Air travel new rules: Bag dimensions, charges, and luggage count

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has rolled out revised baggage rules, limiting the hanging luggage to one per person. From May 2 onwards, passengers can carry only one cabin bag or handbag. All the major airline companies in India, including Air India and Indigo, have introduced changes in their policies as per the latest regulations. The new rules have been launched to make security check screenings easier and manage the crowds. Moreover, these regulations might even save time for both the passengers and the airport officials. The airports in the country have become busier, and there has been a significant increase in air travellers. The BCAS and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have decided to implement stricter baggage rules to facilitate hassle-free passenger flow through the terminals.

These are some of the latest hand baggage rules:
One handbag per passenger – As per the revised rules, passengers can carry only one handbag or cabin bag per person. The cabin bag shouldn’t weigh more than 7 kilos in the economy class. Meanwhile, in business/first class, passengers can carry up to 10 kilos as cabin baggage. All other luggage should be checked in.

Cabin bag size – The cabin bag size cannot be more than 55 cm in height, 40 cm in length and 20 cm in width. The cabin bag size has been limited to make security screening easier.

Surcharge for additional baggage – There will be an additional baggage charge if the weight of the cabin baggage exceeds the limits.

Exemption for pre–booked tickets – These regulations do not apply to tickets that are booked prior to May 2, 2024. So, the passengers can carry up to 8 kilos on domestic flights, 10 kilos on premium economy, and 12 kilos on business class.

Airline companies like Air India had reduced the weight of cabin baggage before the revised rules were launched. The airline had slashed the maximum weight of complimentary baggage from 20 kilos to 15 kilos. This was one of the major changes in the company’s policies after Tata took over the airline. The weight of complimentary baggage was up to 25 kilos, but it was reduced to 20 kilos after Air India was taken over by Tata in 2022.