How many bags can I take on a USA–India flight?

Most economy tickets on full-service airlines include two checked bags of up to 23 kg (50 lb) each, plus a cabin bag and a personal item. It depends on the airline and fare, so check the allowance on your ticket; we state it in the quote.

Can I pack a power bank in my checked bag?

No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in the cabin.

Can I bring Indian food into the USA?

Many dry and packaged foods are allowed, but you must declare all food. Meat products and fresh fruit and vegetables are generally not allowed.

Is ghee allowed in hand luggage?

Only in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, because it is treated as a liquid or gel. Pack larger jars in your checked bag.

Baggage on USA–India Flights: Allowances and Rules

In short

Most economy tickets between the USA and India on full-service airlines include two checked bags of up to 23 kg (50 lb) each, plus a cabin bag and a small personal item, but the allowance depends on the airline and the fare, and some lower fares include less, so check the allowance on your ticket before you pack. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin, never in checked bags. Liquids in the cabin follow the 100 ml (3.4 oz) rule, and duty-free liquids may have to go into a checked bag at a connection in the US. Declare all food to US Customs: meat and fresh fruit and vegetables are generally not allowed, while declared items that are refused are simply taken away. Declare cash over US$10,000 entering or leaving the US.

Checked and cabin allowances

Typical economy allowance on these routes: two checked bags of up to 23 kg (50 lb) each. Premium cabins usually allow more weight.
Size: checked bags are commonly limited to 158 cm (62 in) of length, width and height added together.
Cabin: one bag that fits the overhead locker plus a small personal item; weight limits vary by airline, often 7 to 8 kg.
On one ticket, the allowance printed on your e-ticket applies to the whole journey, including the domestic leg in India. On separate tickets the domestic flight may allow less.

Batteries, liquids and things that get confiscated

Power banks and spare lithium batteries: cabin only, never checked. Phones and laptops can go in either, but are safest in the cabin.
Liquids, gels and pastes in the cabin: containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, in one clear quart-size or one-litre bag. Ghee, pickles and honey count as liquids or gels; pack them in checked bags.
Duty-free liquids bought abroad: at your first US airport you clear customs and are screened again for any onward flight, where larger liquids may have to move into a checked bag.
Dry coconut (copra) is banned in checked baggage on flights from India.

Food: what to declare in the USA

US Customs requires every passenger to declare all food. Meat, including in cooked dishes and many snacks, and fresh fruit and vegetables are generally not allowed. Spices, packaged sweets without meat, tea and many dry foods are commonly allowed after inspection. Declaring costs nothing: a refused item is taken away, while undeclared food can bring a fine.

Cash, gold and valuables

Entering or leaving the US: declare cash and similar instruments over US$10,000 per family.
Arriving in India: foreign currency notes over US$5,000, or over US$10,000 in total including travellers' cheques, must be declared to Indian Customs.
Carry jewellery, cash and documents in your cabin bag, and check India's baggage rules for duty-free limits on jewellery and gifts before you travel.

If your bag is late, lost or damaged

Report it at the airline's desk before leaving the airport. On international journeys the airline's liability is limited to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights, about US$2,000, for delay, loss or damage. On flights to or from the US, the checked-bag fee is refunded when a reported bag arrives significantly late. Our cancelled-flight guide has the details.

Official sources

This guide explains the rules in general and is not legal advice. Your airline's conditions of carriage and your fare rules apply to your booking.

Baggage on USA–India flights: allowances, what to pack and what to declare