India is doubling down on the "one bag per passenger" rules this week. Regulators have reemphasized that domestic passengers are only allowed to carry one bag onboard, along with a small list of exceptions. The reason behind the circular is increasing times at airport security checks.

Cracking down

Under the current rules, passengers flying domestic across India are allowed to carry one bag that weighs between 7 and 10 kgs (depending on the carrier). However, there are several workarounds to these rules which allow passengers to carry much more. For instance, travelers can also carry a "personal item" in addition to the one bag, which includes items like a purse, small laptop bag, or similar items.

However, on Friday, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued a circular on hang bag policies. The BCAS notes that due to increased wait times at airport security, airlines must begin enforcing baggage rules more strictly. This will help clear checkpoints faster and prevent congestion.

According to Mint, airlines will be the ones doing the heavy lifting on the new circular. They will need to inform travelers of the rules, including with signage and a statement on the boarding pass/tickets. At the terminal, agents will have to ensure passengers are only carrying one handbag in line with the rules from now on.

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Still some uncertainty

Despite the recent rule changes, there is still some uncertainty as to what counts as a personal item. While there accepted items like a purse, wheelchairs, baby bags for infants, items like laptop bags and small backpacks have been up to airline discretion. The circular does not provide any guidance on this either, leaving passengers in a potential limbo and subject to differing policies.

The BACS notes,

"It has been seen that passenger on an average carries 02-03 Nos of hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC [pre-embarkation security check] point and inconvenience to passengers."

While the changes could affect passengers' plans, it does come with several positives. In addition to faster security checks, thanks to reduced bag loads, passengers also won't have to struggle for overhead space. If every passenger is truly limited to one bag, there should be enough space for all bags above. However, in reality, many boarding later find themselves struggling for space.

Third wave hurts traffic

The new rules of passengers that came into effect on Friday are unlikely to hurt all passengers soon. The third wave of COVID cases across India has cut traffic by over 50% from its peak, with under 200,000 passengers now flying every day. While this mimics trends across the globe, falling cases in major cities mean that domestic traffic could bounce back faster than it did after the second wave last year. For now, the summer remains critical to airlines.

What do you think about India's domestic baggage rules? Let us know in the comments!