Traveling on a flight? Know these new hand baggage rules

According to the new rules issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Wednesday, one hand bag weighing 7 kg per passenger will be allowed.

According to the new rules issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Wednesday, one hand bag weighing 7 kg per passenger will be allowed.

The new rules will apply to both domestic and international flights. All bags except one handbag must go in check-in baggage. The move, taken in collaboration with the CISF, aims to manage overloading passenger crowds at security checkpoints. The new hand baggage rules have made airlines’ hand baggage policies more stringent.

Air India has changed the hand baggage limit to 7 kg for economy and premium economy passengers and 10 kg for first and business class passengers. Maximum dimensions for hand luggage are 40 cm (15.7 inches) in length, 20 cm (7.8 inches) in width, and 55 cm (21.6 inches) in height.

However, BCAS has made an exception for those who have booked tickets before 2 May 2024. For them, Air India allows 8 kg for economy, 10 kg for premium economy and 12 kg for first or business class passengers. But here’s a catch, if any changes are made to these tickets after May 2, the exemptions will not apply under the new rules.

Apart from Air India, Indigo Airlines has also implemented these rules, allowing a single cabin bag weighing 7 kg with a dimension of 115 cm. Passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item up to 3 kg, such as a women’s pocketbook or a compact laptop bag.

Passengers are encouraged to strictly adhere to the revised restrictions to avoid unexpected expenses and delays, as baggage exceeding size or weight limits may attract additional charges.

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