Airport & Customs

 

International airports in India operate via the conventional green and red channels, with the officials liable to carry out sudden spot checks on passengers passing through the green channel.

In case, you are carrying items of high value such as cameras, laptops and other electronic equipment for your personal usage during the trip, then you may be asked to fill in a Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form (TBRE) when you enter the country, which allows you to bring items into India free of duty, provided you take them back with you when you are leaving.

Personal allowances include two liters of spirits, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 Gms of tobacco per passenger over 18 years of age.

For more details visit:
www.cbec.gov.in/travellers.htm

Security

With security being the most important aspect at any airport, it is obvious that you and your luggage might be subject to search more than once before actually boarding the aircraft. It would be needed to identify your baggage on the tarmac before it is checked into the aircraft.

The domestic flights in India do not permit penknives and other sharp objects, gels and other liquid substances, matches and lighters, batteries and other electronic items as cabin baggage. Hence, it is advised to pack accordingly. Otherwise, it would either be confiscated or returned only at the end of the flight.

Baggage Allowance

The government – owned Indian Airlines offers a free allowance of 30 kg for the Economy travelers and 40 kg for the First class. On the other hand, the private airlines offer 20 kg for the Economy section and 30 kg for the First class (if available). A single hand baggage is permitted (within a limited size specification) on these domestic flights.

Airport Departure Tax

The airport departure tax is usually included in the international tickets and need not be paid at the airport.