New Delhi: Attention to all those who travel by air. New policy concerning the hand baggage for flights has been brought into effect across the country by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The new policy allows only one piece of hand baggage of maximum 7 kh to be kept in flight’s overhead cabin.
In response to increasing passenger numbers at pre-embarkation security checkpoints, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, have enforced stricter regulations on hand baggage. This move has led airlines to adopt the same policies.
New hand baggage policy on flights
Under the revised BCAS hand baggage policy, passengers are allowed to carry only one piece of hand baggage on board, regardless of whether they are flying domestically or internationally. Any additional bags must be checked in.
Air India specifies that passengers travelling in economy or premium economy are permitted one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7 kg. Those in first or business class have a slightly higher allowance of up to 10 kg. Airlines also state that hand baggage dimensions must not exceed 55 cm (21.6 inches) in height, 40 cm (15.7 inches) in length, and 20 cm (7.8 inches) in width.
This policy would not apply to tickets booked before May 2, 2024.
New hand baggage rules for airlines
Airlines now require that the total dimensions of a passenger’s hand baggage do not exceed 115 cm. Passengers whose hand baggage exceeds the specified weight or size limits may face additional charges.
However, passengers who booked their tickets before May 2, 2024, are eligible for an exemption. The allowances for these passengers are:
- 8 kg for economy class
- 10 kg for premium economy
- 12 kg for first or business class
The Indigo Airlines allows passengers to carry one cabin bag with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm and a weight limit of 7 kg. Additionally, passengers may bring one personal item, such as a handbag or small laptop bag, with a maximum weight of 3 kg.
