Air India Excess Baggage: Charges, Allowance, and Policies Explained

Last Updated on Dec 12th, 2024 by Sidakbir Singh, Leave a Comment

When preparing for your journey with Air India, understanding the intricacies of excess baggage can save you from surprises at the airport. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about Air India’s excess baggage allowance, charges, policies, and more.

Air India Excess Baggage Allowance

Air India’s baggage allowance varies depending on the route, travel class (Economy or Business), and frequent flyer status. Here’s a breakdown of typical allowances:

• Economy Class: Passengers generally receive a free baggage allowance of 15-20 kg for domestic flights within India and varying limits for international flights.
• Business Class: Business Class travelers often enjoy a higher free baggage allowance, typically ranging from 30-40 kg for international flights.

Excess Baggage Charges

Excess baggage charges are applicable when your luggage exceeds the free allowance. These charges are calculated based on the route and whether the excess is in weight (per kilogram) or pieces (per piece).

From / To	North America	Canada	Europe / UK	Middle East	Africa	Japan / Korea	Southeast Asia	SAARC (excluding IN)	AUNZ
India	USD 240	CAD 350	USD 200	–	USD 180	USD 180	–	–	–
Africa	USD 200	CAD 300	USD 280	USD 240	–	USD 280	USD 240	USD 220	USD 300
North America	–	–	USD 200	USD 280	USD 200	USD 300	USD 280	USD 260	USD 340
Europe	USD 200	CAD 300	–	USD 240	USD 280	USD 280	USD 240	USD 220	USD 300
Japan/Korea	USD 300	CAD 440	USD 280	USD 220	USD 280	–	USD 220	USD 200	USD 280
Canada	–	–	CAD 300	CAD 410	CAD 300	CAD 440	CAD 410	CAD 380	CAD 490

As per Air India Guidelines.

Note: The above rates in CAD include all the applicable taxes, and the rates in USD exclude applicable taxes.

Domestic Flights

Class of Travel	Free Baggage Allowance	Cabin Baggage Allowance
Economy Class	25 kg	8 kg
Business Class	35 kg	8 kg
First Class	40 kg	8 kg

International Flights

Route	Class of Travel	Free Baggage Allowance	Cabin Baggage Allowance
US/Canada to India	Economy Class	2 pieces, 23 kg each	8 kg
	Business Class	2 pieces, 32 kg each	8 kg
	First Class	2 pieces, 32 kg each	8 kg
Europe/UK to India	Economy Class	1 piece, 23 kg	8 kg
	Business Class	2 pieces, 32 kg each	8 kg
	First Class	2 pieces, 32 kg each	8 kg
Other International Routes	Economy Class	30 kg	8 kg
	Business Class	40 kg	8 kg
	First Class	50 kg	8 kg

How to Calculate Excess Baggage Charges

To calculate the excess baggage charges, you need to:

1. Determine the excess weight: Weight your baggage and subtract the free allowance.
2. Multiply by the rate: Multiply the excess weight by the applicable rate.

Example Calculation for a Domestic Flight:

Suppose you are traveling in Economy Class on a domestic flight and your checked baggage weighs 30 kg.

• Free allowance: 25 kg
• Excess weight: 30 kg – 25 kg = 5 kg
• Excess baggage charge: 5 kg × ₹600 = ₹3,000 (plus GST)

Tips to Avoid Excess Baggage Charges

1. Weigh Your Bags at Home: Ensure you know your baggage weight before heading to the airport.
2. Purchase Additional Allowance in Advance: Air India offers discounted rates for purchasing additional baggage allowance online before your flight.
3. Pack Smart: Use lightweight luggage and pack only essentials.
4. Distribute Weight: If traveling with companions, distribute the weight evenly among all travelers’ bags.

Air India Excess Baggage Charges Domestic vs. International

While domestic excess baggage charges are calculated per kilogram, international charges are usually higher due to the longer distances and international handling fees. It’s essential to be aware of these costs to avoid surprises at the airport.

Air India Excess Baggage for Students

Air India offers special excess baggage allowances for students traveling internationally. This allowance is usually higher than the standard and can be availed by presenting a valid student ID and admission letter from an educational institution.

Example:

Route	Additional Allowance	Validity
India to USA	10 kg extra	One way
India to Europe	10 kg extra	One way

Air India Excess Baggage Payment Online

Paying for Air India excess baggage online is convenient and often cheaper. Passengers can log into their Air India account, navigate to the manage booking section, and add excess baggage. The payment can be made using various methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, or mobile wallets.

Air India Express Excess Baggage Pre-Book

For Air India Express flights, pre-booking excess baggage online is highly recommended. This not only guarantees your baggage space but also provides discounts compared to airport rates.

Steps to Air India Express Excess Baggage:

1. Visit Air India Express’s official website.
2. Log in to your booking.
3. Select the ‘Manage Booking’ option.
4. Choose the ‘Add Baggage’ option.
5. Enter the required kilograms and proceed to payment.

Air India Excess Baggage Policy  

Understanding Air India’s excess baggage policies can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smoother travel experience. This detailed guide covers the allowance, charges, special provisions, and how to manage excess baggage on Air India flights.

Baggage Allowance

Air India Excess Baggage Charges :- Domestic Flights (Within India)

Economy Class:

• Free baggage allowance: 15 kg
• Air India excess baggage price: INR 500 per kg

Business Class:

• Free baggage allowance: 35 kg
• Air India excess baggage price: INR 500 per kg

Infants (all classes):

• Free baggage allowance: 10 kg

Air India Excess Baggage Charges :- International Flights

Economy Class:

• Free baggage allowance: 20-30 kg (varies by route)
• Air India excess baggage price: USD 30 per kg

Business Class:

• Free baggage allowance: 30-40 kg (varies by route)
• Air India excess baggage price: USD 30 per kg

First Class:

• Free baggage allowance: 50 kg
• Air India excess baggage price: USD 30 per kg

Infants (all classes):

• Free baggage allowance: 10 kg

Being well-informed about Air India’s excess baggage policies helps you plan your travel efficiently and avoid unexpected costs. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, understanding these details ensures a smooth journey with Air India. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does Air India charge for excess baggage?

A: Air India charges INR 600 per kg for excess baggage on domestic flights and USD 10 to USD 35 per kg on international flights, depending on the destination.

Q: How to book excess baggage in Air India?

A: To book excess baggage on Air India, visit their official website or mobile app and use the ‘Manage My Booking’ section, or request it at the airport check-in counter. Air India excess baggage pre booking offers lower rates than paying at the airport.

Q: Can I pre-book excess baggage online for Air India flights?

A: Yes, you can pre-book excess baggage online through Air India’s official website, which often provides discounts compared to airport rates.

Q: Is there a special excess baggage allowance for students on Air India?

A: Yes, Air India offers additional baggage allowances for students traveling internationally, which can be availed by presenting valid student documentation.

Q: What happens if I exceed the baggage allowance on a connecting international flight?

A: For connecting international flights, the excess baggage charges depend on the entire route. Ensure to check the specific allowances and charges for your complete itinerary.

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