Flying Light: New Cabin Bag Restrictions

Flight Rules Limit Cabin Baggage

In a significant shift aimed at streamlining air travel and ensuring better security, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has introduced new rules for hand luggage on flights. Passengers will be allowed to carry only one handbag or cabin bag inside the aircraft, regardless of whether they are travelling on domestic or international flights.

This change is part of the government's efforts to enhance security and manage the growing number of passengers at airports, both in India and globally. With the increasing volume of air traffic, BCAS and the Central Industrial Security Force have decided to tighten the rules surrounding hand baggage to improve airport operations and reduce congestion at security checks.

Under the new regulations, passengers will no longer be permitted to carry multiple bags into the cabin. All bags, other than the designated handbag, will now need to be checked in.

Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have updated their baggage policies to align with the new guidelines. Air India allows its premium economy and economy class passengers to carry one handbag weighing up to 7 kgs.

The hand baggage limit for business class and first class has been increased to 10 kg. However, the size of the bag should not exceed 40 cm (IndiGo has allowed passengers to carry one cabin bag with a weight limit of 7 kg and a size not exceeding 115 cm. Additionally, passengers can carry one personal item, such as a purse, small laptop bag, or similar, with a weight limit of 3 kg. In total, IndiGo passengers can carry two bags—one cabin bag and one personal item.length) x 20 cm (width) x 55 cm (height).

The increase in air travel, particularly in India, has led to congestion at airports, creating bottlenecks during security checks. By limiting the number of cabin bags, authorities aim to reduce delays, speed up the boarding process, and ensure a more organised cabin for passengers and crew.

Passengers who fail to comply with the new hand luggage regulations may be subject to additional charges or fines.