Definition
The weight or number of bags your ticket lets you carry free, split into checked and cabin baggage. Indian domestic economy fares usually include 15 kg checked and 7 kg cabin; international allowances depend on the airline, route and fare.
Weight concept and piece concept
Most routes from India use the weight concept: a total kilogram limit for checked bags, commonly 20–30 kg in economy on Gulf and Asian airlines depending on the fare. Flights to and from the US and Canada use the piece concept: usually two bags of up to 23 kg each in economy. Your e-ticket shows it as, for example, 30K (30 kg) or 2PC (two pieces).
Cabin baggage on Indian airlines is usually one bag of up to 7 kg plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. Staff do weigh cabin bags on busy routes.
The through-ticket rule that saves money
If your domestic flight is on the same ticket as your international flight, the international allowance normally applies to the domestic leg as well. A Lucknow student flying Lucknow–Delhi–Toronto on one ticket can check two 23 kg bags all the way. Book Delhi–Toronto alone with a separate Lucknow–Delhi flight, and the domestic airline allows only its own 15 kg, charging excess baggage on the rest.
Practical tips
- Most airlines refuse any single bag over 32 kg, even if your total allowance is higher, for the safety of baggage handlers.
- Infants often get a small allowance plus a stroller; check the fare.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in cabin baggage.
- Weigh bags at home. On the way out, leave 3–4 kg spare for shopping.