Germany–India is a long-haul route, and most airlines include generous checked baggage as standard. But there are important nuances around allowances, excess fees, and what you can and cannot bring — especially if you are carrying gifts or electronics.
Standard Checked Baggage on Germany–India Routes
Most full-service airlines (Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air India) include 2 pieces of 23kg checked baggage per person in Economy class on this route. This is because Germany–India is classified as a long-haul international route. Always verify the specific allowance when booking — some promotional fares on these carriers may reduce the included allowance to 1×23kg. Business class typically includes 2×32kg or more.
Carry-On Allowances
Economy carry-on allowances are typically 1 bag up to 7–8kg plus a personal item (laptop bag or handbag). Lufthansa and Air India are generally stricter about carry-on weight enforcement at German airports. Emirates and Qatar are somewhat more lenient in practice, though official rules apply. If you are travelling with a full checked baggage allowance, there is usually little need to push carry-on limits — put the heavy items in checked luggage.
Excess Baggage: It Is Expensive
Excess baggage fees on long-haul routes are steep — typically €60–€120 per additional piece at the airport. If you know in advance that you will exceed your allowance, pre-purchase additional baggage through the airline's website before your flight. Pre-purchased excess baggage costs €40–€80 per piece on most carriers — significantly cheaper than airport rates. Book extra baggage at least 24 hours before departure for online pricing.
Electronics: Laptops, Power Banks, and Drones
Laptops and tablets should go in your carry-on, not checked luggage — both for security reasons and airline regulations. Power banks (lithium batteries) must be in carry-on luggage and cannot be in checked bags under any circumstances. If you are carrying a drone to India, declare it at customs on arrival — drones have specific import rules in India and flying them requires a DGCA permit.
Gifts and Food Items
Many Indian expats carry gifts and food items between Germany and India. German chocolates, spices, and packaged foods are generally fine to carry in both directions. Be aware that India has customs limits on the value of goods you bring in — currently goods up to ₹50,000 in value are duty-free. Carrying large quantities of packaged sweets or multiple identical items can attract customs attention. On the Germany-bound journey, most European countries allow you to bring non-meat food items from India, but meat products are strictly prohibited.
Fragile Items and Checked Luggage Best Practices
If you are checking fragile items (Indian handicrafts, glass items), use bubble wrap and place them in the centre of your suitcase surrounded by clothes. Mark the bag as "Fragile" at check-in — airlines will apply a sticker and staff are instructed to handle these bags with more care. For valuable or irreplaceable items, always carry them on board. Take a photo of your packed suitcase and its contents before departure — this is useful evidence in the event of a damage or loss claim.