Travelling in a flight? Know these new hand baggage rules

According to new aviation rules, one hand baggage with 7 kgs of weight would be allowed per passenger, said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Wednesday.  

The new rules are applicable on both domestic and international flights. All other bags apart from one handbag must go in the check-in baggage. The move, taken in collaboration with the CISF, aims to manage the overloading passenger crowd at security checkpoints. The new hand baggage rule has caused airlines to make hand baggage policies much stricter.  

Air India has made the changes restricting a 7 kg hand baggage limit for economy and premium economy travellers and 10 kg limit for first and business class passengers. The maximum dimensions for hand luggage are 40 cm (15.7 inches) in length, 20 cm (7.8 inches) in breadth, and 55 cm (21.6 inches) in height.  

However, the BCAS has made exceptions for those who have booked tickets before May 2, 2024. For them, Air India allows 8 kg for economy, 10 kg for premium economy, and 12 kg for first or business class travellers. But here’s a catch, if any changes are made after May 2 to these tickets, then the exemptions to new rules are not applicable.  

Apart from Air India, Indigo Airlines have also enforced these regulations, allowing a single cabin bag weighing 7 kg with a dimension of 115 cm. Passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item, up to 3 kg in weight, such as a lady’s pocketbook or a compact laptop bag.  

Travelers are encouraged to strictly follow the amended restrictions to prevent unforeseen expenses and delays, as baggage that exceeds size or weight limits may attract additional charges.