Air India Express Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Air India Express allows one 7 kg carry-on and a personal item for free. Standard economy fares include 15 kg of checked baggage domestically, while Xpress Lite fares do not include checked bags.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Air India Express (IX) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg, max dimensions 55x35x25 cm |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item (laptop bag, ladies purse, or small backpack) that fits under the seat |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Xpress Lite: 0 bags. Economy: 1 bag (15 kg domestic, 20-30 kg international depending on route). Xpress Biz: 1 bag (25 kg domestic, 40 kg international). |
| First Bag Fee | Free for standard Economy (15 kg). Xpress Lite fares pay approx $12-$15 (INR 1000) for 15 kg if pre-booked. |
| Second Bag Fee | Varies by weight; excess baggage can be pre-booked in blocks (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg) starting around INR 2500 for 5kg extra. |
| Overweight Fee | INR 600 per kg for domestic flights; USD 10 to USD 35 per kg for international flights |
| Oversized Fee | INR 2,000 per item/piece for domestic flights |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Special equipment handling fee applies for items like golf bags, skis, surfboards, and bicycles. Can be pre-booked online or paid at the airport.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (ukulele/violin) allowed in cabin if within 55x40x20 cm. Large instruments require special equipment handling fee or an extra seat.
International Rules
Middle East/Singapore flights often include 20-30 kg in Economy and 40 kg in Xpress Biz. International connecting baggage can be pre-booked (e.g., 15 kg for INR 3000).
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Pre-book excess baggage online as airport rates are higher. 2. Avoid Xpress Lite fares if you need to check a bag. 3. Weigh your cabin bag to ensure it is strictly under 7 kg. 4. Pre-book the Xtra Carry-On add-on if you need 3-5 kg extra cabin weight.
Unique Nuances
Air India Express offers an 'Xtra Carry-On' add-on allowing 3-5 kg extra cabin baggage. Infants under 2 years get an extra 10 kg free checked baggage allowance. International connecting passengers on domestic legs can pre-book special baggage rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Air India Express charge for checked bags?
- Air India Express charges Free for standard Economy (15 kg). Xpress Lite fares pay approx $12-$15 (INR 1000) for 15 kg if pre-booked. for the first checked bag and Varies by weight; excess baggage can be pre-booked in blocks (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg) starting around INR 2500 for 5kg extra. for the second bag.
- What is Air India Express's carry-on bag size limit?
- Air India Express carry-on allowance: 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg, max dimensions 55x35x25 cm. 1 personal item (laptop bag, ladies purse, or small backpack) that fits under the seat
- Does Air India Express include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, Air India Express includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Xpress Lite: 0 bags. Economy: 1 bag (15 kg domestic, 20-30 kg international depending on route). Xpress Biz: 1 bag (25 kg domestic, 40 kg international).
- What is Air India Express's overweight baggage fee?
- INR 600 per kg for domestic flights; USD 10 to USD 35 per kg for international flights
- Can I bring sports equipment on Air India Express?
- Special equipment handling fee applies for items like golf bags, skis, surfboards, and bicycles. Can be pre-booked online or paid at the airport.
- What are Air India Express baggage fees?
- Air India Express baggage fees are Free for standard Economy (15 kg). Xpress Lite fares pay approx $12-$15 (INR 1000) for 15 kg if pre-booked. for the first checked bag and Varies by weight; excess baggage can be pre-booked in blocks (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg) starting around INR 2500 for 5kg extra. for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of INR 600 per kg for domestic flights; USD 10 to USD 35 per kg for international flights. Middle East/Singapore flights often include 20-30 kg in Economy and 40 kg in Xpress Biz. International connecting baggage can be pre-booked (e.g., 15 kg for INR 3000).