Navigating Air Travel: Your Essential Guide to Baggage Rules ✈️

 


Navigating Air Travel: Your Essential Guide to Baggage Rules ✈️

 

Air travel has become incredibly common, and for many, it's a frequent part of life. In my hundreds of flights, I've noticed a common point of confusion: baggage rules. Let's demystify what you can and cannot carry on your next flight!


Generally, you can carry two types of baggage:

  • Hand Baggage (Carry-on): 

  • Typically up to 7 KG, this is the bag you keep with you in the cabin.

  • Check-in Baggage: 

  • Usually up to 15 KG for domestic flights and 23 KG for international flights, this bag is checked in at the counter.

Knowing what goes where can save you a lot of hassle. Here's a breakdown of what's allowed and what's prohibited in both categories:

Section 1: Check-in Baggage

✅ What You CAN Carry in Check-in Baggage:

  • Apparel: 

  • Clothes, suits, sherwanis.

  • Toiletries: 

  • Shaving kits.

  • Edibles: 

  • Chocolates, dry sweets, honey, ghee, groceries (flour, spices, etc.).

  • Electronics (Batteries Removed): Cameras, drone cameras, LED TVs, shaving trimmers, musical instruments (guitars, synthesizers).

  • Miscellaneous: 

  • Toys, statues, small scissors/nail cutters/knives (under 9 inches for food prep), photo frames, perfumes/deodorants.

  • Medical: 

  • Doctor-prescribed medicines (prescription required).

  • Special Items: 

  • Holy water (up to 5 liters), human remains/ashes (check with cargo services).

  • Firearms: 

  • If you're a sports person returning from a shooting competition, no charges apply. However, for over 50 bullets, DGCA permission is needed.

❌ What You CANNOT Carry in Check-in Baggage:

  • Electronics: 

  • Power banks, chargers, laptops, any electronic device that cannot be switched off.

  • Hazardous Materials: 

  • Acids, flammable liquids, poisons, firecrackers, oxidized bleach powder, mercury, magnetic items.

  • Food Items: 

  • Pickles (of any kind!), cakes, coconuts (any form), oily food items.

  • Valuables: 

  • Cash, valuable jewelry.

Section 2: Hand Baggage (Carry-on)

✅ What You CAN Carry in Hand Baggage:

  • Electronics: 

  • Power banks, chargers, laptops, neck bands, shaving trimmers, medium-sized musical instruments (mouth organ).

  • Food Items: 

  • Dry snacks (mathri, parathas, thepla, khakhra, sattu), dry sweets/cakes (non-dripping), water bottles (under 100 ML at security, can refill after), fresh green vegetables (within weight limits).

  • Liquids: 

  • Liquids under 100 ML (lotions, shampoos, hair gel).

  • Personal Items: 

  • Combs, shaving kits (non-sharp), cash, jewelry, umbrellas (non-pointed tip).

  • Medical: 

  • Doctor-prescribed medicines (prescription required).

  • Special Items: Holy water (100 ML).

❌ What You CANNOT Carry in Hand Baggage:

  • Sharp Objects & Weapons: Scissors, nail cutters, sharp knives of any kind, toy weapons resembling real firearms, blades, pliers, screwdrivers, drill machines, martial arts equipment (nunchucks, batons), hockey sticks, cricket bats/stumps.

  • Aerosols: Sprayable liquids.

  • Food & Other Items: Pickles (any kind!), statues, rice, pulses, spices, plants of any kind, photo frames, perfumes/deodorants, painting brushes, hammers, powdered flour/spices, open talcum powder/soft stone powder, fragile glass items, ghee.

Important Reminders:

  • This is a general guide. Always check with your specific airline as rules can vary slightly.

  • Pickles and coconuts (any form) are generally NOT allowed in any baggage.

  • Sharp items must NEVER be in hand baggage.

  • For international travel, avoid carrying seeds, plants, or unprescribed drugs in any baggage; it can lead to deportation.

  • Tag your luggage with identification!

  • You can usually carry an additional laptop bag or handbag, and a small bag for food or sweets.

Wishing you smooth and stress-free travels! If you found this helpful, please share it with your network.

#TravelTips #AirTravel #BaggageRules #FlightEssentials #ProfessionalTravel



Comments

Post a Comment