Air India Baggage Allowance — Cabin & Checked
Quick answer: Air India's free baggage depends on cabin and route. Domestic Economy is weight-based, typically 15 kg (Value) or 25 kg (Classic/Flex) checked plus 7 kg cabin; Business gets more. Most international routes give Economy 23 kg, while flights to/from the USA and Canada use the piece concept (2 x 23 kg Economy, 2 x 32 kg Business). Confirm your exact allowance on airindia.com, as it varies by fare and sector.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · summarised from the official Air India policy and DGCA passenger-rights rules. Fees and rules change — always confirm on airindia.com before booking.
Domestic checked allowance
On domestic India sectors Air India uses a weight system tied to your Smart Fare tier. Economy Value generally includes 15 kg of checked baggage, while Economy Classic and Flex include 25 kg; Business carries a higher allowance. A single bag must not exceed 32 kg, and cabin baggage is separate. Because allowances shift with fare bundle and promotions, always check the allowance shown on your ticket or the calculator on airindia.com before you fly.
International weight allowance
For most international routes (excluding the USA and Canada) Air India applies a weight concept. Economy Value typically permits one 23 kg checked bag, while Classic and Flex permit two pieces of 23 kg each; Premium Economy and Business carry larger allowances, with Business often around 2 x 32 kg. The single-bag ceiling is 32 kg. Exact figures depend on route and fare family, so verify your specific allowance on airindia.com.
USA and Canada piece concept
Flights to and from the USA and Canada follow the piece concept, where the number of bags matters more than total kilos. Economy Value usually includes one 23 kg piece, Classic and Flex two pieces of 23 kg each, Premium Economy two pieces, and Business two pieces of 32 kg each. No single bag may exceed 32 kg. See Air India's dedicated USA/Canada baggage page on airindia.com to confirm pieces and weights for your fare.
Cabin and personal item
Air India Economy allows one cabin bag (about 7 kg domestic, 8 kg on many international routes) plus one personal item up to roughly 3 kg, such as a laptop bag, handbag or small backpack that fits under the seat. Business and First permit a heavier cabin bag (around 12 kg). Indian security rules generally restrict travellers to a single piece of hand baggage; check the current weight, dimension and personal-item limits on airindia.com.
Excess and extra baggage
Baggage beyond your free allowance is charged as excess, and the rate depends on route, fare and how the weight or pieces are calculated; on piece-concept sectors you pay per additional or overweight bag, and on weight sectors per extra kilogram. Air India also sells discounted pre-paid excess baggage during booking or via Manage Booking. Excess rates change over time, so use the baggage calculator and current fee grid on airindia.com for exact charges.
Infants and special items
Infants not occupying a seat receive a small checked allowance (commonly around 10 kg in Economy, more in premium cabins) plus a collapsible stroller, which Air India usually carries free. Sporting gear, musical instruments and other special or oversized items have their own handling rules and may need advance arrangement or extra fees. Lithium power banks must travel in cabin baggage, not checked. Always confirm infant, stroller and special-baggage specifics on airindia.com.
Air India baggage — FAQ
How much baggage can I check on a domestic Air India flight?
Domestic Economy is weight-based and tied to your fare: roughly 15 kg for Value and 25 kg for Classic or Flex, with Business higher. A single bag cannot exceed 32 kg. Confirm the exact allowance on your ticket and at airindia.com.
What is Air India's baggage allowance to the USA?
USA and Canada flights use the piece concept. Economy typically gets one (Value) or two (Classic/Flex) bags of 23 kg each, and Business two bags of 32 kg each, with no single bag over 32 kg. Verify your fare's pieces on airindia.com.
How heavy can my cabin bag be on Air India?
Economy cabin baggage is generally about 7 kg domestically and 8 kg on many international routes, while Business and First allow around 12 kg, plus one small personal item. Check the current cabin weight and dimension limits on airindia.com.
How much does Air India charge for excess baggage?
Excess baggage fees vary by route, fare and whether weight or pieces apply, and they change over time. Pre-paying during booking is usually cheaper than at the airport. Use the baggage calculator and fee table on airindia.com for current charges.
Can I carry a power bank on Air India?
Yes, but power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in your cabin baggage, never in checked bags, in line with safety rules. Wattage and quantity limits apply. Review the current dangerous-goods and battery guidance on airindia.com before travel.
Is there a baggage allowance for infants?
Infants without their own seat get a reduced checked allowance, commonly around 10 kg in Economy with more in premium cabins, plus a stroller that Air India usually carries free of charge. Confirm the current infant allowance for your route on airindia.com.
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