Air India Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Air India is India's full-service flag carrier (now part of the Tata Group). All fares include both cabin and checked baggage, with the free allowance depending on travel class, fare family, route, and Maharaja Club status. Domestic economy includes 15kg checked; international economy is typically 23kg (piece-based 2 x 23kg to the USA and Canada); business and first class get substantially more. India's one-bag cabin security rule applies. Excess and overweight charges are route dependent — verify your specific allowance with Air India's baggage calculator at booking.
At a glance
🎒 Personal item
In addition to the cabin bag, one personal item up to 3kg (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of you.
🧳 Carry-on
One cabin bag, maximum 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Weight limit is 7kg in Economy and Premium Economy, and up to 10kg in Business and First. Under India's BCAS 'one hand baggage' rule, only one cabin bag is permitted into the cabin (plus the personal item), for both domestic and international flights.
Air India checked bag fees
| Domestic Economy | 15kg included |
| International Economy (most routes) | 1 × 23kg included |
| International Economy — USA / Canada | 2 × 23kg included (piece concept) |
| Business / First | 32kg (domestic) up to 2 × 32kg (international); route dependent |
| Single-piece limit | Max 32kg per piece |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and cancellation rules depend on the fare family. Lower/saver economy fares carry change fees plus any fare difference and may have limited refundability; flexible and premium fares allow easier changes and refunds. Specific charges vary by route and class — check the fare conditions at the time of booking or in Manage Booking.
Other common fees
| Excess baggage (per kg) | Charged by route; varies between domestic and international |
| Extra piece (international) | Flat per-piece fee, route dependent |
| Seat selection (preferred / extra legroom) | Paid in Economy; varies by route |
| Maharaja Club status benefit | Frequent flyers receive extra free checked allowance |
How to avoid extra fees
- Use Air India's online baggage calculator with your PNR and last name — the included allowance varies by class, fare, route, and loyalty status.
- Flights to/from the USA and Canada use the piece concept (2 x 23kg in economy) rather than a single weight limit.
- Prepay excess baggage where possible; airport rates are typically higher than buying in advance.
- Keep each checked piece under 32kg — heavier single pieces are not accepted and must be repacked.
- Business and First class include a much larger free allowance plus higher cabin weight (up to 10kg).
Air India baggage — FAQ
How much baggage is included on Air India domestic flights?
Domestic economy includes 15kg of checked baggage plus a 7kg cabin bag. Business and first class include considerably more (up to 32kg checked plus a heavier cabin allowance).
What is Air India's checked allowance to the USA?
Flights to the USA and Canada use the piece concept: economy passengers get 2 pieces of up to 23kg each, while business and first class get 2 pieces of up to 32kg each.
What is Air India's cabin baggage allowance?
One cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm — 7kg in Economy/Premium Economy and up to 10kg in Business/First — plus one personal item up to 3kg. Only one cabin bag is allowed under India's security rules.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Air India. Baggage fees and policies change often and vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm on the airline's official website before booking or flying.