Baggage

Yes, we have an advanced tracking system that allows you to monitor the status and location of your checked baggage. Here’s how you can track your baggage:

Baggage tracking system

Access the WorldTracer by visiting the Baggage Tracking Page on our website.

Enter required information

On our tracking page, enter essential details such as your last name, booking reference number (PNR), or baggage reference number (tag number). These details are usually available on your boarding pass or baggage claim tag.

SMS and email updates

Once you check in your baggage, you receive an email and an SMS on your registered number and id respectively. The message will notify that the baggage has been successfully checked in and loaded on the aircraft. This SMS/email includes the baggage reference number (tag number) that will allow you to track your baggage in case it gets misplaced.

Get real-time updates

Once you have provided the required information, the system will display real-time updates on the location and status of your checked baggage. You can track its movement and know when it is delivered at your destination airport.

Baggage tracking provides peace of mind and allows you to trace the whereabouts of your belongings, especially during connecting flights or layovers.

It is advisable to keep your baggage claim tags safe until you receive your luggage at your destination. 

Although we do not have a specific policy for checking in baggage the night before a flight, in some cases, it can be done depending on the time of your departure. We make exceptions in certain situations, such as early morning flights or if a passenger has a long layover between flights. In such cases, passengers can check in their baggage the night before their flight. In all other cases, passengers must check in their baggage at the airport on the day of their flight within the specified check-in hours.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, ensure that you arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight's departure time and check in your baggage during the designated check-in hours.

Check in Now

Our baggage drop counters provide a convenient way for you to drop off your luggage without waiting in long check-in queues. To take advantage of this service, please follow these simple steps:

Check in online

Complete your check-in using our website or app check-in facility.

Obtain boarding pass

You will receive a printable boarding card for domestic travel or a confirmation slip for international travel. Please note that codeshare flights are not currently eligible for this service.

Baggage drop

Head to Air India's baggage drop counter at the origin airport, ensuring your bags meet the required allowance.

Proceed to security and boarding

After checking in your baggage, proceed to the security check and then to the boarding gate for your flight to enjoy a pleasant journey with Air India. 

Yes, your baggage allowance may change when you board a connecting flight in a different sector, depending on various factors such as airline policy, travel class, and the specific route. Here's what you need to consider:

Same airline and ticket

If your connecting flight is part of the same booking on a single e-ticket with the same airline, the baggage allowance is consistent throughout the journey.

Different airlines, separate tickets

When connecting flights are booked separately or involve different airlines, baggage allowance may vary between sectors. Each airline typically follows baggage policies specific to them, and you may need to comply with the rules of each carrier for the respective segments.

Additional information

To ensure you are aware of any changes in baggage allowance, carefully review the baggage policies of all airlines involved in your journey, especially when booking connecting flights on separate tickets or with different carriers.

Booking your entire itinerary or a single ticket with the same airline or partner airlines can help maintain a consistent baggage allowance for all sectors. 

We have a fixed baggage allowance of 10kg/22lb for infants across all travel classes.

Yes, you can pre-book excess baggage on our domestic flights at discounted rates up to six hours before departure. After you book a flight with us, you can buy excess baggage for that journey by visiting the Manage Booking section on our website or app.

You can also book excess baggage through the following channels:

1. Air India's city booking offices
2. Airport offices
3. Air India call centres
4. Authorised Air India agents.

Yes, you can pay for excess baggage at the airport at our check-in counters. However, pre-booking excess baggage is often more cost-effective than paying at the airport. And during busy travel periods or on specific routes, we may be unable to accommodate your excess baggage request. 

Losing your baggage during a journey can be distressing, but immediate action can help locate and recover your belongings. Here is what you should do if your baggage is lost:

Notify us

Report the loss immediately to Air India staff at the baggage claim area or the ‘Lost and Found’ desk. Provide flight details, baggage tags, and a detailed description of the lost items.

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

Request help to file a PIR – an official document to record the details of your lost baggage. Keep a copy of the report for follow-up.

Check online

Use the PIR reference number to track your lost package status on our WorldTracer baggage tracking system. Any baggage that cannot be traced 21 days from the date of filing of the report is considered lost.

Claim compensation (if applicable)

You may be eligible for a one-time settlement as interim relief. To read our policy on compensation if your baggage is not recovered within a specified period, visit our Lost and Damaged Baggage Page.

Travel confidently, knowing that Air India is dedicated to resolving such incidents with care and efficiency. 

Please report the loss to the Air India personnel at the airport. They will file a Property Irregularity Report, and you will be given a reference number for follow-up action. 

Please contact Air India's airport staff, and they should be able to help with this. If you have already left the airport, please raise a request using our customer support portal, and our executive can help with this request. 

If you pick up a wrong bag at the airport, promptly bring it to an Air India baggage services counter at the airport nearest to you. Our dedicated staff will work diligently to resolve the issue and reunite you with your belongings.

If your baggage does not arrive at the destination airport, you may be eligible for a one-time settlement as interim relief.

It is essential to promptly report the loss of your baggage to the Air India staff in the baggage claim area and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to initiate the claims process and determine the exact compensation.

We will make every effort to locate and reunite you with your belongings. To understand the severance compensation and the process of claiming compensation for your lost baggage, please refer to our official Lost and Damaged Baggage Page.

Be patient and cooperative during the process, as our dedicated staff will work diligently to resolve the issue and compensate you for your loss to the best of our ability. Travel with the confidence that Air India is committed to resolving any issues of loss or damage of baggage promptly and efficiently. 

You can carry liquids in your hand baggage under the following regulations:

1. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less each.
2. Place these containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a total capacity of 1 litre.
3. Each passenger is allowed one such plastic bag.
4. Certain essential liquids, like medicines and baby food, are exempt from the 100 ml limit.
5. Present the plastic bag separately during security screening.

Air India allows passengers to carry sports equipment as carry-on and checked baggage, depending on the specific item and its dimensions. Here is what you need to know:

Carry-on baggage

Some sports equipment may be allowed as carry-on baggage, provided it meets the size and weight restrictions allowed for cabin luggage.

Examples of carry-on sports equipment may include small items like badminton rackets or tennis rackets if they fit within the allowed dimensions.

Checked baggage

Larger sports equipment that exceeds the size limits for carry-on baggage must be checked as ‘special baggage’.

Items like golf clubs, bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. typically fall under checked baggage and are categorised as ‘special baggage’.

Packaging and restrictions

Ensure your sports equipment is appropriately packed and protected to prevent any damage during handling and transport. Certain items may require specific cases or packaging to meet safety requirements.

Advance intimation

If you intend to carry sports equipment as checked baggage, it is advisable to inform Air India during the booking process or at least 24-48 hours before departure. It allows us to make necessary arrangements and accommodate the equipment in the cargo hold.

Charges and documentation

Depending on the size and weight of the sports equipment, additional charges may apply for checked baggage. Specific documentation and approvals may be required for certain items, like firearms or ammunition for sports. 

Yes, passengers can carry musical instruments as part of their flight baggage. However, specific guidelines and restrictions apply to ensure the safe transport of these valuable items. Here's what you need to know:

Carry-on instruments

For small musical instruments as carry-on baggage, ensure they comply with our size and weight restrictions for cabin luggage.

You may need to store them in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.

Checked instruments

Larger musical instruments such as cellos, guitars, or larger brass instruments are accepted as checked baggage.

Please inform Air India during the booking process or at least 24-48 hours before departure to arrange for their transportation.

Packaging and protection

Proper packaging and protection are essential to safeguard musical instruments from damage during handling and transport. Use appropriate cases or covers to provide adequate support and cushioning.

Additional information

For comprehensive information on carrying musical instruments, whether as carry-on or checked baggage, and any associated charges, visit our official Special Baggage Page.

Travel with your musical instruments stress-free and create melodies wherever you go with Air India's support and care. 

Yes, you can request special handling of your baggage if it contains fragile items. Air India recognises the importance of carefully handling delicate and valuable items during travel. Here is what you need to know:

Inform in advance

If your baggage contains fragile items, it is essential to inform us during the booking process or at least 24 to 48 hours before the flight’s departure. Providing advanced notice allows us to make necessary arrangements for special handling.

Packaging and labelling

Proper packaging is crucial to protect fragile items during handling and transport. Ensure that each fragile item is securely wrapped in cushion to prevent damage. Clearly label baggage as 'Fragile' to alert our staff and handlers.

Special baggage handling

Air India's staff are trained to handle fragile items with care. Fragile-tagged baggage is typically given special attention during loading and unloading.

Carry-on option

Consider taking highly delicate and valuable items as carry-on baggage, provided they meet the size and weight restrictions applicable for cabin luggage.

Additional information

Air India's commitment to special handling helps ensure that your fragile items are treated with the utmost care and attention throughout the journey.

Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your fragile items are in safe hands with Air India's dedicated handling services. 

Yes, you are allowed to carry a box instead of a suitcase as baggage on Air India flights, but this depends on various criteria such as:

• The box is suitably packed as per the guidelines.
  
• The contents of the box are permitted.
• The box is under permissible weight and size restrictions.
• It meets the baggage allowances of the country of arrival and departure.

Yes, you can send your baggage as cargo. To learn more about the types of cargo and possibilities, visit Air India Cargo. To send your baggage as cargo, contact Air India Cargo support centre.

The following points are to be considered while carrying a bicycle as checked baggage.

• The bicycle must be packed in a soft bicycle bag or a hard-shell bicycle case or constructed from a durable/sturdy cardboard container specifically designed for shipping.

• The tyres must be deflated entirely under all types of packing.

• The handlebar should be turned parallel to the bicycle frame or fixed sideways or removed and attached to the bicycle frame.

• Before packing the bicycle, the pedals are to be removed.

• The saddle must be fixed in its lowest position.

• When the bike is carried in a knocked down or dismantled condition, all loose accessories/ parts/items should be placed inside the bicycle bag/box.

• No bike part should be protruding from the bag/box.

• The bike's frame must be wrapped in bubble wrap or plastic foam to prevent damage before packing.

• The bicycle bag/box must be marked inside/outside with the name, contact details (phone number/ email ID), and address. Please note that this point is not mandatory but is good practice.