IndiGo Baggage Allowance: India’s Low-Cost Carrier Essentials
IndiGo is honestly pretty straightforward from personal experience… right up until you mix “low-cost carrier logic” with route differences and the little quirks of flying around India (hello, strict checks and very literal interpretations of “one bag”). The good news is you don’t need a spreadsheet to survive it. Once you know the few non-negotiables, you can pack with confidence and stop second-guessing every zip and strap at the airport.
This guide is here to save you from last-minute repacking drama. You’ll get the clear rules for what you can bring onboard (hand bag + personal item), what you can check in (and how it changes by route and fare type), what triggers extra charges, and how to handle special stuff like sports kit, instruments, and batteries. I’ll also cover what to do if your bag goes missing, what to keep as proof, and how to pack once, fly calm, and keep your dignity intact. 🧳✈️
IndiGo Baggage Allowance: Quick Facts at a Glance
✅ Hand baggage is generally 1 piece up to 7 kg, with strict size limits
✅ You usually get 1 extra personal item, but it has a weight cap and sneaky gotchas
✅ Domestic checked baggage is commonly 15 kg total, and often 1 piece only
✅ International checked baggage can jump to 20 kg, 25 kg, or 30 kg depending on sector
✅ Some fares add extras (students, certain bundles), and some fares strip baggage out
✅ Excess baggage is often cheaper when you pre-book, not at the counter
✅ Size rules matter: checked bags have a linear dimension limit, and per-piece max weights apply
✅ Special baggage (sports kit, big odd items, TVs, instruments) can attract handling fees
✅ Batteries and power banks are treated like airport security royalty: follow the rules or they get confiscated
✅ Codeshares and mixed itineraries can switch whose baggage rules apply, so pack to the strictest
👉 Good to know: IndiGo can be generous on some international routes, but strict on cabin rules. If you pack to the cabin limits first, everything else feels easier.
Quick IndiGo Baggage Allowance Q&As
Q: What are the IndiGo baggage rules for cabin bags?
A: Typically 1 hand bag up to 7 kg with strict size limits. Codeshare sectors can differ, so check your itinerary details.
Q: What counts as a personal item on IndiGo?
A: A small personal article like a purse or laptop bag, with a weight cap. If it’s bulky or looks like a second cabin bag, expect trouble.
Q: How much checked baggage do you get on IndiGo domestic flights?
A: Commonly 15 kg total, often limited to one checked piece unless your fare or add-ons allow more.
Q: Do IndiGo checked baggage rules change for international routes?
A: Yes. Many sectors allow 20 kg, 25 kg, or 30 kg, depending on destination and booking conditions.
Q: What happens if my bag is overweight or oversize?
A: You’ll be charged excess baggage fees, or asked to repack into compliant bags. Oversize items can also attract handling fees.
Q: Is it cheaper to pre-book extra baggage with IndiGo?
A: Usually, yes. Pre-booked baggage tends to cost less than airport rates, and saves time at check-in.
Q: Do baggage rules change on codeshare flights?
A: They can. The operating airline and the sector rules may change your allowances, so pack to the strictest limit across the full trip.
Q: What should I do if IndiGo delays my luggage?
A: Report it at the destination airport immediately, before leaving the baggage area, and keep all baggage tags and documents.
🤚 Must-do: Screenshot your allowance from your booking confirmation before travel day. If anyone challenges it, you’ve got receipts (literally).
IndiGo baggage rules: the quick answer (what most people actually need)
If you want the short version, here it is: IndiGo is happiest when you show up with one properly-sized hand bag, one genuinely small personal item, and a checked bag that matches the allowance on your booking. Where people get caught out is turning that “personal item” into a second cabin suitcase, or assuming every route has the same checked baggage weight.
The easiest way to stay sane is to pack to the strictest limits across your itinerary, then add extras only if you actually need them. IndiGo also tends to reward planning: pre-booked extras are usually kinder on your wallet than airport fees, and you’ll spend less time negotiating at the counter.
What to remember on one sticky note:
- Cabin: 1 hand bag (size + weight limits) + 1 small personal item (weight cap)
- Checked: domestic and international allowances differ by route, and some fares change what’s included
- Fees: overweight, oversize, extra piece, and special items can all trigger charges
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Pack your cabin bag first, weigh it, then build your checked bag around what’s left. That’s the fastest route to a drama-free check-in.
✈️ Official IndiGo Cabin Bag Sizes and faqs
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Cabin baggage basics (pieces, weight, and size rules explained simply)
IndiGo’s cabin rules are simple on paper and quite firm in real life. For most travellers, you’re allowed one hand bagwith a maximum weight limit and a size limit that’s measured in a very specific way: the sum of length + width + height must stay within the airline’s allowed total, and the individual dimensions matter too. If your bag is a puffy backpack that “usually fits”, this is the moment to become a person who measures things.
Also worth noting: cabin space is finite. If your bag is oversized, heavy, or awkward, you’re more likely to be stopped early (security) or late (boarding). The goal is to look like someone who definitely read the rules and definitely did not pack a bowling ball.
Cabin baggage table
| Passenger type / fare | Cabin bag allowance | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard IndiGo flights | 1 hand bag up to 7 kg (size limits apply) | 1 small personal article (weight cap applies) | Hand bag size is measured by strict dimensions and total linear size |
| Travelling with an infant | Same main allowance for the adult | Small infant bag can count as the personal article | Infants themselves have special baggage rules (covered below) |
| Some codeshare sectors | Cabin weight limit may differ | Personal item still applies | Always follow the allowance shown for that sector |
💡 Fact: If your hand bag is even slightly over the size limits, it’s not “close enough”, it’s just over. Measure it at home, not at the airport.
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Personal item rules (what counts, what gets stopped, what to do instead)
IndiGo allows one additional personal article alongside your hand bag, but this is where many people accidentally create a second cabin bag and then act surprised when the airport says “no”. A personal article is meant to be small: think purse, laptop bag, or a small infant bag if you’re travelling with a baby. It also has a weight limit, and yes, duty-free can count towards that weight, which is a classic “gotcha”.
What gets stopped tends to be anything that looks like: a second backpack, a chunky tote that could carry groceries for a week, or a shopping bag stuffed like it’s moving house. If it looks like luggage, staff may treat it like luggage.
Common personal-item wins:
- Purse / small handbag
- Slim laptop bag
- Small camera bag
- Compact infant bag (if travelling with an infant)
Common personal-item fails:
- A full-size backpack “because it’s not a suitcase”
- Big tote bags with rigid sides and lots of bulk
- Multiple duty-free bags
👉 Good to know: If you’re carrying duty-free, keep it tidy and light. A single small bag is less likely to attract attention than a cluster of crinkly shopping bags.
Domestic vs international baggage (why the same airline can feel different)
This is the bit that makes people swear the airline changed the rules mid-flight. IndiGo’s domestic checked baggage and international checked baggage are not one-size-fits-all. Domestic travel often comes with a standard allowance (and sometimes a strict piece limit), while international sectors can offer higher total weights depending on the destination. It’s not random, it’s sector-based.
International routes often sit around 20 kg, 25 kg, or 30 kg included, with specific exceptions (some routes lower, some higher, and special conditions on certain sectors). Add codeshares into the mix and it gets even more “read your booking carefully”.
A practical way to think about it:
- Domestic: standard allowance, strict about pieces
- International: allowance depends on the route you’re flying
- Mixed itineraries: one booking can apply different rules by sector
🤚 Must-do: If you’re flying domestic legs and international legs in the same trip, pack to the strictest segment first. It’s boring, but it works.
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Checked baggage allowance (fare types, routes, and what your ticket really includes)
Checked baggage on IndiGo depends on two things: your route and your fare type. Domestic flights commonly include a standard checked allowance, but certain fares can change that. For example, some fare types may include no checked baggage unless you pay for it, and others add extra kilos or flexibility. Students can also get extra baggage on eligible bookings, which is genuinely useful if you’re hauling your life around.
International allowances vary by destination, and IndiGo lists different included weights for different international sectors. If you assume “it’s always 30 kg”, you’ll get caught the one time it’s not.
Checked baggage table
| Route type | Included checked baggage | Per-piece rules | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| India domestic | Commonly 15 kg total | Often 1 piece only (extra pieces cost more) | Some fares change what’s included |
| Select international sectors | 20 kg total | Piece rules still apply | Depends on sector shown in your booking |
| Many international sectors | 30 kg total | Per-piece max weights apply | Sector-based, not universal |
| Nairobi | 25 kg total | Per-piece max weights apply | Route-specific |
| Jaffna | 15 kg total | Per-piece max weights apply | Route-specific |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: The allowance that matters is the one on your booking confirmation for your exact route. Use that as your packing target, not a blog comment from 2019.
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Maximum weight per checked piece and size limits (the hard lines)
Two limits matter for checked bags: size and weight per piece. Size is usually measured as total linear dimensions(length + width + height). If your bag is shaped like a beach ball, it can blow the limit even if it’s not huge in one direction.
Weight is the other hard stop. IndiGo applies a maximum weight per checked piece on international travel, and codeshare sectors can also come with per-piece restrictions. If you’re carrying dense items (books, equipment, gifts that are basically metal), you’ll hit weight long before you run out of space.
What to aim for:
- Keep checked bags within the airline’s linear size limit
- Split heavy items across bags instead of trying to “make one big bag work”
- Be extra careful on smaller aircraft types where size restrictions can be tighter
💡 Fact: The fastest way to trigger a fee is a bag that is both heavy and awkward. A neat, standard suitcase is treated far more kindly than an oversized soft monster.
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Excess baggage fees (overweight vs oversize vs extra piece, and how to reduce costs)
Excess baggage charges usually land in three buckets: extra weight, extra pieces, and oversize or special items. IndiGo also tends to price things differently if you plan ahead. Airport rates are rarely your friend, and they come with the added bonus of being paid while you’re already stressed and sweaty.
On domestic travel, IndiGo lists an airport excess baggage rate per additional kilo, and also provides pre-book options in set weight slabs. For extra checked pieces, there are separate charges again. International excess fees are more sector-dependent, so treat any fee as “check your route” territory.
| Charge type | What triggers it | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight | Checked bag exceeds your included allowance | Pre-book extra weight, or repack into a second bag |
| Extra piece | You check more bags than your piece limit allows | Travel with one checked suitcase, or pre-book an extra piece if allowed |
| Oversize / special handling | Sports kit, odd-sized items, large TVs, cartons beyond standard limits | Notify in advance, pack properly, and prepay handling fees when available |
👉 Good to know: Even when the rupee amount looks “not too bad”, multiple kilos add up fast. A little home-weighing can save a surprising amount of money.
Pre-booking extra baggage (when it’s worth it, and when it’s not)
Pre-booking extra baggage is usually worth it if you know you’ll exceed your allowance, or if you’re travelling with gifts, equipment, or anything bulky. IndiGo offers pre-book excess baggage, and the general idea is simple: you pay in advance, often at a better rate, and you avoid the airport queue where everyone is negotiating with zips that are losing the fight.
It’s less worth it if you’re “maybe” going to be over. In that case, do a proper weigh at home, repack, and only buy what you need. Buying extra kilos “just in case” is how you end up paying for air you never carried.
Pre-booking works best when you:
- Know your bag weight within 1 kg accuracy
- Have one heavy bag and want to top it up legally
- Want to avoid last-minute chaos at check-in
🤚Must-do: If your trip includes multiple flights, buy baggage based on the strictest segment. Extra kilos on one sector do not magically fix an allowance problem on another.
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Airport reality check (common enforcement points and how to avoid delays)
In India, airports can be wonderfully efficient and also incredibly literal about rules. IndiGo staff and security teams often enforce cabin bag size and count, so the “I’ll just carry it in my hand and look innocent” strategy is not a long-term plan. Expect checks at: check-in counters, security, and sometimes again at the gate.
Your smoothest experience happens when you look organised. Bags that are obviously compliant tend to glide through. Bags that look stuffed, oversized, or suspiciously numerous tend to get attention, and attention at an airport is never the fun kind.
Quick ways to avoid delays:
- Keep your cabin setup to: 1 hand bag + 1 genuinely small personal item
- Put chargers, liquids, and electronics where you can grab them quickly
- Do not arrive with loose items in your hands and hope it counts as “nothing”
- If you’ve got an early flight or late arrival, consider an airport hotel via Booking.com so you’re not sprinting through check-in on two hours of sleep
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Your bag should look like it fits the rules at a glance. Airports love vibes, and the vibe they love most is “prepared”.
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Special baggage: sports equipment (what needs booking, packing rules, handling fees)
Sports gear is fun at your destination and slightly less fun at the airport. IndiGo treats many sports items as special baggage, which can trigger handling fees on top of standard excess charges if you exceed your allowance. The big win here is preparation: pack properly, label clearly, and notify in advance if required.
Sports equipment is usually bulky rather than heavy, so size and handling become the issue. Also, some items need extra care to avoid damage, and airlines typically limit liability for fragile things.
Smart sports-kit tactics:
- Use a proper hard case for high-risk items
- Add padding around weak points (bindings, pedals, edges)
- Keep loose parts secured so nothing rattles or breaks
- If there’s an option to prepay handling fees, it can save time at the airport
Special baggage: musical instruments and fragile items (carry-on strategy vs checked risk)
Instruments bring joy. Checked baggage systems bring… physics. IndiGo allows musical instruments, but the practical approach depends on size and fragility. Smaller instruments may work as cabin baggage if they fit within limits and are packed appropriately. Larger instruments often need to be checked in properly packed, or carried by buying an extra seat if the item can be safely secured.
For fragile items (cameras, electronics, breakables), the safest strategy is to keep them with you, inside your allowed cabin setup. If you check anything delicate, pack as if your bag will be gently launched into the hold by a bored Olympian.
Good instrument tactics:
- If it fits the cabin limits, carry it as your hand bag and keep your personal item tiny
- Use a hard case if it must be checked
- If it’s oversized but seat-safe, explore “seat baggage” options
- Take photos of the item and packing before check-in, just in case
👉 Good to know: If you’re carrying valuables, it’s worth having travel insurance that covers baggage loss or damage scenarios. It’s the boring backup that feels great when life gets chaotic.
Travelling with kids (strollers, car seats, infant allowances, and boarding sanity)
Flying with kids is basically a logistics exercise disguised as a family holiday. IndiGo’s infant baggage setup is quite specific: infants do not typically get checked baggage allowance, and there are rules around what can come onboard. The good news is that a stroller or baby pram can be allowed for an infant without charge, which helps a lot on airport days that already feel like a marathon.
Also, your personal-item allowance can sometimes include a small infant bag, but keep it small and sensible. The easiest way to avoid boarding stress is to streamline: fewer bags, clearly packed, nothing loose.
Kid-travel sanity checklist:
- Keep essentials in your personal item: wipes, snacks, a spare top
- Use the stroller right up to the point it must be handed over
- Avoid liquids and gels that trigger extra security checks
- Pack one “calm kit” (toy, book, headphones) where you can grab it fast
Batteries and power banks (what goes in cabin, what never goes in checked bags)
Battery rules aren’t “nice to know”. They’re “do this or it gets confiscated”. IndiGo’s policy is clear that power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in hand baggage, and they need to stay within your personal reach during the flight. That means not in checked baggage, and not tucked away in the overhead bin like a forgotten snack bar.
Electronics with built-in batteries are also handled carefully. If you do put devices in checked baggage, they should be switched off and packed securely, but the safest move is still to keep valuables and electronics with you when possible.
Battery basics that keep you out of trouble:
- Power banks and spare batteries: cabin only, within reach
- Keep terminals protected to avoid short circuits
- Do not pack loose batteries in checked bags
- Keep your power bank in your hand bag or personal item, not in a random duty-free bag
💡 Fact: The airport has zero emotional attachment to your expensive power bank. If it’s packed wrong, it’s gone.
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Delayed, lost, or damaged baggage (what to do fast, what proof to keep)
If your bag doesn’t show up, the most important thing is speed. Report it at the destination airport as soon as you realise it’s missing or damaged, and do it before leaving the baggage delivery area. Airlines often treat “left the area without reporting” as “bag delivered fine”, and that’s not a debate you want after a long flight.
Keep every scrap of proof: baggage tags, boarding passes, booking confirmation, and any receipts for essentials you buy due to delay. Take photos of damage immediately, ideally next to the baggage belt area signage so it’s clearly at-arrival.
| Scenario | Who to contact | What proof to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Bag delayed | IndiGo baggage desk at arrival airport | Baggage tag, boarding pass, booking ref, list of contents |
| Bag lost | IndiGo baggage desk first, then follow up via official support | Same as above + receipts for essential purchases |
| Bag damaged | Report immediately at arrival | Photos, bag tag, and a description of the damage |
The copy-paste packing checklist (do this before you leave home)
This is your “save future me” list. Copy it into your Notes app and tick it off like a responsible adult, or like a chaotic adult pretending to be responsible. Both work.
Cabin setup
- Hand bag is within size limits and under the weight limit
- Personal item is genuinely small and under the weight cap
- Power bank is in cabin bag and easy to access
- Liquids are packed for security checks
- Valuables, meds, and electronics are in cabin, not checked
Checked baggage
- Confirmed allowance for your exact route and fare type
- Checked bag is within linear size limits
- Bag weight is under your allowance with a 0.5–1 kg buffer
- Name and contact details label is attached
- Photos taken of bag and contents (quick snap is fine)
If carrying special items
- Sports gear packed in a proper case
- Instruments protected, and extra seat plan checked if oversized
- Notifications done in advance if required
- Handling fees or extra baggage pre-booked if you’ll need them
FAQs about IndiGo Baggage Allowance
What are the IndiGo baggage rules for cabin bags and personal items?
IndiGo generally allows one hand bag within strict size and weight limits, plus one small personal article with a weight cap. Keep the personal item genuinely small and avoid multiple loose duty-free bags.
How much checked baggage do you get on IndiGo domestic flights?
Domestic travel commonly includes a total checked allowance and is often limited to one checked piece unless your fare or add-ons allow more. Always confirm the allowance shown on your booking confirmation.
Do IndiGo baggage rules change for international routes?
Yes, international checked baggage is sector-based and can be different across destinations. It can be higher than domestic on many routes, but it is not universal.
What happens if my bag is overweight or oversize on IndiGo?
You can be charged excess baggage fees, asked to repack, or required to split the bag into compliant pieces. Oversized or odd-shaped items may also attract handling fees.
Which baggage rules apply on IndiGo codeshare flights?
Codeshare sectors can have different allowances, including cabin weight limits and checked baggage piece rules. Pack to the strictest segment across your itinerary and confirm sector-by-sector allowances in your booking details.
Final Thoughts
The simple IndiGo strategy is boring but bulletproof: check your route and fare, pack to the strictest limit across your whole itinerary, and pre-book baggage if you know you’ll need it. Keep your cabin setup tidy (1 hand bag + 1 small personal item), respect the size limits, and you’ll avoid most of the classic airport drama.
Got a specific flight? Drop your route, fare type, and what you’re trying to bring, and I’ll help you sanity-check it. For more airline baggage guides and travel planning help, head over to TheTravelTinker.com. 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Author
Manisha Sharma
I’m Manisha Sharma, a travel writer and explorer from India, and I’m basically powered by curiosity. I’m forever hunting down hidden gems, little cultural stories, and those off-the-beaten-path moments that end up being the best part of a trip.
Growing up in India, surrounded by wildly different landscapes and traditions, I fell in love with travel early and even more so with telling the stories behind it. I could be wandering through an ancient temple, weaving through a chaotic street market, or hiking a quiet Himalayan trail, and I’m always looking for the details that make a place feel alive. I like my travel writing warm, honest, and practical, with the kind of tips you’d actually text a friend.
As a new contributor to The Travel Tinker, I’m here to share real insights and heartfelt travel tales, celebrating the magic of India and the joy of exploring everywhere else too.
When I’m not writing or plotting my next getaway, you’ll probably find me eating street food, doing yoga, or disappearing into a good book. ✈️🇮🇳
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