Here's a breakdown of Air India baggage policy for both domestic and international flights, including those to the USA.
Carry-on Baggage Policy
Each passenger can bring one piece of hand baggage and one personal item like a handbag, laptop, camera, or briefcase. On Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the maximum dimensions for hand baggage are 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (115cm) and a weight limit of 18lb/8kg. On ATR (Alliance Air) aircraft, the dimensions are limited to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (85cm) and a weight limit of 11lb/5kg.
Checked Baggage Policy: Piece Concept Flights (to/from USA/Canada)
Economy Class: 2 bags, each weighing up to 50lb/23kg. Business and First Class: 2 bags, each weighing up to 70lb/32kg.
Weight Concept Flights (most international flights, excluding USA/Canada)
Economy Class: 44 – 88lb (20 – 40kg) depending on the route. Business and First Class: 66 – 128lb (30 – 64kg) depending on the route.
Domestic Flights (within India)
First Class: 88lb/40kg per passenger. Business Class: 77lb/35kg per passenger. Economy Class: 55lb/25kg per passenger. Infants: 22lb/10kg (all classes). Alliance Air ATR72 flights (excluding Shimla and Kullu): 33lb/15kg per passenger. Alliance Air flights to/from Shimla and Kullu: 22lb/10kg per passenger.
Flying Returns Club Members
Members (except Base) get additional allowances depending on the flight concept and travel class. Maharajah and Golden Edge Club members: 44lb/20kg on weight concept flights. Silver Edge Club members: 22lb/10kg on weight concept flights.
Additional Rules
The maximum linear dimensions for checked baggage: First and Business Class: 158cm/62in per bag. Economy Class (2 pieces): 158cm/62in per bag and combined 273cm/107in for both bags. Maximum weight per checked bag: 70lb/32kg.
Connecting Flights
If you're connecting from a domestic to an international Air India flight (or vice versa), the international flight's baggage allowance applies.
Prohibited Items
Samsung Galaxy Note 7s are prohibited on all flights, and power banks must be carried in hand baggage.
For more details, refer to the tables and sections below for comprehensive baggage information.
Air India Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Air India permits each passenger to carry one hand baggage item and one personal item free of charge across all travel classes as per the Air India baggage policy. The specific size and weight limits for these items are detailed below:
Passengers traveling in Economy Class with Air India are allowed to carry up to two pieces of carry-on baggage. This includes one hand baggage item and one personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, briefcase, camera, small rug, or reading material. The maximum dimensions for hand baggage on Boeing and Airbus aircraft are 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (115cm total), with a weight limit of 8kg (18lb). On ATR (Alliance Air) aircraft, the maximum dimensions are 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (85cm total), with a weight limit of 5kg (11lb).
Executive/Business Class and First Class passengers also enjoy the same allowance of two pieces: one hand baggage item and one personal item, with identical size and weight restrictions as Economy Class. This policy ensures consistency and convenience across all travel classes offered by Air India.
Air India Checked Baggage Allowance
The checked baggage allowance with Air India varies based on your travel class and flight sector, as outlined in the table below.
Air India Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights
The Air India domestic baggage policy allows the following free baggage allowance for passengers traveling within India:
88lb/40kg per passenger for First Class.
77lb/35kg per passenger for Business Class.
55lb/25kg per passenger for Economy Class.
22lb/10kg per passenger for infants (all classes).
33lb/15kg per passenger on Alliance Air ATR72 flights (except Shimla and Kullu).
Each passenger on Alliance Air flights to and from Shimla and Kullu is allowed 22lb/10kg.
If you are traveling on a single ticket that includes both an Alliance Air flight and an Air India domestic flight (or vice versa), your baggage allowance will be 55lb/25kg.
Air India Baggage Policy For International Flights
The Air India baggage policy for international flights varies based on your route, either following a piece concept or weight concept:
Baggage Policy for the USA and Canada:
Piece Concept:
Economy Class: 2 bags x 50lb/23kg per bag per passenger.
Business/First Class: 2 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag per passenger.
Infants (all classes): 1 bag x 22lb/10kg per infant.
Maximum weight per piece: 70lb/32kg.
Baggage Allowance to/from Europe, UK, Israel:
India – Europe, UK, and Israel:
Economy Class: 2 bags x 50lb/23kg per bag per passenger.
Executive Class: 2 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag per passenger.
India – Moscow:
Economy Class: 66lb/30kg per passenger.
Executive Class: 88lb/40kg per passenger.
Europe, UK, and Israel – India/Australia/SAARC/Far East, South-East Asia:
Economy Class: 2 bags x 50lb/23kg per bag per passenger.
Executive Class: 2 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag per passenger.
For specific details or additional questions regarding your baggage allowance, please refer to Air India’s official website or contact their customer service.
Extra Baggage Privileges for Flying Returns Members
Members of Air India’s Flying Returns club enjoy extra baggage benefits as per the Air India baggage policy on Air India and Star Alliance member flights. Depending on the fare type purchased, this additional allowance ranges from 22lb to 44lb (10kg to 20kg), enhancing the standard baggage allowance. This benefit is applicable to both weight and piece concept flights, detailed in the table below.
Air India Fees for Excess and Overweight Baggage
Carry-on Baggage: You are permitted only up to 4.4lb/2kg of excess hand baggage on Air India, subject to the following charges:
Domestic Flights: INR 500/kg
International Flights:
Between India and USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe: USD 40/kg
Between India and other international destinations: USD 15/kg
Note: Total hand baggage in the cabin per passenger must not exceed 22lb/10kg, or it will be transported as checked baggage.
Checked Baggage: Excess fees apply if you exceed your free checked baggage allowance. Charges vary based on route (domestic or international), flight type (piece- or weight-based), fare type, and membership status:
Domestic Flights (within India): INR 600/kg/sector + GST
International Flights:
From India to the United States: USD 240 for each 50lb/23kg bag
USD 130 for an overweight bag weighing between 50 – 70lb (23 – 32kg)
Between India and UAE:
0 – 5kg: Flat USD 40
5 – 10kg: Flat USD 60
10kg: USD 15/kg
Purchasing Excess Baggage
To purchase excess baggage on Air India flights, you can avail a 20% discount by buying it online up to 6 hours before departure. This option is available for domestic flights and select international routes. Here are the ways to purchase excess baggage in advance:
Air India’s City Booking Offices (CTO):
UK & Europe
USA & Canada
Far East & South East Asia
Australia
Gulf & Middle East
India
Airport Offices (ATO)
Air India’s Call Centers:
UK: 0800 048 9254 (toll-free)
Australia: 613 701 98270 (toll number)
France: 331 874 06644 (toll number)
Germany: 496925511337 (toll number)
Singapore: 800 101 4016 (toll-free)
India: 0124-2641407 / 020-26231407 / 1860-233-1407
Other Countries: +91-124-2641407 / 20-26231407 (toll number)
Purchasing excess baggage in advance not only ensures availability but also offers a discounted rate compared to airport rates.
Air India Sports Equipment Baggage Policy
For travelers carrying sporting equipment like golf bags, snow or water skiing gear, and angling kits, Air India provides specific guidelines:
Golfing Equipment: You can bring a golf kit consisting of one golf bag and one pair of shoes. It can be included within your free baggage allowance based on your fare type. Alternatively, you can pay an equivalent of 6kg of excess baggage per kit. If the weight exceeds 33lb/15kg, additional charges apply on a per/kg basis.
Snow/Water Skiing Equipment: Air India baggage policy allows for the carriage of specific sporting equipment, such as one pair of skis with boots, or one snowboard with boots and one pair of water skis. Similar to golfing equipment, these items can either be included in your free baggage allowance or paid for as 3kg of excess baggage per kit. Additional ski kits will be subject to normal excess baggage rates.
Angling Kit: An angling kit can also be included within your free baggage allowance or paid for as an equivalent of 9lb/4kg of excess baggage per kit. If the weight exceeds 33lb/15kg, excess baggage charges will apply on a per/kg basis.
Sports Equipment Policy for USA and Canada
Golfing Equipment: A golf kit, including 1 Golf bag and 1 pair of shoes, can either be included in your fare type's free baggage allowance or charged at 50% of the excess baggage rates per kg.
Surfboarding Equipment: Surfboarding equipment can either be included in your fare type's free baggage allowance or charged at 50% of the excess baggage rates per kg.
Snow/Water Skiing Equipment: This includes 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of boots, or 1 snowboard with boots and 1 pair of water skis. It can either be included in your fare type's free baggage allowance or charged at 33% of the excess baggage rates per kg.
Musical Instruments Policy (Air India)
Traveling with musical instruments on Air India allows for both carry-on and checked baggage options:
Carry-on: Small instruments fitting within your allowance can be taken onboard, stowed in overhead bins or under seats.
Musical Instrument on a Paid Seat: Larger instruments such as cellos or guitars can be secured with an additional seat purchase. Weight must not exceed 165lb/75kg, instruments must be securely packaged, and must not obstruct safety features.
Checked Baggage: Bulky or fragile instruments must be properly packed for checked baggage. Inadequately packed items require a Limited Release Tag, exempting Air India from liability for damage.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs): Allowed if battery-operated and batteries meet flight duration requirements.
Lost, Delayed or Damaged Bags Criteria
If your bags are delayed, lost, or damaged on Air India, here's what you should do:
If your checked baggage doesn't arrive when you do:
Let an Air India staff member at the arrival area know immediately.
They'll give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number and a contact number to help track your bags or file a claim.
If your bags remain missing for 21 days after filing the report under Air India baggage policy, they are classified as lost. In such cases, you may be eligible for compensation. To file a claim, you will need to detail the contents of your bag, provide descriptions, proof of ownership, and any other necessary documentation.
If your bags arrive damaged or something's missing:
Report it right away to Air India staff at the arrival area.
They'll inspect the damage and assess it. If it's the airline's fault, they'll compensate you according to their rules.
Remember, Air India isn't liable for things like broken wheels, handles, or damage due to improper packing, except on flights to or from the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions On Air India Baggage Allowance Policy
What are the Air India baggage policy rules for domestic flights?
According to Air India's Baggage Policy, passengers can carry one or two pieces weighing up to 15 kg/33 lb or 25 kg/55 lb each, depending on the route. Business and First Class passengers can carry two pieces, each weighing up to 35 kg/77 lb. To know more about the baggage rules, contact Air Ticket Changes at +1-866-410-8128.
What is Air India excess baggage policy?
Air India charges between INR 400 to INR 750 per kg for excess baggage fees. However, charges can vary from USD 100 to USD 200 per piece or kg of excess baggage, depending on the route and travel class.
What Is Air India's extra baggage policy?
Air India's extra baggage policy requires passengers to pay for additional baggage on flights. The fees vary based on the route and travel class.
What are the Air India baggage policy rules for international flights?
On Air India the baggage allowance for international flights totally depends on your travel class, destination, frequent flyer member status, and more.
What is Air India's baggage allowance policy for luggage weighing 46 kg?
As per Air India Baggage Policy, the passengers are permitted to keep a single piece of baggage that doesn't weigh beyond 32 kg/71 lb. Please note: this rule is applicable to the entire Air India network.
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