Special Baggage

• One item of baggage with cricket equipment (bats, pads, helmet, etc.) with possible padding
• Maximum number of baggage items: 2

• One standard bicycle (non-motorised and no e-bikes) or one child bicycle trailer or one unicycle 
• Maximum number of baggage items: 2 

Note: Bicycles can only be accepted if they are packed in a suitable bicycle travel case or a similar container. The customer is to ensure it is properly packed for transport.

Click here to know more about the carriage of a bicycle as checked baggage.

• One item of baggage with one pair of skis or one snowboard
• One item of baggage with one pair of ski poles and one pair of ski or snowboard boots 
• One helmet 
• Maximum number of baggage items: 2

• One item of baggage with either a compressed air cylinder (please read the information below regarding this) or an empty oxygen cylinder 
• One item of baggage with diving goggles, snorkel, flippers, diving suit, buoyancy compensator/ Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) jacket, and regulator 

** The following special conditions apply to customers wishing to carry scuba diving equipment. Please note the below-mentioned steps are as per the Dangerous Goods Regulations.

1. Oxygen Cylinder including empty oxygen cylinder for scuba is forbidden as per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Table 2.3.A .

2. a. Diving lamp and soldering iron (including all the heat producing devices) are allowed in checked and carry-on baggage, provided battery and heating element are isolated by removal of heating element, battery, or other component.

b. Remove batteries (if any) or carry them in your cabin baggage (Lithium ion up to 160 Wh and non-spillable up to 12 V and up to 100 Wh).

Know More about the number of batteries allowed.

3. a. Underwater camera is allowed in both checked and cabin baggage with battery power of up to 160 Wh. In checked baggage camera must be switched off and protected from damage by proper packing.

b. Remove batteries (if any) or carry them in your cabin baggage (lithium ion up to 160 Wh). 

Know More about the number of batteries allowed.

• One item of baggage with one fishing rod
• One item of baggage with fishing gear
• Maximum number of baggage items: 2

• One board that can be used for different sports
• Maximum number of baggage items: 2

• Standard bows, arrows, and other accessories packed inside a dedicated case (hard or well‑padded soft case)
• Maximum Number of Baggage Items: 2

Here is all you need to know about carrying musical instruments on board.

Small musical instruments

You may carry small musical instruments as cabin baggage that fit our standard baggage dimensions. They will count towards your cabin baggage allowance.

Large musical instruments

You can carry musical instruments as checked or cabin seat baggage.

Checked baggage

Musical instruments that are too large for the cabin must be checked in. They will count towards your checked baggage allowance. If you go over the free checked baggage limit, standard extra baggage fees will apply.

Here are some points to remember when checking in your musical instruments:

• Ensure you pack these instrument adequately.
• The dimensions of the instrument should not exceed 158 cm/ 62 in and the weight must be within 32 kg/ 70 lb. An oversize handling fee will be applicable if it exceeds the defined limit.
• Should the instrument (and/or its packing) be unsuitable for carriage, you must sign on a ‘Limited Release’ tag before it is accepted at the counter, to indicate that Air India is not liable for any damages.
• We will attach a ‘Fragile’ label to the item to identify and ensure that the baggage is handled with care.

Cabin seat baggage

If you do not want to check in your musical instrument, you can may book an extra seat.

Here are a few points to remember when carrying your musical instruments as cabin seat baggage:

• The weight of the baggage must not exceed 75 kg/ 165 lb.
• Ensure that the instrument is packaged well to avoid injury to other passengers.
• Under normal circumstances, you will not be permitted to carry bulky musical instruments or other fragile items in the cabin. These items may cause inconvenience to other passengers and can be a safety risk or a hazard in case of turbulent weather or emergencies. 
• Secure the baggage to the assigned seat with the seat belt to avoid mishaps during the flight.
• The instrument must not restrict access to the emergency exits or aisles in the cabin, or obscure passengers' view of the seat belt, no smoking, and exit signage.
• Baggage must not contain dangerous goods.
• The cabin-seat baggage must be prepaid and booked in advance.

• A passenger can carry one licensed revolver, pistol or shotgun and fifty cartridges in the registered baggage. The passenger should first declare the arms at check-in and meet all safety and security requirements.
• A prescribed form must be filled in by the passenger and verified by the airport manager.
• For journeys involving other airlines, passengers are requested to check with the airlines concerned for their specific requirements and restrictions.

The following categories of passengers are exempted from paying the handling charge:

• The serving personnel from Indian Defence Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Police, and customs officials travelling on duty and carrying an official Movement Order issued by their concerned department authorizing the carriage of weapon and/or ammunition for official purpose.
• Sportspersons travelling either domestic or international for a competition or representing the country, provided they fulfil the following conditions:
  • Identification document of the sportsperson. Evidence of identity can be established by a photo identity card issued by a government agency or the sponsoring club.
  • Valid licence/authorization of firearms and ammunition.
  • Bonafide for carriage of arms and ammunition based on a written document issued by the president or secretary of the sports club sponsoring them for the shooting event.
• The above rules will also apply to our international sectors, subject to local laws, restrictions, and necessary permits.

Handling charges for arms and ammunitions are as follows:

• Domestic Flights
  A handling charge of INR 5000 (plus GST) per firearm and/or 50 cartridges will be levied per passenger.
• International Flights
  Air India will levy a handling charge of USD 100, for all international routes (except Canada) and CAD 150 for Canada routes (CAD prices are inclusive of taxes), per firearm and/or 50 cartridges.

Contact us for further details before booking the ticket.

At certain airports, your oversized baggage (OOG) must be dropped off at a separate belt after check-in and collected from a designated belt upon arrival known as the oversized baggage belt (OOG belt).

Below you can find the location of the OOG belts.

Bengaluru

• If you would like to drop-off your oversized baggage, you can head to the OOG belt near island F in terminal 2 for domestic departures.
• Your checked-in oversized baggage will be delivered at the OOG belt in terminal 2:
  • Near baggage belt 9 for domestic arrivals.
  • Near baggage belt 1 for international arrivals.

Delhi

• For domestic departures, you can head to the OOG belt to drop off your oversized baggage in terminal 3 between check-in rows D and E located before security zone 3.
• Your checked-in oversized baggage will be delivered at the OOG belt in terminal 3:
  • Between baggage belts 3 and 4 for domestic arrivals.
  • Between baggage belts 10 and 11 for international arrivals.

Mumbai

• For domestic departures, head to the OOG belt near island A and N to drop off your oversized baggage.
• You can collect your checked-in oversized baggage from the OOG belt located:
  • Behind baggage belts 1 and 2 on the west side and behind baggage belts 12 and 13 for domestic arrivals.
  • Behind baggage belt 15 for international arrivals.

• The urn must be securely sealed and placed inside cabin baggage or checked baggage. Pack to prevent movement or breakage.
• The crematory container must be transparent to X‑ray screening. Screeners will not open the urn under any circumstances, even upon passenger request. We recommend a temporary travel container of wood, plastic, cardboard, or non‑lead‑lined ceramic.
• If the X‑ray image is opaque at the checkpoint, security may require the urn to be transported as checked baggage after explosive trace detection clears the container.

• Powder‑like substances in carry‑on baggage greater than 350 mL / 12 oz receive additional screening. We recommend placing powders in checked baggage.
• For carry‑on, the urn must be X‑ray transparent; TSA officers will not open the container. If the container cannot be cleared by X‑ray, it cannot pass the checkpoint.
• Sealed containers will be inspected by officials for signs of alteration or tampering with the packaging. Containers that are unsealed or have signs of alteration or tampering, will be inspected to ensure that the contents are consistent with the container. 

Document needs vary by route and by the import/transit rules of the country concerned. Typical documents include:

• Death Certificate
  Death Certificate (copy) and Cremation Certificate (for carriage as ashes in an urn) maybe required.

• For Carriage to India
  Refer to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare e‑Clearance for Afterlife Remains (eCARe) guidance. For ashes, documentation is streamlined versus body shipment; check the portal for current requirements and submit applications as instructed.

• Translated Documents
  Some authorities require documents in English (or with certified English translations). Always verify the destination country’s rules.

• Country Specific Regulations
  Always check the destination country’s consulate and our Customer Support Portal before you travel. Regulations differ by country and may change without notice; security officers at the checkpoint have the final decision on whether an item is allowed.

• Airport Screening in India (AVSEC/BCAS)
  Security directions on handling prohibited items and screening apply nationwide; always follow airport security instructions.

• Health Restrictions for Arrivals into India:
  Under India’s public‑health rules, ashes of cremated remains are permitted. Specific disease‑related restrictions apply primarily to non‑cremated remains.

• Can I carry the urn in my hand baggage? Yes—if the container is X‑ray transparent and cleared at security. Otherwise, you may be asked to check it after additional screening.
• What urn materials are recommended for air travel? Use wood, plastic, cardboard, or non‑lead‑lined ceramic that shows clearly on X‑ray. Avoid metal, brass, steel, stone, marble, or lead‑lined containers for carry‑on.
• Is there a size/volume limit for ashes in the cabin on US‑bound flights? TSA screens powders over 350 mL/12 oz more rigorously. Cremated remains are allowed in carry‑on if the container is X‑ray transparent and cleared; otherwise they cannot proceed through the checkpoint. Consider checking the urn if you anticipate screening difficulty.
• Can Air India ship ashes as cargo instead of baggage? Yes. Air India Cargo transports human remains as ash (in urns) with specific packing and documentation requirements. Contact cargocare@airindia.com or +91 9667106666 (charges may apply).