Air India Luggage Size and Weight Guide from Australia (2026)
Air India luggage allowance from Australia: In Economy, you can check in 25 kg, 30 kg or 35 kg of luggage. The amount depends on your fare, and no single bag can weigh more than 32 kg.
Each checked bag must be 158 cm or less when you add its length, width and height. Your cabin bag must fit in 55 × 40 × 20 cm and weigh 7 kg or less.
The flight from Australia to India is a long one. Nobody wants to repack a suitcase at the check-in desk before it even starts.
This guide explains what luggage Air India allows, how big your bags can be and what extra luggage costs. We checked every number against Air India's own website in September 2026.
Air India luggage allowance at a glance
On flights between Australia and India, Air India gives you a total weight for your checked bags. You do not get a set number of bags.
| Rule | Economy and Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag size | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (115 cm in total) | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (115 cm in total) |
| Cabin bag weight | 7 kg | 10 kg |
| Personal item | Up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm and 3 kg | Up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm and 3 kg |
| Checked luggage | 25 kg to 35 kg, based on fare | 40 kg or 45 kg, based on fare |
| Biggest checked bag | 158 cm (length + width + height) | 158 cm (length + width + height) |
| Heaviest checked bag | 32 kg | 32 kg |
How much luggage weight is allowed on Air India?
Your checked luggage weight depends on your cabin and your fare type. Air India's fare types are called Value, Classic and Flex, and yours is shown on your e-ticket.
| Cabin | Fare | Checked luggage (Australia to India) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Value | 25 kg |
| Economy | Classic | 30 kg |
| Economy | Flex | 35 kg |
| Premium Economy | Value | 30 kg |
| Premium Economy | Flex | 35 kg |
| Business | Value | 40 kg |
| Business | Flex | 45 kg |
Source: Air India checked baggage rules for Australia and New Zealand. The same amounts apply on the way home from India.
You can split your weight across more than one bag. But no single bag can weigh more than 32 kg, or it will have to go as cargo.
Packing tip: Two medium bags are often easier to handle than one huge bag. For example, a 35 kg Flex allowance splits nicely into bags of 18 kg and 17 kg.
Air India checked luggage size rules
Each checked bag must be 158 cm or less when you add its length, width and height together. This total includes the wheels and handles.
Bags from 158 cm to 200 cm can still fly, but you pay an extra fee. Bags bigger than 200 cm are not allowed as checked luggage at all.
| Bag size (length + width + height) | What happens |
|---|---|
| 158 cm or less | Allowed as normal |
| Over 158 cm, up to 200 cm | Allowed, but costs USD 125 per bag |
| Over 200 cm | Not allowed, must go as cargo |
How to measure your suitcase
Stand your bag up and measure from the floor to the top, including the wheels. Then measure the widest part from side to side and the deepest part from front to back.
Add the three numbers together. If the total is 158 cm or less, your bag is within Air India's size limit.
Which suitcase sizes fit Air India's limits?
Most medium and large suitcases fit under 158 cm. Some extra large suitcases do not.
| Suitcase type | Common size | Total | Air India result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 115 cm | Fits as a cabin bag |
| Medium | 66 × 44 × 27 cm | 137 cm | Fits easily |
| Large | 75 × 50 × 30 cm | 155 cm | Fits, but check the exact size |
| Extra large | 80 × 54 × 32 cm | 166 cm | Too big, extra fee applies |
These are common sizes only. Always check the real size of your own bag, including the wheels.
Want the most space with no extra fee? Pick a large suitcase that adds up to between 150 cm and 158 cm.
You can compare sizes in our medium suitcases and large suitcases ranges. Our suitcase size guide explains the common sizes in Australia.
Air India cabin bag size and weight
Air India lets you bring one cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm. It can weigh up to 7 kg in Economy and Premium Economy, or 10 kg in Business.
The 20 cm depth is the part that trips up many travellers. Lots of carry-on bags are 23 cm deep, which is too deep for Air India.
Check the depth: Qantas and Virgin Australia allow carry-on bags up to 23 cm deep. So a bag that works on those airlines may be too deep for Air India.
India's security rules allow only one cabin bag per person. This rule applies in every cabin, even if you have frequent flyer status.
If your cabin bag is too big or too heavy, it will be checked in. On international flights, Air India can charge USD 75 for this.
Find a cabin bag that fits in our carry-on suitcases range.
Air India personal item rules
You can also bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. It must weigh 3 kg or less and be no bigger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
A personal item can be one of these:
- A handbag, small waist bag or laptop bag
- A camera bag
- A coat or blanket
- A folding umbrella or something to read
- Medicine you need during the flight
If your item adds up to more than 90 cm, Air India counts it as your cabin bag. You would then need to check in one of your bags.
Extra luggage on Air India: fees from Australia
Extra luggage between Australia and India costs USD 37 for each extra kilogram at the airport. Fees are in US dollars, and tax may be added.
For example, if your bags are 5 kg over, you would pay about USD 185 at the airport. Paying online before you fly can save you up to 20%.
| Situation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extra weight at the airport | USD 37 per kg |
| Extra weight paid online | Up to 20% less than the airport price |
| Bag over 158 cm, up to 200 cm | USD 125 per bag |
| Cabin bag checked in because it is too big or heavy | USD 75 |
| Bag over 32 kg or over 200 cm | Not allowed, must go as cargo |
How to pay for extra luggage early
Go to Manage Booking on the Air India website and add extra baggage. You can do this up to 2 hours before your flight leaves.
Extra luggage you buy only covers one flight, so you need to buy it again for your trip home. You will not get money back if your bags end up lighter.
Extra allowance for frequent flyers and babies
Maharaja Club members
Maharaja Club is Air India's frequent flyer program. On Australia flights, Silver members get an extra 5 kg, while Gold and Platinum members get an extra 20 kg.
Silver members only get the extra weight on flights run by Air India. Gold and Platinum members also get it on other Star Alliance airlines.
Flying with a baby
Babies get their own checked allowance of 10 kg in Economy, 12 kg in Premium Economy and 15 kg in Business. You can also bring a fold-up pram, carrycot or baby car seat.
In the cabin, you can carry up to 5 kg of baby items. This can include food, bottles and a small bag to hold them.
Tips for flying Air India from Australia
- Check your fare type. A Value fare gives you 10 kg less than a Flex fare, so moving up a fare can cost less than paying for extra weight.
- Flying on within India on the same ticket? Your bigger international allowance covers the flight inside India too.
- Booked on two tickets? You keep the international allowance if both flights are Air India and leave within 24 hours of each other.
- Other airlines have other rules. These amounts do not apply to Air India Express or flights run by partner airlines.
- Keep power banks with you. Power banks and spare batteries cannot go in your checked bags.
- Weigh your bags at home. A luggage scale helps you hit 25 kg, 30 kg or 35 kg without going over.
Find luggage that fits Air India's rules
Shop carry-on suitcases and large suitcases at Tosca Travel Goods.
Air India luggage FAQs
How much luggage is allowed in Air India from Australia?
In Economy, you can check in 25 kg, 30 kg or 35 kg, based on your fare. You can also bring one 7 kg cabin bag and one personal item up to 3 kg.
What is the weight limit for each bag on Air India?
No single checked bag can weigh more than 32 kg. Bags heavier than this must be sent as cargo.
What size suitcase can I take on Air India?
Each checked suitcase must be 158 cm or less when you add its length, width and height. Your cabin bag must fit in 55 × 40 × 20 cm.
Is the Air India cabin bag limit 7 kg or 8 kg?
Air India's limit is 7 kg for Economy and Premium Economy. Business passengers can bring up to 10 kg.
How much does extra luggage cost on Air India from Australia?
Extra weight costs USD 37 per kg at the airport. Paying online in Manage Booking before you fly can save up to 20%.
Can I take two bags on Air India to India?
Yes, you can split your total weight across more than one bag. Each bag must be under 32 kg and no bigger than 158 cm.
More airline luggage guides
Still choosing an airline? See how the major airlines compare in our Australian airline baggage allowance comparison.
This guide is based on Air India's rules as of September 2026, and rules can change. Always check your e-ticket and airindia.com before you fly.