Air India Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Air India allows 1 carry-on (7-10 kg) and 1 personal item for free. Checked baggage is included on all fares, varying by route between weight concept (15-40 kg) and piece concept (1-2 bags).
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Air India (AI) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 55x40x20 cm, 7 kg max (Economy) or 10 kg max (First/Business) |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm, max 3 kg. Includes handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy: 15-25 kg (domestic) or 1-2 bags up to 23 kg (international). Business: 30-40 kg (domestic) or 2 bags up to 32 kg (international). First: 40 kg (domestic) or 2 bags up to 32 kg (international). |
| First Bag Fee | INR 700 per kg domestic, $17-$37 per kg international (weight concept) or $200-$250 per piece (piece concept) |
| Second Bag Fee | $200-$250 per piece on piece concept routes if exceeding allowance. |
| Overweight Fee | $90-$190 for heavy bags (23-32 kg) on piece concept routes. INR 700/kg domestic or $17-$55/kg international on weight concept routes. |
| Oversized Fee | Oversize handling fee applies for bags over 158 cm. For LED/LCD TVs between 99-139 cm, oversize charges apply. |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) per piece, or 272 cm combined for two pieces in Economy |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Included in standard allowance. If exceeding allowance, special handling fee applies: INR 2375 domestic, $45 international, CAD 63.5 for Canada routes.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on. Large instruments can be checked (standard fees apply) or carried in cabin by booking an extra seat (max 75 kg).
International Rules
Weight concept applies to most of Asia/Middle East (20-30 kg in Economy). Piece concept applies to US/Canada/Europe/Japan (1-2 bags up to 23 kg in Economy).
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Prepay for excess baggage online to save up to 20%. 2. Join Maharaja Club for extra allowance (up to 20 kg or 1 extra piece for Gold/Platinum). 3. Pack heavy items in your personal item (up to 3 kg). 4. Ensure bags don't exceed 158 cm to avoid oversize fees.
Unique Nuances
Air India uses a mix of weight concept (total kg) and piece concept (number of bags) depending on the route. Maharaja Club Silver members get 5 kg extra allowance on Air India flights only. Students and armed forces personnel often get special baggage allowances on domestic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Air India charge for checked bags?
- Air India charges INR 700 per kg domestic, $17-$37 per kg international (weight concept) or $200-$250 per piece (piece concept) for the first checked bag and $200-$250 per piece on piece concept routes if exceeding allowance. for the second bag.
- What is Air India's carry-on bag size limit?
- Air India carry-on allowance: 55x40x20 cm, 7 kg max (Economy) or 10 kg max (First/Business). 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm, max 3 kg. Includes handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
- Does Air India include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, Air India includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy: 15-25 kg (domestic) or 1-2 bags up to 23 kg (international). Business: 30-40 kg (domestic) or 2 bags up to 32 kg (international). First: 40 kg (domestic) or 2 bags up to 32 kg (international).
- What is Air India's overweight baggage fee?
- $90-$190 for heavy bags (23-32 kg) on piece concept routes. INR 700/kg domestic or $17-$55/kg international on weight concept routes.
- Can I bring sports equipment on Air India?
- Included in standard allowance. If exceeding allowance, special handling fee applies: INR 2375 domestic, $45 international, CAD 63.5 for Canada routes.
- What are Air India baggage fees?
- Air India baggage fees are INR 700 per kg domestic, $17-$37 per kg international (weight concept) or $200-$250 per piece (piece concept) for the first checked bag and $200-$250 per piece on piece concept routes if exceeding allowance. for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $90-$190 for heavy bags (23-32 kg) on piece concept routes. INR 700/kg domestic or $17-$55/kg international on weight concept routes.. Weight concept applies to most of Asia/Middle East (20-30 kg in Economy). Piece concept applies to US/Canada/Europe/Japan (1-2 bags up to 23 kg in Economy).