Restricted or Prohibited Items On Indigo Flights
Comprehending Restricted or Prohibited Items on IndiGo Flights is crucial for a seamless and trouble-free journey. Certain things cannot be carried in the cabin or in checked baggage because IndiGo adheres to stringent aviation and security laws. Knowing what is permitted at the airport helps avoid delays, confiscations, and tension at the last minute. This includes anything from sharp objects and flammable goods to battery-powered devices and liquid limitations. To guarantee a safe trip, always read the regulations before packing.
What is Prohibited — A Breakdown
Let’s separate the items by Checked Baggage (i.e., the luggage you hand over at the counter) and Cabin Baggage (what you carry into the plane). Below are major categories and examples based on IndiGo’s published “Dangerous Goods” / “Baggage” guidance.
1. Items Not Allowed in Checked or Cabin Baggage
These are strictly prohibited in either checked or carry-on bags. Some key examples from IndiGo:
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Gases: compressed gases, liquefied gases (including deeply refrigerated, flammable, non-flammable, or poisonous) such as butane, oxygen, liquid nitrogen, etc.
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Corrosives: acids, alkalis, mercury, wet cell batteries, equipment containing mercury.
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Explosives or munitions: fireworks, ammunition (including blank cartridges), grenades, flare devices.
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Flammable liquids and solids: lighter refills, paint thinners, fire-lighters, lighters that need inverting before ignition, matches (in certain situations) -- radioactive material, briefcases with installed alarms.
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Oxidising materials: e.g., bleaching powder, peroxides.
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Poisons and infectious substances: insecticides, weed-killers, live viruses.
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Items with strong odour or that emit a conspicuous smell; magnetised materials, offensive/irritating materials.
2. Items Specifically Prohibited in Cabin (Carry-On) Baggage
The cabin baggage restrictions are more stringent because items are with you in the aircraft cabin. From IndiGo’s FAQ:
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Sharp instruments: knives, scissors, Swiss army knives, other blades.
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Toy replicas of firearms and ammunition.
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Weapons: whips, nunchakus, batons, stun guns.
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Electronic devices that cannot be switched off.
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Aerosols and liquids over the permitted limits.
3. Restricted Items (Allowed with Conditions)
Some things are not strictly prohibited — but are subject to conditions and often better off in checked baggage or appropriately packaged. Examples:
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Liquids/gels/aerosols in cabin baggage must be in containers of ≤100 ml, all placed in a single transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
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Alcoholic beverages: as per IndiGo, you may carry up to 5 litres in checked baggage if alcohol content is not more than 70% by volume. For carry-on, bottles purchased post-security in the duty-free area are permissible.
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Sports equipment / special baggage: golf bags, surf-boards, bicycles, large TVs etc. are allowed if pre-arranged and subject to fee.
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Electrical items like power banks: While not enumerated in IndiGo’s main list, general aviation guidance insists that spare lithium batteries should go in the cabin only. (Passengers on forums mention issues when they’re hidden in checked bags.)
Why These Rules Make Sense
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Fire hazard: Items like flammable liquids, gases, and oxidisers can ignite or react dangerously at high altitude or under pressure.
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Chemical and health hazard: Corrosives, poisons, and infectious materials pose risk to crew, other passengers, or the aircraft systems.
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Security risk: Sharp objects, weapons, replicas of weapons, or magnetic/irritating items can be used to threaten safety.
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Leakage/spoilage & odour: Strong smells, leaks from food or substances can create discomfort or risk contamination of cabin air/ventilation.
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Aircraft system compatibility: Lithium batteries, electronics that cannot be switched off, or items with installed alarms can interfere with systems or cannot be safely stowed.
Tips for Passengers: How to Pack Smart & Avoid Hassles
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Check the latest list: Airlines may update policies; IndiGo’s “Dangerous Goods” page is a go-to.
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Keep valuables & essentials in cabin bag: IndiGo recommends valuables, fragile items, perishables, and medicine stay in cabin baggage.
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Use the 100 ml rule: For carry-on liquids/gels etc., use small containers, and place all in a clear resealable bag. Pack large containers in check-in baggage if allowed.
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Declare unusual items: If you’re carrying items like sports gear, musical instruments, large electronics, or arms/ammunition (with license) you must declare it ahead of baggage screening. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation or fines.
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Weigh your bags and know allowances: Although this blog is about prohibited items, it ties into baggage allowance. Overweight bags often trigger more scrutiny.
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Avoid hiding questionable items: Some passengers have tried sneaking in items like lighters or sharp tools. Forum posts warn against this — at security detection you might get delayed, inspected, or penalised.
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Be mindful of food / regional items: Especially if flying domestically in India: pickles, certain oils/foods may be banned or restricted. Better to check ahead.
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