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Baggage weight restrictions on airplanes are followed by most passengers, but we’ve all been in situations when there’s always a little extra to carry, hoping that airlines would be kind enough to allow us without extra charge.
However, authorities in India have come up with stricter hand luggage rules, keeping in mind a smoother travel experience and overall security of passengers and airlines.
Stricter rules for hand baggage
The Indian government has revised rules for hand baggage limits for air travel in the country. With increasing footfall at Indian airports, there’s been an increase in the workload of security officials who screen passengers as well.
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Keeping in mind a smooth airport experience and adequate safety of passengers and airlines, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which primarily deals with airport security, have enforced stricter rules for passengers’ hand baggage.
One piece of hand luggage allowed
Air travelers are allowed to carry only one piece of hand luggage. This applies to travel within the country and for international flights. Any extra bag must be checked in.
Weight limit depends upon the class of travel
Those flying economy and premium economy are allowed up to 7 kg of handbag. Business and first class ticket holders can carry up to 10 kg of handbags.
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Bag dimensions
Carry-on bags need to meet the following dimensions:
Height: 55 cm (21.6 inches)
Length: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
Width: 20 cm (7.8 inches)
Some passengers are exempted
The new rules may have caused disruption in travel plans for some passengers. Keeping that in mind, authorities have exempted some travelers from these new rules if they booked their tickets before May 4, 2024.
Such passengers are also allowed to carry up to 8 kg in economy, up to 10 kg in premium economy, and up to 12 kg in business and first.
Flight security
The new rules aim to reduce the workload of security officials, who are getting increasingly busy due to the steady increase in air traffic in India. From a security standpoint, this should help officers examine baggage more closely.
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The decision was taken by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which was initially set up as part of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) but was later reorganized into an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to its official website, it has the following main roles:
- Laying down Aviation Security Standards in accordance with Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention of ICAO for airport operators, airline operators, and their security agencies responsible for implementing AVSEC measures.
- Monitoring the implementation of security rules and regulations and carrying out surveys of security needs.
- Ensure that the persons implementing security controls are appropriately trained and possess all competencies required to perform their duties.
- Planning and coordination of aviation security.
- Surprise/Dummy checks to test the professional efficiency and alertness of security staff.
- Mock exercise to test the efficacy of Contingency Plans and operational preparedness of the various agencies.
More information can be found on the aviation ministry website.
Air traffic growth in India
These new rules come at a time when domestic air travel in the country is experiencing a huge uptick. Indian airlines flew 14.2 million passengers on domestic routes in November, a 12% increase from the same period last year.
Of course, much of it was driven by IndiGo, the largest airline in the country, which commands more than 60% of the domestic market. Its closest competitor, Air India
, currently commands around 25% of the market share.
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The year 2025 seems much more promising for the Indian aviation sector. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India will continue to upgrade their fleet and network, and new routes and airports will also emerge. It remains to be seen if passenger numbers will set any new records in 2025.
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