Baggage Allowance by Airline

A Comprehensive Guide to Cabin and Checked Baggage Policies of Major Airlines (India & Global)

Traveling by air? Understanding the baggage allowance rules of your airline is crucial. Airlines vary widely in what they allow for free, both in the cabin and the cargo hold. This guide provides detailed baggage policies for all major Indian airlines and several global carriers to help you avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.

Understanding Baggage Types

Before diving into airline-specific policies, it’s important to understand two primary baggage types:

  • Cabin Baggage (Carry-On): Luggage you can take onboard with you.
  • Checked Baggage: Luggage handed over at the check-in counter and stored in the aircraft hold.

Baggage Allowance: Indian Airlines

1. IndiGo

  • Cabin: 1 cabin bag (max 7 kg, 55cm x 35cm x 25cm) + 1 personal item (laptop/handbag).
  • Checked: 15 kg for domestic flights (20-30 kg for international, depending on route/class).
  • Excess baggage: ₹550 per extra kg domestically.

2. Air India

  • Cabin: Economy: 8 kg | Business: 12 kg
  • Checked: Domestic: 25 kg (Economy), 35 kg (Business)
  • International: Often 2 pieces (23 kg each) — varies by destination.
  • Excess: Charged per kg or piece.

3. Air India Express

  • Cabin: 7 kg
  • Checked: Usually 20-30 kg depending on destination.
  • Special Note: Budget fares may exclude check-in baggage — read fare class carefully.

4. Akasa Air

  • Cabin: 1 bag up to 7 kg
  • Checked: Domestic: 15 kg free
  • Excess baggage: Pre-booked rates start from ₹500 per 5 kg.

5. SpiceJet

  • Cabin: 7 kg
  • Checked: Domestic: 15 kg
  • Special Offers: SpiceMax fares provide higher baggage limits (up to 30 kg).

6. Vistara

  • Cabin: Economy: 7 kg | Premium Economy: 10 kg | Business: 12 kg
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 15 kg
    • Premium Economy: 20 kg
    • Business: 30 kg
  • International: Up to 2×23 kg for long-haul.

Baggage Allowance: Global Airlines

1. Emirates

  • Cabin:
    • Economy: 7 kg
    • Business/First: 2 bags totaling 12-14 kg
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 25–35 kg depending on fare class
    • Business: 40 kg
    • First: 50 kg
  • Routes to/from USA/Canada: 2 pieces of 23 kg (Economy), 32 kg (Premium/Business)

2. Qatar Airways

  • Cabin: Economy: 7 kg | Business: 15 kg
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 25–35 kg
    • Business: 40 kg
  • North America: 2 x 23 kg (Economy) / 2 x 32 kg (Business)

3. Etihad Airways

  • Cabin: 7–12 kg depending on class
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 23–35 kg
    • Business/First: 40–50 kg
  • Piece concept to/from US, Canada, and Australia

4. Singapore Airlines

  • Cabin: Economy: 7 kg | Business/First: 14 kg (2 items)
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 25–30 kg
    • Business: 40 kg
  • KrisFlyer members get additional allowances.

5. Lufthansa

  • Cabin: Economy: 8 kg | Business/First: 16 kg (2 items)
  • Checked:
    • Economy: 1 x 23 kg
    • Premium Economy: 2 x 23 kg
    • Business: 2 x 32 kg
  • Strict size & weight checks at boarding gate.

6. British Airways

  • Cabin: 1 cabin bag (23 kg) + 1 personal item
  • Checked:
    • Short-haul: 1 x 23 kg
    • Long-haul: 2 x 23–32 kg depending on ticket
  • Executive Club members can bring extra bags.

7. Turkish Airlines

  • Cabin: Economy: 8 kg | Business: 2 x 8 kg
  • Checked:
    • 30 kg (Economy), 40 kg (Business) or
    • 2 pieces for US-bound flights

Tips to Avoid Baggage Issues

  • Weigh your bags at home to avoid surprises.
  • Pre-book excess baggage online to save 30–50%.
  • Know your fare class – Basic fares often exclude check-in baggage.
  • Use cabin space smartly – maximize personal item + laptop bag.
  • Check latest updates – baggage rules change, especially during promotions or airline policy updates.

Airlines With Generous Baggage Policies

  • Air India (Domestic) – 25 kg free
  • Qatar Airways – up to 40 kg in Economy
  • Emirates (Certain Routes) – 2×23 kg even in Economy
  • Singapore Airlines – Extra for frequent flyers

Airlines With Strict Baggage Rules

  • Low-cost airlines (e.g., Ryanair, AirAsia) often offer no free check-in baggage.
  • Weight is strictly monitored even for cabin bags — be prepared to pay.

Conclusion

Baggage allowances vary by airline, route, and class of travel. Indian airlines generally offer decent domestic allowances, while international carriers provide flexibility based on destinations. Always check the latest airline baggage policies before your trip to avoid unexpected charges or hassles at the airport.

FAQs

Q1. Is hand baggage included in ticket fare?
Yes, most airlines allow at least one carry-on bag for free, though size and weight vary.

Q2. How to buy extra baggage allowance?
Online via the airline’s website/app is the cheapest. Rates at the airport are usually higher.

Q3. Can I carry food or electronics in cabin baggage?
Yes, but liquids must follow security rules (usually <100 ml per container). Electronics must be removed during security checks.

Q4. Which Indian airline gives the highest free baggage allowance?
Air India offers 25 kg on domestic routes in economy class.

Q5. Do low-cost airlines offer free checked baggage?
Often no. Budget fares typically include only cabin baggage unless upgraded.