Packing carry-on in India doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide gives you the current cabin rules for liquids, batteries/power banks, laptops and airline allowances baggage—so you clear security smoothly.
Quick Summary (India, 2025)
- Carry-on allowance: Typically 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg; many airlines also allow 1 small personal item (varies by carrier).
- Liquids (LAGs): ≤100 ml per container, all containers inside one 1-litre, clear, resealable bag; show it separately at screening. Exceptions: prescribed meds (carry Rx) and baby food (declare).
- Power banks & spare lithium batteries:Cabin only (never checked).
- ≤100 Wh: allowed.
- 100–160 Wh: allowed with airline approval; usually max 2 spares; cover terminals.
- >160 Wh: not permitted.
- New in 2025: Mandatory pre-boarding gate checks (secondary screening) at all Indian airports—arrive at the gate earlier.
Power Banks & Spare Batteries
- Where to pack: Always in cabin baggage; never in checked bags. Cover terminals (tape/original packaging).
- Limits by Watt-hours (Wh):
- ≤100 Wh: allowed, no approval needed.
- 100–160 Wh: allowed only with airline approval, typically max two spares.
- >160 Wh: not permitted in passenger baggage.
- How to calculate Wh:
Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000- Example: 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh → OK in cabin.
- Heads-up: Some airlines don’t allow in-flight use/charging of power banks even when carrying is allowed—check your carrier.
Liquids, Aerosols & Gels (LAGs)
- Each container ≤100 ml, all containers must fit one 1-litre, transparent, resealable bag.
- Present the liquids bag separately at security.
- Allowed over 100 ml only if essential: prescription medicines (carry documentation) and baby food (reasonable quantity; declare).
Laptops & Electronics
- Remove laptops/tablets/cameras and place them in a separate tray for X-ray.
- A small personal item (laptop bag/handbag) is often allowed in addition to the cabin bag, but rules vary by airline.
Airline Snapshot (check your exact fare/rule before flying)
- IndiGo: 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg (≤115 cm) + 1 personal item ≤3 kg (laptop/handbag).
- Air India: Cabin size up to 55×40×20 cm; weight often 7 kg in Economy, higher in premium cabins (varies by fare/route).
- Air India Express: “Xtra Carry-On” add-on lets you carry two cabin pieces totaling up to 12 kg (or one piece up to 12 kg).
- Akasa Air: 7 kg cabin bag + 1 personal item ≤3 kg (fits under seat).
- SpiceJet: 7 kg total in cabin; laptop/handbag generally counts within that 7 kg.
Tip: Airlines tweak allowances and fare bundles—always reconfirm on your booking.
What Changed in 2025?
- BCAS mandated 100% pre-boarding gate checks (secondary screening). Expect an extra scan of you and your cabin bag at the gate. Build in a few extra minutes so you’re not rushed.
FAQs
Can I carry a 20,000 mAh power bank?
Yes. It’s about 74 Wh, so cabin only, terminals covered; never in checked luggage.
Are liquids over 100 ml allowed on domestic flights?
No. India follows the 100 ml per container rule for domestic and international. Exceptions: prescribed meds (carry Rx) and baby food (declare).
Can I bring two laptops/cameras and spare batteries?
Yes, if you stay within your airline’s cabin limits. Spare lithium batteries must be in cabin with terminals protected.
Is deodorant/hairspray allowed in cabin?
Yes, if ≤100 ml and inside your 1-litre liquids bag; present it separately.
Can I carry a laptop bag in addition to my 7 kg cabin bag?
Often yes, but it’s airline-specific.
IndiGo / Akasa: allow one personal item ≤3 kg.
Air India: personal item allowed within size rules.
Air India Express: Xtra Carry-On add-on → two pieces up to 12 kg total.
Always check your ticket/fare.
Final checklist
- ✅ Liquids packed to 100 ml rule in one 1-L bag
- ✅ Power bank in cabin, Wh checked, terminals covered
- ✅ Laptop/tablet ready to tray out
- ✅ Gate earlier for 2025 secondary screening
- ✅ Airline page double-checked for your fare
Disclaimer: Policies change. Always re-check your airline’s baggage page and your departure airport’s security guidance before you fly.
