Updated Baggage Policies for Air Travelers
Updated Baggage Policies for Air Travelers
Travelers preparing for air travel should be aware of significant changes to baggage regulations. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced a new hand baggage policy, which restricts passengers to a single hand bag on board. This rule is applicable for both domestic and international flights, with any extra bags needing to be checked in.
According to the latest directives from BCAS and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), travelers are now limited to one cabin bag. This measure is designed to enhance the efficiency of airport security checks and alleviate congestion at boarding areas.
Passengers in economy and premium economy classes may carry a hand bag weighing up to 7 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (length + width + height).
First class and business class passengers can bring a hand bag weighing up to 10 kg.
In addition to the main cabin bag, travelers are permitted to carry either a laptop bag or a ladies’ purse, provided it does not exceed 3 kg.
Any additional bags beyond these allowances must be checked in.
Oversized or overweight baggage will incur extra fees.
Passengers with special items, such as musical instruments, may reserve an extra seat, but the total weight must not exceed 75 kg.
Travelers are allowed to carry one cabin bag with a maximum weight of 7 kg.
The dimensions must not exceed 115 cm (length + width + height).
One additional personal item (either a ladies’ purse or a laptop bag) is permitted, but it should not exceed 3 kg.
Any baggage that exceeds these limits will incur additional charges.
For domestic flights, passengers can check in luggage weighing up to 15 kg.
Those who book multiple seats are allowed an additional 10 kg.
International check-in baggage allowances vary by destination, generally ranging from 20 kg to 30 kg per passenger.
The revision of baggage rules is a response to the increasing number of air travelers. Passenger traffic reached unprecedented levels in November 2024, placing significant strain on airport security systems. The new regulations aim to minimize delays and enhance the efficiency of security screening.
Previously, airlines permitted passengers to carry more hand baggage:
Economy class: 8 kg
Premium economy: 10 kg
First/business class: 12 kg
Under the new policy, the limits have been adjusted to:
Economy/premium economy: 7 kg
First/business class: 10 kg
Only one hand bag is allowed per passenger on both domestic and international flights.
Any additional bags beyond this limit must be checked in.
Economy and premium economy passengers can carry up to 7 kg of hand baggage.
First and business class passengers can carry up to 10 kg.
Passengers with bookings made before May 2, 2024, may carry slightly higher baggage allowances.
These changes aim to improve security efficiency and reduce congestion at airports.
By following these updated baggage regulations, travelers can ensure a hassle-free experience without unnecessary delays at the airport.
