):

Economy: 2 bags, each max 23 kg (50 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions. For India to Newark (EWR) tickets issued on/after April 1, 2019, 1 bag max 23 kg.
Premium Economy: 2 bags, each max 23 kg, 158 cm.
Business/First: 2 bags, each max 32 kg (70 lbs), 158 cm.
Some Routes: Certain routes (e.g., India to Australia) allow 1 bag up to 40 kg.

International Flights (Weight Concept, e.g., Asia, Gulf, except Japan):

Economy: 20–30 kg, depending on route.
Business: 30–40 kg.
First: 40–50 kg.

Infants (under 2): 10 kg (22 lbs) + 1 foldable stroller, car seat, or carrycot.

Children (2–11): Same as adult allowance.

Students: 1 extra bag (max 23 kg) free on direct flights to/from India and connecting points.

Flying Returns/Star Alliance Benefits:

Silver: +15 kg (domestic) or 1 extra bag (23 kg, international) on Air India flights only.
Gold/Platinum (Star Alliance Gold): +20 kg (weight concept) or 1 extra bag (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/First, piece concept) on Air India and Star Alliance flights.

Max Limits: Single bag max 32 kg (70 lbs), total dimensions 158 cm (62 in) for piece concept, 272 cm (107 in) for two bags in Economy. Bags >32 kg or >203 cm (80 in) must be shipped via Air India Cargo.

Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility aids free, subject to aircraft limits per DGCA guidelines.

Excess Baggage Fees:

Domestic (India): INR 600–650/kg, plus taxes.
International: $10–$35/kg (weight concept) or $100–$200 per extra bag (piece concept, e.g., $130 India to USA).
Prepayment: Up to 20% discount if booked online or via Air India’s “Manage Booking” ≥6 hours before departure. Non-refundable unless flight is canceled.
Complaints: High fees reported (e.g., INR 19,500/~$300 CAD for a 23 kg extra bag SFO–Delhi) due to inconsistent interline rules with partners like Air Canada.

Special Items:

Sports Equipment: Golf, skiing, fishing gear included in free allowance if within limits; otherwise, handling fee applies ($100 USD international, $150 CAD for Canada, excl. taxes). Max 32 kg, 300 cm (118 in). Oversized items shipped via cargo.
Musical Instruments: Carry-on if within size/weight limits. Checked as baggage (max 32 kg, counts toward allowance). Extra seat for fragile instruments (max 75 kg/165 lbs, prior approval).
Firearms: 1 licensed revolver/pistol/shotgun + 50 cartridges allowed as checked baggage with declaration and approval. Handling fee: $100 USD (international, excl. Canada), $150 CAD (Canada).
Pets: Not allowed on nonstop USA–India flights, except certified service dogs (free for visually/hearing-impaired passengers). Other routes: contact Air India for in-cabin/hold fees and rules.
Televisions: Included in free allowance or as excess baggage; requires prior arrangement with local Air India office.

Additional Notes:

Codeshare/Interline Flights: Free baggage allowance of the international sector applies if on the same Air India ticket with a domestic connection within 24 hours. Separate tickets follow each carrier’s rules; most restrictive apply. No extra allowance on codeshare/partner flights (e.g., Air India Express, Alliance Air).
Lost/Damaged Baggage: Report damage within 7 days, loss within 21 days at airport or online (Property Irregularity Report). Compensation: INR 19,000 per bag (domestic), INR 66,000 for two bags (international). Apple AirTag tracking supported
Check-In: Online check-in 48 hours prior; baggage drop closes 60 minutes (international) or 45 minutes (domestic) before departure. Oversized baggage (OOG) dropped at designated belts (e.g., Terminal 2 Delhi: near island F).