Air India allows one cabin bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm, but the weight limit depends on your cabin: 7 kg in Economy and Premium Economy, and 10 kg in Business and First Class. You can also take one small personal item weighing up to 3 kg.
That sounds simple until a laptop bag, power bank, perfume bottle or packet of spices enters the picture. Air India applies specific rules to each, so checking your bag before reaching security can prevent an expensive repack at the airport.
According to Air India’s current cabin baggage policy, these rules apply to both domestic and international Air India-operated flights.
What Is the Air India Cabin Baggage Weight Limit?
Economy and Premium Economy passengers get 7 kg, while Business and First passengers get 10 kg.
| Travel class | Cabin bag | Maximum size |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 7 kg | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Premium Economy | 7 kg | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Business | 10 kg | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| First | 10 kg | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
The bag’s combined dimensions must not exceed 115 cm. Frequent-flyer status does not give you an extra cabin bag. Air India specifically cites India’s one-hand-baggage rule for this restriction.
Packing trick: weigh the suitcase after adding chargers and toiletries, not before. A laptop charger, shoes and a filled water bottle can turn a 6.3 kg case into an overweight bag surprisingly quickly.
Can You Carry a Laptop Bag in Addition to Cabin Baggage?
Yes, one additional personal item is allowed, but it has its own 3 kg limit.
It must fit under the seat and measure no more than 40 × 30 × 20 cm, with combined dimensions no greater than 90 cm. This can be a laptop bag, handbag, small camera bag or similar item.
Here is the common airport mistake: a traveler brings a cabin trolley, laptop backpack and handbag assuming the last two are both “personal items.” Air India’s rule provides for one additional small item, not several.
Does Air India Charge for Overweight Cabin Baggage?
A cabin bag beyond the permitted weight or size may have to be checked in. Air India currently lists an additional charge of INR 3,000 on domestic travel and USD 75 on international travel in connection with baggage exceeding its cabin limits/free allowance.
Do not rely on the bag looking small. A compact hard-shell trolley can still exceed 7 kg.
How Much Liquid Can You Carry on Air India?
Each liquid container must hold 100 ml or less, and all containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable one-litre bag.
The container size matters, not the amount left inside. A half-empty 200 ml shampoo bottle is still too large.
The rule covers:
- Perfume and deodorant
- Shampoo and lotion
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Hair gel and sprays
- Drinks and other liquids
Medicines, prescribed medical liquids and baby food have limited exceptions. India’s BCAS restricted-articles guidance independently confirms the 100 ml rule.
Connection trap: passengers arriving internationally and connecting to an Indian domestic flight should not assume large duty-free liquids will automatically clear the next security checkpoint. Air India advises placing liquids above the permitted limit into checked baggage before domestic screening where required.
Can You Carry a Power Bank on Air India?
Yes—but only in hand baggage, with a maximum of two power banks up to 100 Wh each.
Air India’s current rules add two details worth remembering:
- Do not place power banks in the overhead bin.
- Do not use or charge them during the flight.
Keep them accessible under the seat or as instructed by crew, and protect the terminals against short circuits. The IATA lithium-battery guidance supports the same safety approach.
If your cabin bag is unexpectedly gate-checked, remove the power bank before handing it over.
Which Items Are Prohibited in Air India Cabin Baggage?
Sharp objects, tools and several surprisingly common Indian travel items should not go into your cabin bag.
| Item | Cabin baggage |
|---|---|
| Knives, scissors, razor blades | No |
| Cricket bats, golf clubs | No |
| Corkscrews, drills, hammers | No |
| Spice powders, including chilli | No |
| Coconut | No — checked baggage only |
| Dried coconut/copra | Prohibited |
| Camphor | Prohibited |
| Pepper spray | Prohibited |
| Hoverboards/Segways | Prohibited |
| E-cigarettes/vapes | Prohibited by Air India |
| Power bank ≤100 Wh | Cabin only |
Air India’s official restricted-baggage list is worth checking when carrying religious items, unusual foods, batteries, sporting equipment or tools.
Flying Air India? Use This 30-Second Bag Check
Before leaving for the airport, check five things:
- Keep your trolley within 55 × 40 × 20 cm.
- Stay below 7 kg or 10 kg, depending on cabin.
- Keep your one personal item below 3 kg.
- Move sharp objects and restricted food items to checked luggage.
- Keep power banks in the cabin and liquids in 100 ml containers.
For codeshare journeys, check every airline on the itinerary because Air India says the most restrictive applicable carry-on rules may apply.
