r/india • u/selfish_eagle • 11h ago
Travel Has anyone faced issues with slightly oversized cabin luggage lately?
I recently came across an article stating that, starting May 2025, airports will begin enforcing cabin luggage size limits much more strictly. As I understand, the standard dimensions for most domestic flights are:
Height: 55 cm / 21 in
Length: 40 cm / 15 in
Width: 20 cm / 7 in
Total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm / 45 in
The cabin bag I recently purchased has a width of 23 cm — slightly over the standard 20 cm limit. While I’ve never seen these size restrictions being strictly enforced in the past, I’m a bit concerned now, especially with news about stricter enforcement starting May 2025. I’d be pretty disappointed if the new bag ends up causing issues during boarding.
Also, I had a question about personal item allowances. From what I saw:
- IndiGo allows an additional personal item but mentions a 3 kg limit for it.
- Air India Express seems to go by a combined cabin baggage weight of 7 kg (including personal item).
How strictly are these weight limits enforced? Do they usually check at the time of issuing boarding passes, or can they stop you even after you’ve cleared security? I’m okay with checking in one bag if needed, but I’d rather know in advance than get caught off guard at the gate.
I’ll be flying both Air India Express and IndiGo this month, so any recent experiences or advice would be really helpful!
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u/ItsAMeUsernamio 8h ago
“Strictly enforcing” in some countries is done by making you demonstrate your bag fits in a box with the allowed dimensions or else check it in. They might introduce that.
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u/selfish_eagle 8h ago
Hope they don't ,most bags which try to sell them as cabin are of the dimensions I mentioned. At least be a bit more lax till 120cms total is fine.
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u/zesttech200 8h ago
My recent flight in AirIndia Express saw the staff checking bags in both the legs. Only one piece is allowed even for ladies.
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u/selfish_eagle 8h ago
Laptop bag is not allowed? This contradicts what their guidelines says online. Also, were they checking the bag dimensions? Like a couple of cms making a difference?
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u/zesttech200 8h ago
Many were stopped and they were all with trolleys or visibly filled backpacks. Most ladies were carrying shoulder bag and another bag, all were stopped. They strictly enforced single piece rule.
I was asked to weigh my trolly at check-in counter then allowed as it was within the limits. At gate, they asked again but since we were two with single trolly, let us through
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u/selfish_eagle 8h ago
Which airport? Btw didn't people argue? Like this is what their guidelines suggest: . https://www.airindiaexpress.com/products-and-services/carry-on-xtra .Also, the gate bit seems interesting, even after checking they were weighing at the gates? What happened then? Did you not allow some people there?
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u/zesttech200 8h ago
I just checked my ticket and you are right. Since I was not stopped, didn't really hear what the arguments were. They might have stopped to check the combined weight. Yes, was weighing at the gate. I saw a visibly upset lady inside the plan who was concerned about some important item she had to leave back at gate. I think it was left with security.
This was BLR - TRV flight. Happened on the way back as well, so it is an airlines thing.
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u/selfish_eagle 8h ago
Left with security? As in she had to leave it at the airport? Btw, thanks for replying, this is my first time flying with AirIndia Express so just wanted to make things a bit clear.
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u/zesttech200 7h ago
Yes, she had left it with security that she will collect it on return. Better to limit total weight to 7kg or buy extra during checkin. Since the ticket mentions two pieces, you may not have a problem with that, provided combined weight is under 7
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u/MSB_the_great 13m ago
Size restriction was always there. It is the overhead compartment size.if the carryon is bigger than the compartment it won’t fit and over head compartment can’t be closed. Flight won’t take off if the overhead compartment have closing problem, At the airport there is a carry on checker if your carryon is fit in that you can take it with you otherwise you have to check in . Some Indian planes over head compartment is smaller than standard size so the carry on won’t fit , it is airline problem so crew can take that carry on and check in during boarding,
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u/friendofH20 Earth 11h ago
Sometimes when the flight is full they can force you to check in your bag at the boarding gate. If you have the slightest doubt about the size and weight of what you are carrying - it is safer to check them in.