Baggage rules change more often than most travellers expect. What worked on your last IndiGo flight six months ago might not apply today. Fare classes now determine check-in allowances, gate staff at metro airports weigh cabin bags more frequently, and excess charges vary depending on whether you pre-book or pay at the counter.
A single reference covering IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet domestic baggage allowance for 2026 saves you from checking three different airline websites before every trip.
IndiGo Domestic Baggage Allowance
IndiGo carries approximately 63% of India's domestic air passengers, making its baggage policy the one most Indian flyers need to know.
Cabin Baggage
One cabin bag up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm. One personal item (laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack) up to 3 kg, fitting under the seat in front. The personal item allowance is separate from the 7 kg main cabin bag.
Check-In Baggage by Fare Type
- Saver fare: 15 kg (1 piece)
- Flexi fare: 15 kg (1 piece), with cheaper pre-booked excess options
- Stretch fare: 30 kg (2 pieces)
- Stretch+ fare: 40 kg (2 pieces)
Saver fares on some promotional routes include zero checked baggage. Always verify the checked allowance on your specific ticket before packing.
Excess Baggage Charges
Pre-booked online: starting from ₹300 for 3 kg (rates vary by route). At the airport counter: ₹550 per kg. At the boarding gate for overweight cabin bags: ₹600 per kg. Pre-booking is always cheaper. A well-packed carry-on backpack that stays under 7 kg eliminates excess charges entirely.
Air India Domestic Baggage Allowance
Air India, as a full-service carrier, offers the most generous domestic cabin and check-in allowances among major Indian airlines.
Cabin Baggage
One cabin bag up to 8 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. One personal item up to 3 kg. Business class passengers get 10 kg. The extra kilogram over IndiGo's 7 kg limit is particularly useful for passengers carrying a heavy laptop alongside clothing and toiletries.
Check-In Baggage by Fare Type
- Economy Value: 15 kg
- Economy Flex: 25 kg
- Economy Comfort: 25 kg
- Premium Economy: 25 kg
- Business: 40 kg
Air India's weight-based system means you can check in multiple bags as long as the total weight stays within the allowance. A 40L travel backpack checked on a 25 kg fare gives ample room alongside a cabin backpack for multi-day trips.
Excess Baggage Charges
At the counter: ₹600 per kg for domestic routes. Pre-booked rates are lower and can be added through the Air India app or website up to a few hours before departure.
SpiceJet Domestic Baggage Allowance
SpiceJet's policy closely mirrors IndiGo's LCC standard, with a few differences in enforcement and excess pricing.
Cabin Baggage
One cabin bag up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm. A laptop bag or purse is permitted additionally, but the total combined weight of cabin baggage must not exceed 7 kg. Unlike IndiGo, SpiceJet counts the personal item within the 7 kg total rather than as a separate 3 kg allowance.
Check-In Baggage
Standard economy tickets include 15 kg of free check-in baggage in one piece. Maximum dimensions of the check-in bag should not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height).
Excess Baggage Charges
Pre-booked online: discounted rates through the Manage Booking section. At the airport: ₹700 per kg. At the boarding gate for overweight cabin bags: ₹750 per kg for the first 5 kg over, with a maximum total cabin weight of 12 kg.
Akasa Air Domestic Baggage Allowance
Akasa Air rounds out the major domestic carrier options with a policy that matches the IndiGo model.
Cabin and Check-In Rules
One cabin bag up to 7 kg with total dimensions of 115 cm (L+W+H). One personal item up to 3 kg. Check-in allowance: 15 kg in one piece. Student fares include up to 25 kg of check-in baggage. Pre-booked excess charges start at ₹1,350 for 3 kg.
Quick Comparison Table
| Rule | IndiGo | Air India | SpiceJet | Akasa Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag weight | 7 kg | 8 kg | 7 kg (incl. personal item) | 7 kg |
| Cabin bag size | 55x35x25 cm | 55x40x20 cm | 55x35x25 cm | 115 cm total |
| Personal item | 3 kg separate | 3 kg separate | Within 7 kg | 3 kg separate |
| Economy check-in | 15 kg | 15-25 kg | 15 kg | 15 kg |
| Excess at counter | ₹550/kg | ₹600/kg | ₹700/kg | ₹450/kg (pre-booked) |
How to Stay Within Limits Every Time
Weigh the bag at home before leaving. A ₹500 luggage scale pays for itself on the first trip. Pack using packing cubes to see exactly what is inside the bag and make quick weight adjustments. Choosing the right backpack size for your trip length prevents overpacking before it starts.
For cabin-only trips of 2 to 5 days, a 30L overnighter holds everything without needing checked luggage. For longer trips, a 40L backpack handles a full week and fits as cabin baggage on most carriers. The guide on packing a travel backpack efficiently covers the weight distribution system that keeps everything under the limit.
Pack Right. Fly Light. Skip the Counter.
Baggage rules are not meant to trip you up. Knowing your airline's exact limits before packing means no surprises at the gate. Check the travel backpack collection for bags designed to fit Indian airline cabin limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IndiGo baggage allowance for domestic flights?
IndiGo allows 7 kg cabin baggage (55x35x25 cm) plus a 3 kg personal item. Check-in allowance is 15 kg on standard fares and up to 40 kg on Stretch+ fares.
Does Air India give more baggage than IndiGo?
Yes. Air India allows 8 kg cabin baggage versus IndiGo's 7 kg, and check-in ranges from 15 to 25 kg on economy fares compared to IndiGo's flat 15 kg on Saver fares.
Does the laptop count in SpiceJet's 7 kg cabin limit?
Yes. SpiceJet includes the personal item (laptop bag) within the 7 kg total cabin allowance, unlike IndiGo and Akasa which offer a separate 3 kg personal item.
How much does excess baggage cost on Indian domestic flights?
Rates vary: IndiGo charges ₹550/kg, Air India ₹600/kg, and SpiceJet ₹700/kg at the airport. Pre-booking online is always cheaper.
Can I carry two cabin bags on domestic flights?
Most airlines allow one cabin bag plus one personal item. The personal item must fit under the seat. Carrying two full-size bags is not permitted.
What is the cheapest way to handle excess baggage?
Pre-book extra weight online at least a few hours before departure. Airport counter rates are 30 to 50% higher than pre-booked rates on all Indian carriers.
