Baggage Rules In India
a) How much luggage can I carry ?
b) What to do when your luggage is lost or damaged.
c) Packing Tips.
*Subject to change
Baggage Allowances |
This information provides a guide for passengers on flights operated by member airlines of IATA and most other international carriers
Important: Some airlines may deviate significantly from these quoted standard allowances and excess baggage charges, either throughout their domestic/international network or on specific routes only. Therefore, to avoid unexpected charges, it is essential to check with the airline. |
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Checked baggage |
This is baggage, up to a specified limit, to be carried in the hold of the aircraft
There are two systems determining the amount of checked baggage allowed
- the weight system is based on the total weight of baggage, no matter how many different pieces there are
- the piece system is based on the number of pieces of baggage
Subject to space availability, airlines will carry amounts of baggage in excess of the free allowance at an excess baggage charge. Passengers traveling together to the same destination by the same flight may, if they check-in together, pool their free baggage allowances, perhaps avoiding excess baggage charges |
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Piece system (Applicable to all passengers traveling out of USA ) |
The normal free baggage allowance is:
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CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE |
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE |
INFANT BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE |
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Number of Pieces |
Size |
Weight |
Number of Pieces |
Size |
Weight |
Number of Pieces |
Size |
Weight |
All Airlines |
2 |
62" + 45" |
70 LBS |
1 |
45" |
26 LBS |
1 |
45" |
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First & business class passengers
2 bags (pieces) where the total of the three dimensions does not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) for each bag
Economy class passengers
2 bags (pieces) where the total of the three dimensions for any one bag does not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) and where the total for both bags does not exceed 273 cm (107 inches)
Maximum weight of any one bag is 32 kg (70 lb) except within North America where it is 23 kg (50 lb). (Note: domestic airlines within USA may apply a free baggage allowance based on a weight or piece system)
Children are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adult passengers. Infants not entitled to a seat are allowed one checked bag of which the total of the three dimensions should not exceed 115 cm (45 inches) plus one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair |
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Articles considered as a single piece of baggage |
The following articles, irrespective of their actual dimensions, may be considered as a piece of baggage at 135 cm (53 inches):
- one sleeping bag or bedroll
- one rucksack/knapsack/backpack
- one pair of snow skis with one pair of ski poles and one pair of ski boots
- one golf bag, golf clubs and pair of golf shoes
- one duffle-type bag or B-4 type bag
- one suitably packed bicycle
- one pair of standard water skis or one slalom water ski
- suitably packed fishing equipment comprising not more than two rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots and one fishing tackle box
- certain sporting firearms (subject to each airlines conditions of carriage)
- any portable musical instrument not exceeding 100 cm (39 inches) in length
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Excess baggage charge |
The excess baggage charge levied on baggage in excess of the free allowance is determined by a number of factors: the city or country of departure; city or country of arrival; and, in a number of instances, by the airline of travel. Each combination of factors has a standard excess baggage fee
Each bag in excess of the number permitted which does not exceed the dimensions/weight limits is charged at the standard fee
If within the baggage allowance a bag exceeds the dimensions limit for free carriage but does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, the standard fee is still applied. However, any bag both in excess of the number and dimensions, but where the sum of the three dimensions does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, twice the standard fee is charged
Any piece of baggage in excess of 203 cm (80 inches) or in excess of the 32 kg (70 lb) or, within North America 23 kg (50 lb), weight limit will not be carried unless prior handling arrangements are made with the airline. If accepted for carriage, such bags are weighed and charged at three times the standard fee for any amount up to 45 kg (99 lb) and at the standard fee for each additional 10 kg (22 lb) or fraction thereof |
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Special charges |
Special charges apply for the carriage of:
- bulky or fragile items as hand baggage warranting the use of one or more additional seats. To/from the USA the normal piece system excess charges apply but the minimum charge will be 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger. Elsewhere, a standard excess charge of 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger applies
- accompanied pets. The animal and container cannot be allowed in the passenger's free allowance. To/from USA the normal excess baggage fee is charged. Elsewhere, the charge is twice the standard fee
- snow skiing and golf equipment. If in excess of the normal free allowance, one set of skis/ski poles/ski boots will be carried at 25% of the standard excess baggage fee and one golf bag/golf shoes at 50% of the standard fee. Additional sets are charged at the full standard fee
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Where the piece system applies |
- between USA/US Territories and all countries
- between Canada and Europe, Middle East, Southern Africa, South Asian Subcontinent, the Far East except Guam and South West Pacific, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
- between the Far East and Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, USA
- between Guam/Saipan and Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Korea Republic, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India.
- between Pago Pago and South West Pacific
Note: Some governments have not approved the Ôpiece' system. The free baggage allowance from such countries to USA/Canada is therefore based on the weight system |
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Weight system |
This system is used in all areas except where the 'piece' system is used |
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Free baggage allowance |
The normal free baggage allowance is:
- First Class 40 kg (88lb)
- Business Class 30 kg (66lb)
- Economy Class 20 kg (44lb)
Note: These are the normal allowances. Some carriers may have differing allowances, particularly on domestic routes. Please confirm with carriers
Children are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adult passengers. Infants not entitled to a seat are only allowed one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair
An excess baggage charge is levied on baggage in excess of the free allowance. The charge is 1.5% of the highest normal direct adult one way economy class (in local currency) for each kilogram in excess of the free allowance
Exceptions :
- 1% from Austria, Bulgaria, Isreal; from Australia, New Zealand (except 1.5% from Australia, New Zealand to South West Pacific); from Europe, Middle East to Australia, New Zealand
- 1.35% within Europe (except 1% from Austria , Bulgaria , Finland )
Special charges Special charges apply for the carriage of:
- bulky or fragile items up to 75 kg (165 lb) as hand baggage warranting the use of one or more additional seats. Normal excess charges apply for the weight carried but will be not less than 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger
- accompanied pets. Normal excess charges apply but the weight of animal and container cannot be allowed in the passenger's free allowance
- snow skiing equipment and golfing equipment. Special excess baggage charges apply for these items. The weight of these items can be included in the passenger's normal free allowance and only the overweight is charged at the special rate
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Carry-on items |
These are smaller items that passengers can take with them onto the aircraft |
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Carry-on items defined |
In addition to the checked baggage allowances, each passenger may carry, without additional charge, hand baggage suitable for placing in closed overhead rack, or under the passenger's seat. The maximum dimensions (the sum of the three dimensions of all such carry on items) shall not exceed 45 inches (115 cm)
Item |
Applicable to |
· 1 overcoat, wrap or blanket |
· All passengers except infants at 10% or no fare |
· 1 umbrella or walking stick |
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· 1 small camera |
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· 1 pair of binoculars |
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· A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight |
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· 1 handbag, pocket book or purse, i.e. which is appropriate to normal travelling dress and is not being used as a container for the transportation of articles which would otherwise be regarded as baggage |
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Infant's food for consumption on flight |
· Infants at 10% or no fare |
· 1 infant's carrying basket |
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· 1 fully collapsible stroller or pushchair (in cabin or cargo compartment of the aircraft) |
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· 1 fully collapsible wheelchair and/or 1 pair of crutches and/or braces or other prosthetic device for the passenger's use |
· Invalids who depend on such wheelchair, crutches, braces, prosthetic device |
· 'Seeing eye/Hearing dog' (dogs trained to assist the blind or deaf).
Note: The dog, when properly harnessed, may be permitted to accompany such passenger in the cabin but shall not be permitted to occupy a seat |
- Blind passengers who depend on such a dog
- Deaf passengers who depend on such a dog
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Dangerous goods & passenger baggage |
A number of common household items, whilst seemingly innocuous in everyday life, are regarded as "dangerous goods" and consequently are not permitted for carriage by passengers in their checked or carry on baggage. These include:
Explosives: Fireworks, flares, toy gun caps
Corrosives: Car batteries, mercury
Flammable materials: Petrol, lighter fuel, thinners, paint, non-safety matches, lighters
Gases: Camping gas, tear gas, mace, CS gas devices
Poisons: Weed killers, insecticide
However, some dangerous goods are permitted and these include:
Alcoholic beverages: not exceeding 70% alcohol by volume, in containers of up to 5 litres (maximum of 5 litres per person)
Medical or toilet items (including aerosols): Hair sprays, deodorants, perfumes & after shaves in containers not exceeding 500gr or 500ml (maximum of 2 litres per person)
Gas-powered hair curlers: one per person, provided the safety cover is fitted at all times. Separate refills are NOT permitted
Safety matches or lighter: When carried on the person. Lighter refills are NOT permitted
Battery powered wheelchairs: In the hold, contact airline in advance to check whether special conditions apply
Certain other specific items of dangerous goods are also permitted, contact airline for further information
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR LUGGAGE IS LOST OR DAMAGED ? |
Airline’s liability on lost or damaged luggage. |
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Occasionally, a suitcase falls off a ramp and gets run over by a forklift or simply gets lost. You'll know right away if something like that has happened to one of your bags. |
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Damaged luggage: |
If the airline has manhandled your luggage, you can seek reimbursement. If the bag is ripped or a wheel is missing, you may even be able to get it fixed while you wait (several major airports, including Minneapolis/St. Paul and Atlanta Harts field, have luggage-repair shops on site). Some airlines, including United, have replacement bags they'll give you on the spot at major airports.
Don't expect the airline to reimburse you for nicks and scratches, however. Those are considered normal wear and tear. And don't expect reimbursement if a fragile item breaks (an exception is something packed in its original, factory-sealed container, which should be able to withstand rough handling).
When you claim your luggage, check for damage. If a bag is open, look inside to see whether any of your belongings are damaged or missing. If so, immediately report the damage and any missing items to the airline's baggage personnel.
The airline may have a cutoff period for complaints (such as 24 hours after the flight), so reporting a problem promptly is crucial. The airline will either pay repair costs or negotiate a settlement, usually within 30 to 45 days.
Be sure to get the name of the person with whom you speak. If you are reporting the damage from a location other than the airport, the DOT recommends sending a certified letter to the airline as a follow up. |
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Lost luggage: |
Last but not least, if a carrier loses your luggage, you should go immediately to the baggage or customer service office, which is usually located near the baggage claim area. Fill out the proper report and refer to the packing list made at the beginning of the trip. Receipts for newly purchased luggage, expensive clothes and other items of value help when making claims.
Airline’s baggage liability:
Airlines are not responsible for carry-on luggage. But the airlines are liable if checked baggage is lost or damaged. |
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For domestic flights: $1250 per passenger. |
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For International flights: $9.07 per pound for a 70-pound bag, to a maximum of about $640. |
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The current limit for domestic flights--$1,250 per passenger--is about to change. The DOT has proposed a new rule, backed by the major airlines, to upgrade the limit to $2,500. A decision is pending. The airlines, of course, have been free to increase the limit on their own, but instead are waiting for the DOT rule to take effect. One exception: American Airlines voluntarily doubled the limit to $2,500.
Airlines don't pay the liability amount for every claim. Rather, they estimate the value of the contents of your bag based on the report you file. (It helps if you've kept a list in advance of the contents of your bag.) Depreciation is considered. Airlines are free to deny any claims that seem exaggerated, and they may ask for sales receipts or other documentation to prove value.
The liability limit for international flights, set by the Warsaw Convention, is about $9.07 per pound; for a 70-pound bag, that amounts to a maximum of about $640. |
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PACKING TIPS |
Packing
is probably the least pleasant part of travel.
Deciding what to take - and making it all fit
- frustrates even the most seasoned traveler.
The Golden Rule of traveling
is to pack lightly.
It may be tempting to pack your
entire closet into your suitcase, but it is hardly
sensible. After settling on a vacation destination,
the first thing travelers should do is make up
a list of what they will need. This accomplishes
two things: it speeds up packing and lets the
traveler know what might be missing in the event
of lost luggage. Keep this list with you in your
wallet or in your carry-on luggage. It helps in
case of lost luggage situation.
You should buy all your toiletries
in travel sizes or, even better; simply buy them
at your destination. Select clothes in coordinating
colors, so that you can get several looks out
of just a few pieces. Pack all your valuables
into your carry-on bag, items such as travel documents,
medications, keys, cameras, cash, credit cards,
jewelry, etc.
You should always carry important
phone numbers along with other important details
such as your passport details or copy of your
passport in your carry-on bags.
How to pack:
» Start by placing
the heavy or bulky items on the bottom of the
suitcase, like shoes, cosmetic box, etc.
» Protect fragile
items by putting them inside thick clothing and
placing them in the center of the case.
» To keep clothing
wrinkle-free, place all articles inside plastic
bags or wrap them in tissue paper. Rolling your
clothes into cylinders, instead of folding them,
can also help.
» Extra plastic
bags come in handy when transporting wet bathing
suits and soiled clothes.
» Put your name
inside and outside. Write your name, address,
and phone number inside the bag, as the airlines
and the DOT recommend, not just on an outside
tag. It's also a good idea to put destination
information and a copy of your flight itinerary
inside as well, to help the airline find you.
If you're worried about lost luggage, take an
inventory of what you pack; it'll help if you
have to file a claim.
» Remove straps
and hooks, which can get caught in baggage-handling
machinery.
» Remove old tags.
You don't want your bag heading back to Hawaii
when you're on the way to Paris .
» Have you noticed
that many luggage look an awfully lot alike? Use
a brightly colored luggage tag or ribbon and you
can spot yours a mile away!
» Lock your luggage.
Although very few bags get pilfered, it doesn't
hurt to lock them up. |
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