The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced updated regulations regarding hand luggage to help manage the increasing number of passengers and improve airport efficiency. Effective immediately, passengers are allowed to bring only one handbag or cabin bag on both domestic and international flights.
These new guidelines, announced on Wednesday in collaboration with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), aim to reduce congestion and expedite airport procedures.
Key Changes to Hand Baggage Rules
Weight and Size Restrictions
Economy and Higher Economy class passengers are permitted to carry one handbag up to 7 kg in weight.
First and Business Class passengers can carry up to 10 kg of hand luggage.
The handbag’s dimensions should not exceed 55 cm in height, 40 cm in length, and 20 cm in width.
Extra Charges for Excess Luggage
Hand luggage that exceeds the specified weight or size limits will incur additional fees.
Exemption for Older Tickets
Passengers who purchased tickets before May 4, 2024, are exempt from the new restrictions, which previously allowed 8 kg of hand luggage in Economy, 10 kg in Premium Economy, and 12 kg in First and Business Class.
Airline-Specific Hand Luggage Policies
IndiGo: Passengers are allowed to carry one cabin bag with a maximum size of 115 cm (height + length + width) and a weight of up to 7 kg. In addition, one personal item (up to 3 kg) such as a purse or small laptop bag is allowed.
Air India: Business Class passengers are permitted to carry personal items, such as purses, with a maximum weight of 10 kg.
To accommodate the growing demand for air travel, Indian airlines are expanding their fleets. According to Cirium’s 2024 Fleet Forecast, India’s passenger fleet is expected to grow from 720 aircraft in 2023 to over 3,800 by 2043. Indian airlines are also projected to hold 18% of the Asia-Pacific region’s fleet by 2025, up from the current 8%, with nearly 2,000 new aircraft on order.
