Flying with India’s largest carrier soon? Whether you are hopping between Delhi and Mumbai or jetting off to Istanbul, knowing the luggage rules is essential to avoiding stress at the check-in counter.
IndiGo is known for strict adherence to their policies. A few extra kilograms can result in hefty fees if you aren’t prepared.
Quick Summary: IndiGo Baggage at a Glance
If you are in a rush, here are the critical numbers you need to know before you pack.
| Category | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
| Hand Baggage | 7 kg (1 bag) | 7 kg (1 bag) |
| Personal Item | 3 kg (Laptop bag/Purse) | 3 kg (Laptop bag/Purse) |
| Checked Baggage | 15 kg (1 piece) | Varies (20 kg – 30 kg) |
| Excess Fee (Airport) | ₹600 per kg | ₹600 per kg (approx) |
| Linear Dimensions | 158 cm (L+W+H) | 158 cm (L+W+H) |
Hand Baggage Allowance (Cabin)
IndiGo’s cabin baggage policy is standardized across almost all flights. They enforce this strictly at boarding gates, so ensure your carry-on fits the sizer.
The “7kg + 3kg” Rule
Every passenger is allowed one main cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg.
However, you also get a bonus. You can carry one additional personal item weighing up to 3 kg. This includes:
- A ladies’ handbag
- A laptop bag
- A small briefcase
Dimensions
Your main cabin bag must not exceed 115 cm (Length 55cm + Width 35cm + Height 25cm). This ensures it fits in the overhead bin. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
Liquids and Electronics
- Liquids: Must be in containers of 100ml or less, packed in a transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
- Power Banks: Must be carried in your hand luggage. Never put power banks or loose lithium batteries in checked luggage.
Checked Baggage Policy
Your allowance depends heavily on your destination and ticket type.
Domestic Flights
For flights within India, the standard allowance is 15 kg per passenger.
- Piece Concept: Generally, you are allowed one piece of luggage (up to 15 kg).
- Double/Multi-Seat Bookings: If you book two seats for yourself, you get an additional 10 kg allowance.
International Flights
IndiGo operates in zones. Your allowance depends on where you are landing:
Zone A (20 kg Allowance)
- Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi (Thailand)
- Bali (Indonesia)
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
- Male (Maldives)
- Mauritius
Zone B (25 kg Allowance)
- Nairobi (Kenya)
Zone C (30 kg Allowance)
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah (UAE)
- Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
- Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong
- Istanbul, Tbilisi, Baku, Almaty
Codeshare Flights (Partner Airlines)
If you are flying on a codeshare (e.g., with Turkish Airlines or Qantas) booked via IndiGo, allowances are often higher:
- Australia/USA: Usually 46 kg (2 pieces of 23 kg each).
- Europe/Africa: Usually 30 kg (2 pieces).
Always check your specific ticket, as codeshare rules can change.
Excess Baggage Fees
Exceeding your limit is expensive. If you pay at the airport counter, you will be charged the standard rate.
Standard Airport Fee: ₹600 per kg (Domestic & International)
How to Save on Excess Baggage
If you know you will be over the limit, pre-book your luggage online. You can do this via the IndiGo website or app up to 1 hour before domestic flights (and 4 hours for international).
Pre-paid “Slabs” are significantly cheaper than the airport rate. While prices fluctuate, you generally save 20-30% by booking in advance.
Pre-paid options usually available:
- 3 kg
- 5 kg
- 10 kg
- 15 kg
- 30 kg
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Carrying a guitar or a surfboard? These items require special handling and incur specific fees.
| Item Type | Domestic Fee | International Fee |
| Oversize/Special | ₹1,200 | ₹2,500 |
Includes
Golf bags, bicycles, surfboards, skiing equipment, and large LCD/LED TVs (over 39 inches).
Musical Instruments
Guitars can be carried as hand luggage if they fit in soft cases and there is room. Otherwise, they must be checked. Large instruments (Cellos, etc.) may require purchasing an extra seat.
Alcohol
You can carry up to 5 Litres of alcoholic beverages in checked luggage only. It must be in retail packaging with under 70% alcohol content.
Exceptions and Infant Rules
Traveling with Infants
IndiGo is quite parent-friendly regarding baggage:
- Hand Baggage: Infants get a 7 kg hand baggage allowance (no checked bag allowance).
- Stroller: You can check in one stroller or baby pram free of cost.
ATR Aircraft Restrictions
IndiGo operates smaller ATR aircraft to regional destinations. The overhead bins on these planes are very small.
- Checked Bag Dimensions: Max L 152 cm x W 58 cm x H 101 cm.
- Hand Bag: You may be asked to check your standard cabin bag at the gate (free of charge) if it doesn’t fit the smaller bins. Keep valuables and meds in your smaller personal item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pool my baggage allowance with my family?
Yes, but only if you are all booked on the same PNR (booking reference). If you booked separately, you cannot combine your weight allowance.
Is the laptop bag included in the 7 kg hand luggage limit?
No. The 3 kg allowance for a laptop bag or purse is in addition to your 7 kg main cabin bag. This gives you a total carry-on weight of roughly 10 kg.
Can I carry a power bank in my checked luggage?
No. Power banks and loose lithium batteries are fire hazards and must be in your cabin baggage (hand luggage) only. If found in checked bags, they will be removed.
How strictly does IndiGo weigh hand luggage?
Very strictly. At major hubs (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), staff frequently weigh hand luggage before security or at the boarding gate. If you are over 7 kg, you will be forced to check the bag and pay ₹600/kg.
Final Thoughts
The most important takeaway is to utilize the “7kg + 3kg” cabin rule wisely and always pre-book excess weight if you think you might need it.
Paying ₹600 per kg at the airport is a surefire way to dampen the start of your holiday.
Before you fly, verify your specific allowance on your ticket or visit the official IndiGo website, as rules for codeshare and international sectors can change.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
