Check your luggage against Air India's baggage requirements instantly. Our free tool helps you avoid excess baggage fees and ensure smooth travel on Air India flights across their extensive global and domestic network.
✈️ Updated for 2025 baggage policies
📏 Instant size and weight verification
Check if your carry on size meets airline requirements instantly with our free carryonsize tool
Economy: 1×8kg
Business/First: 2×8kg
Max size: 55×35×25 cm
Economy: 23kg
Business: 32kg
First: 32kg
1 item allowed
Max: 33×16×6 cm
Separate from carry-on
Air India, the flag carrier of India and a member of the Star Alliance, serves as a vital link connecting India to the world with flights to over 70 destinations across 4 continents. As one of India's oldest and most established airlines, Air India has developed comprehensive baggage policies that cater to diverse passenger needs while maintaining safety and operational efficiency. Whether you're traveling on domestic routes within India or international long-haul flights, understanding Air India's baggage allowance helps ensure a smooth journey. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Air India's baggage policies for 2025.
Air India's carry-on baggage policy allows generous weight limits with strict adherence to size restrictions to ensure proper storage in aircraft overhead compartments. The airline permits 8kg carry-on allowance for all passengers, with premium cabin passengers enjoying the privilege of bringing two pieces. Air India's modern fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320neo aircraft, features spacious overhead compartments designed to accommodate standard carry-on luggage efficiently.
Air India operates different baggage systems based on your destination and ticket type. The airline follows both weight concept and piece concept depending on the route. International routes to USA and Canada typically follow the piece concept, while most other destinations use the weight concept. Your Air India baggage allowance varies significantly based on your cabin class, destination, and fare type, with premium cabins offering substantially higher limits.
Understanding Air India's excess baggage fees structure helps you avoid unexpected costs at the airport. The airline charges for both additional pieces and overweight baggage, with fees varying significantly by route and destination zone. Air India operates on a zone-based pricing system where destinations are categorized into different price zones, affecting both ticket prices and baggage fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Purchase extra baggage online through Air India's website or mobile app at least 24 hours before departure to save up to 30% on excess baggage fees. The online pre-purchase option offers the best rates and guaranteed space for your additional luggage.
| Fare Type | Carry-On | Checked Baggage | Changes/Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Value | 1×8kg | 15kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Non-refundable, high change fees |
| Economy Standard | 1×8kg | 20kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Change fee applies |
| Economy Flex | 1×8kg | 25kg (domestic) 23kg (international) | Flexible changes |
| Business Class | 2×8kg | 35kg (domestic) 32kg (international) | Free changes, partial refunds |
| First Class | 2×8kg | 40kg (domestic) 32kg (international) | Free changes and refunds |
* Baggage allowances may vary for specific routes and promotional fares. Always verify your specific allowance on your booking confirmation.
Air India accepts various sports equipment with special handling to ensure safe transportation. Most sports equipment can be included within your regular baggage allowance or as excess baggage with applicable fees.
Air India provides special consideration for musical instruments, understanding their cultural and monetary value. Options include carry-on transport for smaller instruments or purchasing an extra seat for larger pieces.
Air India allows carry-on luggage with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm). Economy Class passengers can bring 1 piece up to 8kg, while Business and First Class passengers can bring 2 pieces up to 8kg each. The bag must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
Air India's excess baggage fees vary by route and destination. For domestic India flights, fees range from INR 600-1,200 per kg depending on the sector. For international flights, fees typically range from USD 15-50 per kg depending on the destination zone. Pre-purchasing additional baggage online offers savings of up to 30%.
Yes, Air India allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on baggage. This can be a small handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The personal item should not exceed 33 x 16 x 6 cm and is not counted toward your carry-on weight allowance.
Air India's checked baggage allowance varies by route and class. For most international routes, Economy allows 23kg (1-2 pieces depending on destination), Business Class allows 32kg (2 pieces), and First Class allows 32kg (2 pieces). Domestic India flights typically allow 15kg in Economy and 25kg in Business Class.
Yes, Air India's Flying Returns elite members receive additional baggage benefits. Silver members get an extra 5kg, Gold members receive 10kg extra, and Platinum members enjoy 15kg extra baggage allowance. Elite members also receive priority baggage handling and enhanced customer service.
Air India prohibits dangerous goods including explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, and compressed gases. Lithium batteries over 160Wh are banned. Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries cannot be checked. Power banks must be in carry-on only and cannot exceed 20,000mAh (100Wh).
Yes, Air India allows baggage pooling for passengers traveling together on the same PNR (booking reference). The total weight can be distributed among different bags, but each individual piece must not exceed 32kg for safety reasons. This is particularly helpful for families traveling with children or groups.
Air India recommends arriving at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Check-in counters typically close 60 minutes before international departure and 45 minutes before domestic flights. Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and web check-in closes 2 hours before departure.
Use our free baggage checker above to ensure your luggage meets Air India's requirements. Travel with confidence knowing your bags comply with all policies!