Your ultimate travel checklist
On the day of travel, make sure you are all packed and ready to experience Air India like never before. Please carry your ticket and valid ID cards to ensure a seamless check-in. We have listed a few tips and reminders for you to make your flights with us more memorable.
General rules
- Don’t forget to carry your ticket. You will need to show it to enter the airport, and at the Air India check-in counter. Along with your tickets, please carry a government issued photo ID like a driving license, PAN card, passport, among others.
- Carry the relevant documents if you have a medical implant or any other device that might set off the metal detector. Although this is not a requirement, it may help to expedite the screening process.
- Don’t carry prohibited items such as pocketknives, scissors with pointed tips (metal or plastic scissors with blunt tips are permitted), and tools in your cabin baggage. Double check the list of prohibited and permitted items to determine what can be placed in the cabin and checked baggage.
- Be wary of suspicious activity around you. Inform the airport security if you are concerned about an unattended item or any suspicious activity around you.
Baggage tips
If you are not packed properly for your travel, it will put you through a lot of inconvenience. We advise that your baggage be properly packed and tagged. The following tips will come in handy:
- Be aware of the contents of your baggage.
- Don’t pack any valuables in your check-in baggage.
- Make sure you know your free check-in baggage allowance.
- If you exceed the free baggage allowance, it will be charged as excess baggage.
- Label your bags with your name and address. Remove tags and labels from your previous flights.
- Make sure you know your cabin baggage allowance and the latest restricted items under cabin baggage.
- Make sure you take medication, important documents, valuable items, and cash in your cabin baggage.
- In some instances, you may be required to identify or claim your baggage, for security or local customs reasons, at the connecting point.
- Do not accept or carry any packets from unknown people.
Security regulations
- If you are carrying any arms, ammunition, and explosive substances, then please declare it before checking in. Concealment is an offense under the Aircraft Act and Rules.
- Battery cells in any electrical/electronic items are allowed and will not be removed at the security point. Loose battery cells/dry cells in the cabin baggage are liable to be removed and the airline would not be able to hand over the same at the destination. Please carry the same in your check-in baggage.
- Remove prohibited items such as pocketknives, metal scissors with pointed tips, and tools from your cabin baggage.
- Before approaching the check-in counters, you may be required to screen your baggage through the X-ray machines operated by security personnel.
- Please don’t leave your baggage unobserved/unattended at any time, especially within airport area. If you leave your baggage unattended, it may be removed by airport security as an object of suspicion.
Important points for travellers
Every traveller will go through security screening prior to boarding the aircraft. Your ticket and identity card are checked at the airport gate and check-in counter.
- Checked baggage will be screened through an X-ray machine. Random physical checks are also carried out for checked in baggage in addition to X-ray screening.
- You will be required to undergo personal frisking and your cabin baggage will be screened before entering the pre-boarding area.
- Checked baggage reconciliation is carried out through an internal matching system. In addition, you may be asked to do a physical identification of the baggage at some airports.
- Secondary Ladder Point security check may also be carried out near the step ladder or boarding gate before embarkation.
- In any case, if you are brought out of the Security Hold Area for emergencies or exigencies after security check is complete, a fresh boarding card will be issued in place of the old one, and you will be subjected to a security check again.
Smart tips for when you are onboard
- Don’t leave your wallet in your jacket when you hang it.
- Better to put a coloured ribbon or a bright, big label on your bag to make it easy to identify.
Security regulations
- Always put your bag in the overhead locker upside down, with the pockets covered, so it is less accessible. If you can lock it, do so.
- Stow your bag near you, preferably where you can see it.
- If you must, bury your wallet and valuables deep in your carry-on, inside something else, or use a portable travel-safe bag. If you’re stowing your bag under the seat in front of you, ensure the pockets are facing you.
- Speak up if you think someone has interfered with your luggage or see someone acting suspiciously.
- The responsibility for your cabin baggage is your own as overhead bins are a shared space and airlines cannot stand guard. Always keep your belongings with you, especially during night flights.
At airports, be extra vigilant at the security screening area. Often, belongings go missing or are stolen from here. So be vigilant and alert.