New hand luggage rules: Only one bag, not more than 7 kg on flights

New Delhi: Next time you travel on domestic or international flights, you will be allowed only one handbag or cabin bag inside the aircraft. However, those passengers who booked their tickets prior to May 2, 2024, are exempt from the revised handbag weight regulations.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new hand baggage regulations aimed at simplifying air travel and enhancing security. Under these updated rules, passengers, whether travelling domestically or internationally, will be allowed only one handbag or cabin bag inside the aircraft.

The revised baggage regulations aim to reduce airport congestion, especially in India, where an increasing number of air travellers have been causing delays at security checks.

This move is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen security and manage the increasing number of travellers at airports both in India and globally. To address the growing volume of air traffic, BCAS, in collaboration with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), is enforcing stricter baggage regulations to streamline airport operations and reduce congestion at security checkpoints.

What are the guidelines?

1. Passengers will no longer be permitted to carry more than one cabin bag, aside from their designated handbag.

2. In economy and premium economy classes, passengers are allowed to bring one handbag weighing up to 7 kilograms, while first- and business-class passengers can carry up to 10 kilograms. However, the bag’s dimensions must not exceed 40 cm in length, 20 cm in width, and 55 cm in height.

3. Any additional luggage must be checked in.

4. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have also revised their baggage policy.

5. The passengers will only be permitted to use Wi-Fi and other internet services until the aircraft reaches a height of 3,000 metres, or around 9,843 feet, above the ground.