Carry-on only for India: plan for your airline and fare

Carry-on travel can simplify moving between destinations in India. Plan around the airline and fare on each flight: a connecting ticket, a preferred seat and a checked-bag purchase do not necessarily increase cabin allowance.

Understanding the Airline Landscape

IndiGo: the standard main bag is 55×35×25 cm, up to 7 kg, with an additional personal article up to 3 kg. Lite permits only one 7 kg cabin bag. Regular Stretch/Stretch+ bookings allow one main bag up to 12 kg; an airport/onboard upgrade from Lite retains Lite baggage limits.

For SpiceJet and other operators, check the actual booking and current airline policy before applying this packing plan.

Air India: one 55×40×20 cm main bag up to 7 kg in Economy/Premium Economy or 10 kg in Business/First, plus a 40×30×20 cm personal item up to 3 kg. Do not assume looser enforcement or copy another carrier’s allowance.

If you arrive internationally and transfer onto a domestic leg with IndiGo or SpiceJet, your international carrier's more generous cabin allowance does not carry over. You must meet the domestic carrier's rules independently.

BCAS Airport Security: What to Expect

Indian airport security is governed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and differs from European or US procedures in a few important ways:

• Laptops out, in their own bin — this is enforced at every airport, not optionally
• Shoes off — remove shoes at the checkpoint, including slip-ons and sandals
• More thorough manual screening — body pat-downs are common, and female passengers are directed to a separate screened enclosure for secondary screening
• Hand luggage X-ray is strict — power banks, cables, and electronics are scrutinised carefully

At Delhi IGI T3 and Mumbai CSIA T2, security lanes move relatively efficiently during off-peak hours. At smaller airports and during peak morning departures, queues can be long. Build in at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures.

Packing Light for Indian Conditions

India's climate varies enormously — from Rajasthan desert heat to Himalayan cold to Kerala humidity — but if your trip spans the standard tourist circuit (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kerala), pack for warmth in north India winters (October–February) or heat in south India year-round.

Clothing essentials:

• 4–5 lightweight, modest tops (shoulders and knees covered is respectful and required for temples)
• 1 lightweight salwar kameez or kurta bought in India — cheap, appropriate, and locals appreciate the gesture
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers (no shorts at religious sites)
• 5–6 pairs of fast-drying underwear
• 1 packable down layer for north India evenings or high-altitude visits
• Compact umbrella — essential during monsoon season (June–September) across most of India

Leave heavy denim and bulky footwear at home. Comfortable walking sandals and one pair of trainers cover most situations.

What to Buy in India Instead of Packing

Indian pharmacies and markets are exceptional for travel essentials at very low prices:

• Toiletries — Apollo Pharmacy, Medplus, and general chemists stock international brands at lower prices than the UK or US. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sunscreen are all readily available.
• Pashmina wraps — Buy one on arrival in Delhi or Jaipur. A lightweight pashmina is essential for covering shoulders at temples, staying warm on cold overnight trains, and blocking AC blasts in restaurants and airports. Cost: around ₹300–800 at local markets (avoid tourist trap pricing).
• Stomach medicines — Carry oral rehydration salts, loperamide, and a basic antibiotic in your cabin bag. Indian pharmacies stock these, but having them accessible mid-flight or at the start of your trip matters.
• Mosquito repellent — Available cheaply at any pharmacy; Odomos and similar brands are effective.

The Monsoon Season Adjustment

From June through September, monsoon rains sweep across most of India. A compact travel umbrella (under 300 g) is not optional during this period — it is essential. The good news: compact umbrellas weigh little and fold small. Buy one at home or pick one up at any Indian market for under ₹200.

Delhi IGI Terminal 3: What to Know

Delhi's Terminal 3 is the main international gateway and one of Asia's largest terminal buildings. The terminal is modern, well-signed, and security is generally efficient. Key things to know:

• International arrivals and departures are both handled at T3
• Domestic connections from T3 are well-organised, though some IndiGo flights still depart from T1
• The airport metro connects T3 directly to central Delhi in around 20 minutes — carry-on only makes this connection straightforward

Landing in Delhi with just a carry-on lets you skip the baggage claim entirely and take the metro directly into the city. It is one of the most noticeable practical advantages of packing light.