Air India Baggage Policy

Below is a snapshot of the Air India baggage policy for domestic and international flights, incl. USA. 

• Air India carry-on baggage policy
  • Each passenger is allowed a carry-on baggage allowance of 1 hand baggage item plus 1 personal item, such as a handbag, laptop, camera, briefcase, etc.
  • The maximum size and weight of the hand baggage item must not exceed:
    • 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (115cm) and 18lb/8kg on Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
    • 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (85cm) and 11lb/5kg on ATR (Alliance Air) aircraft.
• Air India checked baggage policy
  • Piece concept flights -The checked baggage allowance for international flights to/from the United States and Canada is:
    • 2 bags x 50lb/23kg per bag on Economy Class.
    • 2 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag on Business and First Class.
  • Weight concept flights. The checked baggage allowance for most other international flights (except to/from USA/Canada) is:
    • 44 – 88lb (20 – 40kg) per passenger on Economy Class, depending on route.
    • 66 – 128lb (30 – 64kg) per passenger on Executive/Business and First Class, depending on route.
  • Domestic flights. The checked baggage allowance for domestic flights within India is:
    • 88lb/40kg per passenger on First Class. 
    • 77lb/35kg per passenger on Business Class. 
    • 55lb/25kg per passenger on Economy Class.
    • 22lb/10kg for infants (all classes).
    • 33lb/15kg per passenger on Alliance Air ATR72 flights (except Shimla and Kullu).
    • 22lb/10kg per passenger on Alliance Air flights to/from Shimla and Kullu.
  • Flying Returns Club members (except Base) are allowed an additional baggage allowance of:
    • 1 extra piece per passenger on piece concept flights, depending on travel class.
    • 44lb/20kg per passenger on weight concept flights for Maharajah and Golden Edge Club members, and 22lb/10kg per passenger for Silver Edge Club members. 
• The maximum linear dimensions of a checked bag must not exceed:
  • For First and Business Class passengers—158cm/62in per bag.
  • For Economy Class passengers with 2 luggage pieces—158cm/62in for any bag and 273cm/107in for both bags combined.
• The maximum weight of a single piece of checked bag must not exceed 70lb/32kg.
• If you’re connecting from a domestic to an international Air India flight (or the other way round) the baggage allowance for the international flight will apply. 
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7s are prohibited on all aircraft, and power banks can only be carried in hand baggage.

For more baggage-related information, refer to the tables and sections below.

Air India Carry-on Baggage Allowance 

The Air India carry-on baggage policy allows passengers to carry 1 hand baggage item plus 1 personal item free of charge on all travel classes, subject to the size and weight restrictions in the table below.

Air India Checked Baggage Allowance

According to the Air India checked baggage policy, your baggage allowance will depend on your travel class and flight sector, as shown in the table below. 

Air India Domestic Baggage Policy

Free baggage allowance on domestic flights. According to the Air India domestic baggage policy, the free baggage allowance for passengers travelling on Air India flights within India is:

• 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).
• 22lb/10kg* per passenger on Alliance Air flights to/from Shimla and Kullu.

* If you’re travelling on an Alliance Air flight that connects to an Air India domestic flight (or vice versa) on a single ticket, your baggage allowance will be 55lb/25kg. 

Other Highlights

• The above-mentioned domestic baggage policy applies only to Air India flights and does not include Air India Express, Alliance Air, or codeshare flights.
• If you’re connecting from a domestic to an international sector (or vice versa) on the same ticket, the international baggage allowance will apply. 
• Star Alliance Gold Members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 44lb/20kg on Economy Class. Premium Club and Flying Returns members are also entitled to an additional baggage allowance. 
• In addition to the 22lb/10kg baggage allowance, infants travelling on domestic Air India flights are entitled to 1 collapsible stroller/infant car seat/carrycot.
• No single piece of baggage must weigh more than 70lb/32kg. 
• The excess baggage charges on domestic flights are INR 600/kg per sector plus the applicable GST.
• Passengers with a disability travelling on a wheelchair or with assistive devices are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 33lb/15kg per DGCA guidelines. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stored in the aircraft hold and retrieved at the boarding gate and other assistive devices can be checked in at no additional charge. 

Air India Baggage Policy for International Flights

What is the Air India international baggage policy like?

The Air India baggage policy for international flights depends on your route, is either based on the piece concept or weight concept, as shown below. 

• Air India Baggage Policy for the USA

The Air India baggage policy for the USA and Canada is based on the piece concept. The baggage allowance on flights to/from the USA and Canada is:

• 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.

The maximum weight of a single piece of checked baggage must not exceed 70lb/32kg. 

• Air India Baggage Allowance to/from Europe, UK, Israel 

• India – Europe, UK, and Israel
  • Economy Class 2 x 50lb/23kg per bag per passenger
  • Executive Class 2 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 x 50lb/23kg per bag per passenger
  • Executive Class 2 x 70lb/32kg per bag per passenger

Additional Baggage Allowance for Flying Returns Members

Active members of Air India’s Flying Returns club are entitled to an additional baggage allowance on Air India and Star Alliance member flights. The allowance (ranging from 22lb–44lb, i.e., 10–20kg) is in addition to the standard baggage allowance, depending on the type of fare purchased. It applies to both weight and piece concept flights, as shown in the table below. 

Air India Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees 

What is Air India’s excess baggage policy?

Air India’s excess baggage policy for carry-on and checked baggage is explained below.

Excess Carry-on Baggage Fees

You’re allowed to carry 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, Australia USD 40/kg.
  • Between India and other international destinations USD 15/kg.

The total hand baggage in the cabin (per passenger) must not exceed 22lb/10kg, or it will be transported as checked baggage.

Excess Checked Baggage Fees

If you carry more than your free checked baggage allowance, you will have to pay excess baggage charges. The charges will depend on your route (domestic or international) and flight type (piece- or weight-based), fare type, and membership status.

The excess baggage fees for checked baggage are as follows:

• Domestic Flights (within India) INR 600/kg/sector + GST
• International Flights
  • Between India and the United States USD 240 per 50lb/23kg bag
    +USD 130 for a 50 – 70lb (23 – 32kg) overweight bag
  • Between India and UAE 0 – 5kg Flat USD 40
    5 – 10kg Flat USD 60
    >10kg USD 15/kg

How to Purchase (Excess) Baggage 

You can purchase extra baggage online up to 6 hours before departure for a 20% discount compared to the airport rates. This facility is available for domestic Air India fights and select international flights.

You can purchase the excess baggage in advance via:

• 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
  • U.K. 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)

The excess baggage charges for different regions (Bands) are given below by piece and weight concept.

Piece Concept	Weight Concept
Band 1 New York, Newark, Washington, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver View prepaid charges.	Band 1 Male, Kabul, Dacca
Band 3Frankfurt, London, Birmingham, Stanstead, Paris, Nairobi, Lagos  View prepaid charges.	Band 7 Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain
Band 4 Tokyo View prepaid charges.	View domestic prepaid charges.
Band 5 Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Doha View prepaid charges.	View ex-India prepaid charges.
Band 6 Male, Kabul, Dacca View prepaid charges.	View SAARC-country prepaid charges.
View ex-India prepaid charges.	View ex-Gulf prepaid charges.
View U.S./Canada to India prepaid charges.

Air India Sports Baggage Policy

Per Air India’s sporting equipment policy, you can carry sports equipment such as golf bags, snow/water skiing equipment, angling kits, etc., as explained below. 

• Golfing equipment
  • A golf kit comprising 1 Golf bag and 1 pair of shoes can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or paid for an equivalent of 6kg of excess baggage per kit.
  • If the weight of the golf kit exceeds 33lb/15kg, it will be charged excess baggage charges on a per/kg basis.
• Snow/water skiing equipment
  • Can include 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of boots, or 1 snowboard and 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of water skis. 
  • Can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or paid for an equivalent of 3kg of excess baggage per kit.
  • Additional ski kits will be charged per normal excess baggage rates.
• Angling kit
  • Can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or paid for an equivalent of 9lb/4kg of excess baggage per kit.
  • If the weight of the angling kit exceeds 33lb/15kg, it will be charged excess baggage charges on a per/kg basis.

Sporting Equipment for USA and Canada

• Golfing equipment  
  • A golf kit comprising 1 Golf bag and 1 pair of shoes can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or charged 50% of the excess baggage rates per kg.
• Surfboarding equipment 
  • Can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or paid for an equivalent of 50% of the excess baggage charge per kg.
• Snow/water skiing equipment 
  • Can include 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of boots, or 1 snowboard and 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of water skis.
  • Can either be included in the free baggage allowance that applies to your fare type, or charged 33% of the excess baggage rates per kg.

Air India Musical Instruments Policy 

Per Air India’s musical instruments policy, you can carry musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage. 

1. Musical instruments as carry-on baggage. Small musical instruments that fit within your carry-on baggage allowance can be taken as carry-on baggage. They must also fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

2. Musical Instrument on a paid seat. If your musical instrument does not fit in the overhead bin or under your front seat, you can buy an additional seat for it at currently available fares. This would typically include fragile or bulky items such as cellos, guitars, etc., provided they meet the following conditions:
   • The total weight incl. case must not exceed 165lb/75kg.
   • Must be adequately packaged to avoid injury to other passengers.
   • Must be safely secured by a seat belt in the seat next to the owner. 
   • Must not prevent access to, or the use of, the aisle or any emergency exit door. 
   • Must not block any passenger’s view of the in-flight signage. 
   • Must be reserved and paid for in advance.
     
3. Musical instruments as checked baggage. Bulky and fragile musical instruments are not permitted in the cabin due to safety reasons.
   • Such instruments/equipment must be packed adequately for carriage. 
   • If the packing is found inadequate, they will be transported as checked baggage after obtaining a Limited Release Tag from the passenger, freeing the airline of any liability in case of damage.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

When traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), remember the following:

• Only battery-operated POCs are allowed. 
• Contact Air India at least 48 hours before departure. 
• Your POC’s batteries must be fully charged to power it for at least 150% of your flight’s duration, incl. ground connection time and unexpected delays.

What to Do If Your Baggage is Delayed, Lost, or Damaged on Air India

Delayed Baggage

If you did not receive your checked baggage after arrival: 

• Report it immediately to an Air India official at the arrival hall.
  • After you file a report, you will be given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number that you will need to trace your bag(s) or file your claim. You will also be given a phone number.

Lost Baggage

If your baggage remains untraced for 21 days from the date you filed the Property Irregularity Report, it will be treated as lost—and you will be entitled to compensation. When making a claim, you will be required to provide an itemized list of contents, along with a description, age, proof of ownership, etc.

Damaged Baggage 

If you receive your baggage in a damaged condition or find something missing from it, report it immediately to an Air India official at the arrival hall. The officials will physically examine and assess the nature and extent of the damage. If your baggage was damaged due to the airline’s fault, you will be compensated per applicable rules. 

Air India will not take liability for the following:

• Broken wheels, handles, or straps*
• Damage to oversized or overpacked bags
• Damage due to improper packing 
• Damage to or loss of pull *
• Damage to fragile or perishable items 
• Manufacturing defects

* This does not apply to travel to/from the United States of America.

Air India’s Liability for Lost and Damaged Bags

Air India’s liability for lost, damaged, or delayed bags (including contents)—except mobility aids, assistive devices, and wheelchairs—is limited to SDRs 1,131 per passenger under the Montreal Convention 1999. However, if the passenger has made a special declaration of interest in delivery at destination and paid a supplementary sum when checking in, Air India will be liable to pay that sum, unless proven otherwise. 

Air India’s liability for damage due to delay is limited by Montreal Convention 1999 to SDRs 4,694 unless the defenses specified in the convention apply. 

Air India’s liability for damage, loss, delay, or destruction of cargo is limited by the Montreal Convention 1999 to SDR 17 per kg. 

Liquids and Powders 

Liquids, aerosols, and aerosols —such as shampoos, beverages, suntan lotions, hair gels, hair sprays, creams, toothpaste, liquid cosmetics, and articles of similar consistency—must be placed in a re-sealable, transparent, one-liter sized plastic bag in your hand baggage, and must not exceed 3.4 oz (100 ml). However, larger containers (incl. hairsprays and insect repellents) can be packed in checked bags. 

Powdered substances like coffee, powdered milk, spices, etc., on U.S. flights must not exceed 12oz (350ml) in your carry-on bags if traveling international. However, larger quantities may be permitted in your checked bag after screening. 

The following liquids and powders are allowed in hand baggage, but must be carried in a clear, re-sealable, transparent, one-liter sized plastic bag:

• Baby foods for consumption during the flight 
• Medicines incl. inhalers (with prescription)
• Diet foods for inflight consumption 
• Ashes of a deceased person (in an urn) 
• Tax-free items (sealed in Secure Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Air India Baggage Policy