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

AI

No clear category wins

    IndiGo

    6E

    Wins 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 IndiaIndiGo
    Bags
    Carry-on size55 × 40 × 20 cm55 × 35 × 25 cm
    Carry-on on the cheapest fareIncluded on every fareIncluded on every fare
    Carry-on weight limit7 kg (15.4 lb)7 kg (15.4 lb)
    Personal item40 × 30 × 20 cmMust fit under the seat
    Network
    AllianceStar AllianceNone
    Loyalty programMaharaja ClubBluChip
    Main hubsDEL, BOMDEL, 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.

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