Baggage policies when travelling by flight is important and crucial for a smooth journey and to avoid any hassles while at the airport. Whether you have a domestic flight or an international flight, knowing all the information related to cabin baggage is a must for you to pack accordingly and avoid excess baggage fees.
What is Cabin Baggage?
Also known as carry-on luggage, cabin baggage can be carried onboard by the passengers. It must be of a size that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat. This bag can either be a small suitcase, a backpack, a laptop bag, a briefcase, or duty-free shopping bags (for international flights). There are various cabin bag restrictions depending on the airlines, class of flight and the destination.
General Cabin Baggage Allowance for Flights to and from India
Economy Class
For economy, most airlines let the passengers carry one cabin bag weighing not more than 7 kg along with a personal item like a handbag or a laptop bag.
Business Class
For business class flyers, a bag ranging between 10-12 kg is allowed. A few airlines also allow an additional personal bag along with this.
First Class
First-class passengers can carry cabin baggage weighing 12 kg to 15 kg, depending on the airline.
Domestic Airlines Cabin Luggage Allowance
Each airline has different rules for carry-on baggage:
IndiGo
Passengers can carry one carry-on luggage up to 7 kgs and 115 cms (L+W+H). In addition, one personal article, like a handbag (woman’s purse) or a small bag containing a laptop, not weighing more than 3 kgs.
For AU codeshare sectors, a passenger can carry only one bag weighing not more than 7 kgs.
For African continent and EU & US codeshare sectors, a passenger can carry only one bag weighing not more than 8 kgs.
Air India
Passengers travelling in Premium Economy and Economy can carry one carry-on luggage up to 7 kgs. For business and first class passengers, they can carry up to 10 kg. The total dimensions of the bag must not exceed 115 cm. A personal item like a small handbag or laptop bag is also allowed provided it does not exceed the allowed limit.
SpiceJet
Passengers can carry one carry-on luggage weighing no more than 7 kg. The size of this bag should not exceed 115 cm dimensions for Boeing flights and 108 cm dimensions for Q400 flights. A personal item like a small handbag or laptop bag is also allowed provided it does not exceed the allowed limit.
AirAsia
Passengers can carry 2 bags onboard with a weight allowance that should not exceed 7 kg. The piece of cabin bag should be 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and must fit the overhead compartment. Other than this, you can carry your laptop bag, handbag, backpack or any other personal bag which should not exceed 40cm x 30cm x 10cm. This item should fit under the seat in front.
Akasa Air
For passengers travelling in economy class, the cabin luggage should not exceed 7 kg and 115 cm (L+W+H). Along with this there can be a personal item like a handbag or a laptop bag that should not exceed 3 kg.
Cabin Baggage Allowance for International Flights to and from India
While travelling international, cabin baggage rules vary depending on the airline and also the destination you are flying to.
Emirates
Emirates usually allow passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 12 kg in business class and 15 kg in first class.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways usually allow passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 15 kg in business class and 15 kg in first class.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways usually allow passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 12 kg in business class and 12 kg in first class.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines usually allow passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 14 kg (2 bags) in business class and 14 (2 bags) kg in first class.
British Airways
British Airways usually allow passengers to carry 23 kg (2 bags) in economy class, 23 kg (2 bags) in business class and 23 kg (2 bags) in first class.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa usually allows passengers to carry 8 kg in economy class, 16 kg (2 bags) in business class and 16 kg (2 bags) in first class.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines usually allows passengers to carry 8 kg in economy class, 16 kg (2 bags) in business class and 16 kg (2 bags) in first class.
Air France
Air France usually allows passengers to carry 12 kg in economy class, 18 kg in business class and 18 kg in first class.
Thai Airways
Thai Airways usually allows passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 10 kg in business class and 10 kg in first class.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines usually allows passengers to carry 7 kg in economy class, 14 kg in business class and 14 kg in first class.
While some airlines allow an extra bag like a laptop bag, handbag or duty-free shopping bag, there are a few that might weigh your cabin baggage before allowing it onboard.
Prohibited Items in Cabin Baggage
To ensure a safe flight, a few items are prohibited in cabin luggage:
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors, razors)
- Liquids over 100 ml (except medical items)
- Flammable items (lighters, matches, fireworks)
- Sporting equipment (bats, golf clubs)
- Weapons or toy guns
