If you’re planning to travel soon, it’s important to know the new hand baggage regulations introduced by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
To address the growing number of passengers at pre-embarkation security checkpoints, BCAS, in collaboration with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has implemented stricter rules for hand baggage.
Under the updated policy, passengers are now allowed to carry only one hand or cabin bag onboard, regardless of whether they are flying domestically or internationally. Any additional bags will need to be checked in at the airport.
Weight and size limits
The hand baggage weight and size limits vary depending on the class of travel.
For those passengers travelling in economy and premium economy class, one handbag weighing up to 7 kg is allowed. Whereas those passengers travelling in first and business class are allowed up to 10 kgs.
In addition to the weight restrictions, there are also specific size limitations. The maximum allowed dimensions for your hand baggage are:
- Height: 55 cm (21.6 inches)
- Length: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
- Width: 20 cm (7.8 inches)
If your hand baggage exceeds these size or weight limits, you will be required to check it in. Airlines also added that the total dimensions of your hand baggage should not exceed 115 cm.
However, passengers who had booked tickets before May 2, 2024, have some exemptions. Those passengers can carry slightly more with economy class limit set to 8 kg, premium economy class set to kg, first and business class set at 12 kg limit.
Passengers with hand baggage exceeding the weight or size restrictions may be subject to additional baggage charges.