Baggage information
We understand baggage is an important part of your journey. Please look over the relevant baggage information below:
- Air China baggage policy applies to flights operated by Air China only. If your itinerary includes sectors operated by other airlines, the policy of the operating carrier shall apply.
- On Air China flights, checked baggage allowances are determined by your ticket class and route: International flights follow a piece system (First/Business: 2 pieces of 32kg each; Economy: 1 or 2 pieces of 23kg each), while Domestic flights follow a weight system (First: 40kg, Business: 30kg, Economy: 20kg). Economy baggage allowance depends on your fare type and specific route.
- We recommend packing your belongings in durable bags designed for travel to avoid damage during transport. It is essential to securely attach your name and contact information to all checked bags for easier identification.
- For safety reasons, explosives, flammable gases, and toxic substances are strictly forbidden. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried exclusively in hand luggage, and batteries exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited.
- To safeguard your property, please carry cash, jewelry, electronics, and important travel documents with you in hand luggage. Air China is not liable for the loss or damage of these specific items if they are placed in checked baggage.
- If your luggage is delayed or damaged, you must report it to the Air China Baggage Service Counter immediately upon arrival and before leaving the arrivals hall.
Checked Baggage Weight | Checked Baggage Size | Hand Luggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|
(Icon: Checked bag + Weight) | (Icon: Measuring tape) | (Icon: Cabin bag + Plane) |
International Routes | International & Regional | Quantity |
• First / Business: 2 pieces (32kg each) | Total linear dimensions (L+W+H) | • First / Business: 2 pieces |
• Premium Economy: 2 pieces (23kg each) | max 158 cm (62 in) | • Premium Eco / Economy: 1 piece |
• Economy: 1 or 2 pieces (23kg each) | ||
Domestic China | Weight per Piece | |
Domestic China | Max dimensions: | • First / Business: 8kg |
• First Class: 40kg | 100cm x 60cm x 40cm | • Premium Eco / Economy: 5kg |
• Business Class: 30kg | ||
• Premium Eco / Economy: 20kg | Minimum Size | Maximum Dimensions |
30cm x 20cm x 10cm | 55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
*Note: Economy piece allowance depends on the specific route shown on your ticket.
Regulations for Hand Luggage
Hand luggage must meet those requirements to be allowed on board the aircraft:
- Personal Items: In addition to your cabin allowance, you may carry 01 small item (handbag, laptop bag, or infant food) that must fit under the seat. Dimensions must not exceed 30cm x 20cm x 10cm.
- Lithium Batteries & Power Banks: Permitted in hand luggage only. Individual power banks must not exceed 160Wh. A maximum of two units (between 100Wh and 160Wh) is allowed per passenger with prior approval.
- Liquids (LAGs): On international flights, liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, all packed in a single, transparent, re-sealable 1-liter plastic bag.
- Restricted Items: Sharp objects, tools, and hazardous materials (flammable, explosive, or toxic) are strictly forbidden in the cabin.
- Valuables & Fragile Items: Please always carry cash, jewelry, electronic devices, and important documents with you. Air China is not liable for loss or damage to these items if placed in checked baggage.
Important Notice
- If your hand luggage exceeds the quantity, weight, or size limits, it must be transported as checked baggage. Additional fees may apply.
- For flights operated by partner airlines, the baggage policy of the operating carrier shall apply.
- Air China reserves the right to refuse any baggage that may jeopardize flight safety.
Regulations For Checked Luggage
Checked baggage must comply with the following safety and security regulations:
- Weight and Piece Limits: Depending on your ticket class, the allowance is generally 23kg or 32kg per piece. Bags exceeding the weight limit per piece must be repacked or sent via cargo.
- Size Limitations: The total linear dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of each piece must not exceed 158cm.
- Prohibited Items in Checked Bags: Spare lithium batteries, power banks, and hazardous materials such as explosives or flammable gases are strictly prohibited.
- Electronics: Devices with internal batteries must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation.
- Packing Standards: All baggage must be sturdy, securely locked, and properly packed. Air China may refuse items that are poorly packed or damaged for safety reasons.
Forbidden Checked Baggage Items
Air China reserves the right to refuse carriage of baggage or items as follows:
a. Items not properly packed in suitcases or suitable containers to ensure safe transport with normal care and handling;
b. Items capable of causing harm to the aircraft or persons or property on board (ICAO and IATA regulations);
c. Items prohibited by applicable laws, regulations or orders of any state of departure, transit, or destination;
d. Items unsuitable for carriage due to their weight, shape, size, or nature;
e. Fragile, perishable, or volatile items;
f. Live animals, except for domestic pets (cats and dogs) with prior approval and valid health certificates;
g. Human or animal remains; h. Fresh or frozen seafood or meats unless properly vacuum-packed in leak-proof containers;
i. Firearms and ammunition, unless specifically authorized and handled under strict security protocols;
j. Explosives, flammable gases, corrosive substances, radioactive materials, and oxidizing materials;
k. Spare lithium batteries and power banks (strictly prohibited in checked baggage);
l. Weapons such as swords, knives, and similar items (must be transported as checked baggage only).
Valuable and Fragile Goods: Passengers are advised not to leave money, jewelry, precious metals, electronics, computers, cameras, or important documents in checked baggage. Air China is not liable for loss or damage to these items if placed in checked baggage; they should be carried as hand luggage.
The Right to Search: For safety and security reasons, Air China may request you to undergo baggage examination and screening. We have the right to check your luggage in your absence to ensure compliance. If you refuse such examination, we reserve the right to refuse carriage of you and your baggage without refund.
Checked Baggage Procedures: Upon check-in, we will take custody of your baggage and issue a baggage tag for each piece. Your name or personal identification must be securely attached. Checked baggage is usually transported on the same aircraft unless operational or safety reasons require an alternative flight.
Checked Baggage Fees: A fee applies to baggage exceeding the free allowance. For safety and health reasons, Air China will not transport any single item heavier than 32kg or larger than 158cm (total linear dimensions). Please refer to our Fee Schedule for specific excess baggage rates.
Baggage Delivery: You must collect your luggage at the destination airport. If not collected within a reasonable time, a storage fee may apply. If unclaimed within the legal timeframe, the airline will dispose of the luggage without liability. Only the passenger with the matching baggage tag can collect the baggage.
