Flight Baggage Rules Changed: Now Only One Hand Bag Allowed—Avoid Airport Hassles with These New Guidelines!

Planning to fly soon? You need to know about the latest hand baggage rules by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Starting now, stricter policies mean only one hand bag per passenger is permitted on all flights—domestic and international—regardless of airline.What’s Changed in the Hand Bag Policy?One Hand Bag Allowed:Only a single cabin bag/hand bag is permitted per passenger inside the aircraft. Any extra bags must be checked in.Applies to All Flights:Both domestic and international travelers must comply.Stricter Security:Designed to ease security congestion as air passenger numbers soar.Airline-Specific Hand Baggage RulesAir IndiaEconomy & Premium Economy: 1 hand bag up to 7kg, size up to 115cm (length + width + height).First Class & Business Class: 1 hand bag up to 10kg.Extra Personal Item: Laptop bag or lady’s purse allowed (must fit under the seat, max 3kg).Size Guideline: Hand bag should not exceed 40cm (length), 20cm (width), and 55cm (height).Tickets Before May 2, 2024: Old limits apply (Economy: 8kg, Premium Economy: 10kg, First/Business: 12kg).Special Baggage: Additional seat booking possible for oversized items (max 75kg, must be secured).IndiGoCabin Bag: 1 hand bag up to 7kg, 115cm combined dimensions.Personal Item: Either a laptop bag or lady’s purse, up to 3kg (not both for female passengers).Extra Charge: Exceeding weight or size means extra fees.Check-in Baggage: Domestic—up to 15kg. Double/multi-seat bookings get 10kg extra. International—20–30kg, varies by route.Why Were the Rules Changed?A sharp rise in air traffic has led to crowded airports and extended security check times. The new BCAS/CISF policy aims to streamline boarding and reduce inconvenience during peak seasons.Main Points to RememberOnly one hand bag now permitted for every passenger on all Indian flights.All additional bags must be checked in.Economy/Premium Economy: 7kg hand baggage limit; First/Business: 10kg.Personal items (laptop bag/lady’s purse max 3kg) allowed if they fit under the seat.Overweight or oversized bags = extra charges and possible delays at check-in.Booked before May 2, 2024? Higher older weight limits temporarily apply.