AI vs 6E · 2026 comparison
Air India vs IndiGo
Air India doesn't clearly win any category; IndiGo wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Air India
AINo clear category wins
IndiGo
6EWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
Air India doesn't clearly win any category; IndiGo wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Air India: 55 × 40 × 20 cm · IndiGo: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Air India: Included on every fare · IndiGo: Included on every fare
Side by side
| Air India | IndiGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | Must fit under the seat |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Loyalty program | Maharaja Club | BluChip |
| Main hubs | DEL, BOM | DEL, BOM, BLR |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Air India allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), and IndiGo up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so IndiGo's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Air India, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on IndiGo.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in) on Air India, and anything that fits under the seat on IndiGo.
Loyalty and where they fly
Air India is in Star Alliance and IndiGo is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: Maharaja Club (Air India) and BluChip (IndiGo).
Air India's main hubs are DEL, BOM. IndiGo's are DEL, BOM, BLR. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Air India if you want…
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from DEL, BOM
Choose IndiGo if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- nonstops from DEL, BOM, BLR
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Air India vs IndiGo FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Air India doesn't clearly win any category; IndiGo wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Air India official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- IndiGo official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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