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ToggleAir China can be genuinely great value, especially for long-haul into China with a Beijing connection. But I’ll be real, their baggage rules can feel strict, and I learned that the hard way the first time I flew home with them. The cabin weight limit in Economy is the main trap. It’s not “a bit tight”, it’s the kind of number that makes your laptop suddenly feel like a brick.
This guide is here to save you from the classic airport floor unpacking show. I’ve done the panicked re-pack at the counter in Beijing before, trying to shove chargers into pockets like I’m smuggling electronics for fun. 😅 You’ll get the simple breakdown of what’s free, what triggers fees, how domestic China legs can change the rules, and how to prepay extras without accidentally paying twice. A little planning upfront means less stress at check-in and more money left for proper food, not baggage drama. 🧳✈️
Air China Baggage Allowance: Quick Facts at a Glance
- ✅ Carry-on size limit per piece: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- ✅ Economy/Super-Economy carry-on weight can be just 5 kg, so yes, they really might weigh it
- ✅ Business/First carry-on: 2 pieces, up to 8 kg each
- ✅ You also get 1 personal item that fits under the seat (handbag, laptop bag, camera bag etc.)
- ✅ Checked baggage uses two systems: weight (common on domestic China legs) vs piece (many international routes)
- ✅ Checked bag size has a big nuance: 203 cm is the acceptance cap, but 158 cm is the standard band to avoid oversize fees
- ✅ Per-piece checked weight caps: usually 32 kg max, but extra pieces can cap lower in Economy/Premium Economy in some cases
- ✅ Biggest fee triggers: wrong route assumption, overweight (23–28 / 28–32 kg), oversize (158–203 cm), extra pieces
- ✅ Best quick win: check baggage rules for every flight segment, not just your long-haul
🤚 Good to know: If you’re connecting onto a domestic China flight, treat it like a different trip with different “gotchas”, especially liquids and cabin weight.
Quick Air China Baggage Allowance Q&As
What is Air China baggage allowance?
It’s the set of carry-on and checked baggage rules that depend on cabin, route type, and baggage system (weight vs piece).
What size carry-on does Air China allow?
Up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm per carry-on piece.
How strict is Air China about carry-on weight?
Economy/Super-Economy can be 5 kg, which is low enough that it often gets checked, especially on busy flights.
What is the checked baggage allowance on Air China international flights?
Many international routes use the piece system: commonly Economy 1 x 23 kg, Premium Economy 2 x 23 kg, Business/First 2 x 32 kg (route groups can change Economy to 2 pieces).
How much checked baggage do you get on Air China domestic flights in China?
Domestic legs often use the weight system: Economy 20 kg, Premium Economy 20 kg, Business 30 kg, First 40 kg.
What are Air China’s overweight and oversize rules?
Overweight fee bands include 23–28 kg and 28–32 kg; oversize is typically 158–203 cm (L+W+H). Fees vary by route zone and can apply per segment.
Can I buy extra baggage cheaper online?
Often yes, but eligibility and cut-offs apply. Domestic prepaid baggage has specific rules and can require buying 6+ hoursbefore departure for discounts.
Do PhoenixMiles or Star Alliance benefits give extra baggage?
Yes, in many cases they can add an extra piece, but you need to watch operating vs marketing carrier rules on codeshares.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If your carry-on is borderline on weight, pack a tiny foldable tote so you can “split” heavy items into your personal item at the last second without chaos.
Air China baggage allowance: the quick answer (free vs paid, in plain English)
Here’s the simple truth: Air China’s baggage rules are not hard, they’re just easy to misread because the airline uses different systems depending on route type. On top of that, the carry-on weight in Economy is low enough to catch people out even if their bag “looks small”. If you’re doing long-haul plus a domestic connection inside China, assume you’ll see stricter checks at some point in the journey.
Your job is to figure out three things for each flight segment: your cabin, your baggage system (weight vs piece), and the size bands that trigger fees. Once you’ve got those, you can pack like a calm genius instead of a frantic gremlin at Departures.
- Carry-on (Economy/Super-Economy): 1 piece, 5 kg, 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Carry-on (Business/First): 2 pieces, 8 kg each, same size limit
- Checked baggage: depends on domestic (weight) vs many international (piece) rules
- Checked size bands: 60–158 cm standard, 158–203 cm oversize, 203 cm+ not accepted
🤚 Must-do: Write your full itinerary as a list of flight numbers and treat each one like a separate baggage rule check.
✈️ Official Air China Cabin Bag Sizes and faqs
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Carry-on rules (the strict weight limit and the size limit that matters)
Air China’s carry-on size limit is generous enough to fit most standard cabin cases, but the weight limit is where it gets spicy. A 5 kg allowance in Economy means your bag can be “small” and still fail the scale test if you’ve packed a laptop, camera, power bank, and half a pharmacy. On fuller flights, staff have more reason to enforce the rules because overhead space becomes a competitive sport.
If your bag is over the limit or can’t be stowed properly, Air China can move it to the hold at departure or during boarding. Translation: you can get caught late, when you’re already in the queue and emotionally fragile.
- Size per carry-on piece: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Economy/Super-Economy: 1 piece, 5 kg
- Business/First: 2 pieces, 8 kg each
If it can’t fit overhead or under-seat, it may be checked
💡 Fact: The “it probably won’t be weighed” mindset is a lovely bedtime story, not a plan.
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Personal item rules: what counts and what gets you stopped at boarding
Air China allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. This is your packing loophole, but it’s not a free-for-all. The examples they give are the usual suspects: handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, camera bag, or something similar in size.
Where people get tripped up is trying to bring a personal item that is basically a second cabin bag in disguise. If it looks too big or too stuffed to slide under the seat, it can get flagged. Also, if you plan to “wear” your heaviest coat and carry a tote and a laptop bag and a neck pillow the size of a beanbag, be prepared for raised eyebrows.
- Good personal items: slim laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag
- Risky personal items: oversized tote, big “daily backpack”, thick duffel
- Keep essentials here: passport pouch, meds, chargers, a snack, one warm layer
💙 Tinker’s Tip: Put your densest items (chargers, camera lens, power bank) in the personal item so your carry-on stays under 5 kg.
Domestic China flights vs international Air China flights: why the rules feel different
This is the bit that catches the most people: a single booking can include flights with different baggage systems. Domestic mainland China legs often use a weight allowance for checked baggage (20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg style rules), while many international routes use the piece system (1 or 2 pieces with per-piece weight limits). That’s why your outbound long-haul can look generous, then your domestic hop suddenly feels strict.
Security can also feel different. Domestic rules around carry-on liquids are tighter, and there’s extra attention on power banks. None of this is meant to ruin your day, but it will if you only read the baggage policy for your long-haul flight and ignore the domestic segment.
Optional bonus table (super useful):
| Route type | Allowance system | Typical free allowance | What people get wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic mainland China | Weight | Economy 20 kg, Business 30 kg, First 40 kg | Assuming “2 pieces free” like long-haul |
| Many international/regional | Piece | Economy 1 x 23 kg (sometimes 2), Premium 2 x 23 kg, Business/First 2 x 32 kg | Forgetting fees apply per segment |
| Mixed itineraries | Mixed | Can be both on one trip | Only checking the first flight |
👉 Good to know: If you’re flying into China and connecting onwards, pack as if the strictest segment is the boss of the whole trip.
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Checked baggage on international routes: when Economy gets 1 piece vs 2 pieces
On many Air China international and regional routes, checked baggage uses the piece system. The headline pattern is straightforward: Business/First often get 2 pieces up to 32 kg each, Premium Economy usually 2 pieces up to 23 kg each, and Economy often 1 piece up to 23 kg. The curveball is that some route groups give Economy 2 pieces instead of 1, especially on certain long-haul markets like the Americas and Caribbean groupings.
This matters because travellers frequently buy an extra bag they didn’t need, or worse, show up with two bags thinking it’s included and get charged. Your ticket and booking details are the final boss here, so use them like a receipt.
- Business/First (piece system): commonly 2 x 32 kg
- Premium Economy: commonly 2 x 23 kg
- Economy: commonly 1 x 23 kg, sometimes 2 x 23 kg by route group
- Infants: often 10 kg plus stroller/cradle/car seat checked free (rules vary by system)
🤚 Must-do: Check the allowance shown on your ticket for your exact route group, not a generic blog summary.
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Checked baggage on domestic routes in China: allowances by cabin
Domestic mainland China flights commonly run on the weight system, which is easier to understand but easier to underestimate. Instead of “pieces”, you get a total weight allowance based on cabin. The classic pattern is: First 40 kg, Business 30 kg, Premium Economy 20 kg, Economy 20 kg.
This is where people run into surprise costs because they assume a second suitcase is automatically fine. With weight rules, the total weight matters, and overweight charges can be calculated per kilogram. Also, domestic flights can have extra size constraints on checked pieces in certain contexts, so don’t show up with a wardrobe trunk and hope for the best.
- First: 40 kg
- Business: 30 kg
- Premium Economy: 20 kg
- Economy: 20 kg
- Infant: 10 kg plus a foldable stroller/cradle/car seat checked free (common rule)
💡 Fact: Domestic legs are the sneaky place where luggage plans collapse, mainly because people stop reading after the long-haul.
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Size and weight limits for checked bags: the 158 cm “standard” rule and the 203 cm acceptance cap
Let’s clear up the biggest gotcha in one go. Air China has an acceptance cap for checked baggage size: each piece generally must total 60–203 cm (length + width + height). That means 203 cm is the absolute upper limit they’ll accept as checked baggage.
But the fees are based on a tighter “standard” band: 60–158 cm is treated as standard, and 158–203 cm is oversize, which can trigger charges. So yes, your bag can be accepted but still get charged like it showed up wearing a top hat. Weight-wise, the general per-piece max is usually 32 kg, and anything above that needs repacking or cargo.
| Bag issue | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 159–203 cm total size | Accepted, but oversize fee risk | Measure at home, switch to a smaller suitcase |
| 204 cm+ total size | Not accepted as checked baggage | Ship as cargo or re-pack into two bags |
| 23–28 kg | Overweight band 1 | Move heavy items to personal item or second bag |
| 28–32 kg | Overweight band 2 | Split into two pieces, aim under 23 kg if possible |
| Over 32 kg | Too heavy as checked baggage | Repack or arrange cargo |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Measure “linear cm” at home once, then write it inside your suitcase with a Sharpie so you stop guessing forever.
Overweight and oversize fees: the fast lane to turning a cheap ticket into a pricey one
Fees are where “budget flight win” can turn into “I paid an extra hotel night’s worth of money for vibes”. Air China’s international excess baggage fees are typically built around bands like 23–28 kg, 28–32 kg, and 158–203 cm oversize, plus a combined “overweight + oversize” hit. Fees also vary by route zone and can apply per flight segment, so a connection can double the pain.
For easy mental maths, 1 CNY ≈ £0.11 / €0.12 / $0.14.
Fees at a glance (examples, vary by route zone):
| Scenario | Typical fee band | Who can avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Slightly overweight | 23–28 kg | People who move heavy items to personal item |
| Heavier overweight | 28–32 kg | People who split into two bags |
| Oversize | 158–203 cm | People who stay under 158 cm linear |
| Overweight + oversize | Combined charge | People who fix size and weight |
| Extra piece (piece system) | Charged per extra bag | Status holders or correct fare allowances |
| Domestic overweight | Per-kg formula | Travellers who stay inside weight allowance |
Example (one zone):
- 23–28 kg: CNY 380 (≈ £41 / €47 / $55)
- 28–32 kg: CNY 980 (≈ £105 / €121 / $141)
- Overweight + oversize: CNY 1400 (≈ £150 / €173 / $201)
👉 Good to know: If your itinerary has two segments, assume fees can apply twice unless your baggage is checked through under one ticket and the fee rules say otherwise.
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Buying extra baggage: how to do it cheaper (and when it won’t work)
Prepaying extra baggage can save money, but it’s not a magic wand. Air China’s domestic prepaid extra baggage product has eligibility rules: it’s commonly for tickets starting with a specific ticket prefix, CA-coded flights, operated by Air China, and it can be limited to domestic direct flights (connections often don’t qualify). There’s also a practical cut-off: buying more than 6 hours before departure may be eligible for a discount, and buying too late can mean you pay airport rates.
The other big “oops” is forgetting it’s handled at the check-in counter. You can’t rock up at the gate and announce you purchased extra baggage like it’s a concert upgrade.
- Buy early if you can, especially if you know you’ll exceed limits
- Keep proof of purchase and the “extra baggage ticket number” confirmation
- If your ticket changes (upgrade or rebooking), you may need to repurchase
- Refund rules can be strict on partial refunds, so buy what you need
🤚 Must-do: At check-in, tell the agent you prepaid extra baggage so you don’t get charged twice.
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Status perks: PhoenixMiles and Star Alliance baggage boosts (the legit ways)
Status can genuinely help, but only if it applies to the flight you’re actually on. In many cases, PhoenixMiles elite tiers can get an additional checked piece depending on cabin, and Star Alliance Gold can also provide extra baggage on eligible flights. The key is that the benefit is tied to the operating carrier rules and the route’s baggage system, so codeshares can complicate things.
If you have status, treat it like a coupon: great when it scans properly, useless when it doesn’t. Carry your membership details, make sure it’s attached to the booking, and don’t assume it magically applies across partners.
- PhoenixMiles elites: can add an extra piece (weight limits apply per cabin)
- Star Alliance Gold: can add an extra piece in many cases (often up to 23 kg)
- Always confirm benefits on your specific booking and operating flight
Connections, interline tickets, and codeshares: when Air China rules stop being the rules
This is the sneaky part of airline travel: you can book a flight with an Air China flight number, but another airline operates it, or you can have a multi-airline itinerary where the “most significant carrier” logic decides whose baggage rules apply. That’s how people end up arguing at the desk saying “but my email says…” while the agent points at a different rule set.
The safest approach is to identify, for each segment, who is operating the flight, what baggage system applies, and if your bags are checked through. Fees can be per segment and rules can change mid-itinerary if carriers change.
- Marketing carrier: whose flight number is on your ticket
- Operating carrier: who runs the plane and enforces the rules at the airport
- If different airlines are involved, baggage rules may follow carrier agreements and itinerary logic
- On some tickets, baggage is checked through; on others, you re-check
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Screenshot the baggage allowance shown in your booking for each segment before travel, then you’ve got something concrete to point at.
Flying with kids: what’s free, what’s allowed, what makes the day easier
Flying with kids already comes with enough chaos, so let’s keep baggage simple. Air China allows parents travelling with infants to carry essentials like infant food and nappies onboard, and infant baggage rules can include a checked allowance plus a stroller or similar item checked free, depending on route and system. On the cabin side, your personal item becomes your survival kit: wipes, snacks, spare clothes, and one small toy that won’t make noise for 14 hours.
If you’re connecting domestically in China, build in extra time for security rules and weight checks. And if you’re travelling with a buggy you want in the cabin, check size limits and be ready for it to be checked if it doesn’t meet requirements.
- Pack a “seat pocket kit” in a small pouch: wipes, snacks, headphones, charger
- Put a change of clothes for the child and a spare top for you in carry-on
- Keep liquids rules in mind on domestic legs
- Label everything, inside and out, with your contact details
Special items: sports gear and musical instruments
Special items are where normal baggage logic goes out the window and starts doing interpretive dance. Sports gear and instruments may be accepted as special baggage, can require pre-approval, and can involve separate fees or packing standards. The big rule: don’t show up with a surfboard or cello unannounced and hope the airline feels poetic.
For musical instruments, Air China also offers an “extra seat baggage” option for certain items, which has its own size and weight limits, seat placement rules, and booking requirements. If your instrument is valuable, you’ll want to think about how it’s protected and what your insurance covers.
- Check if your item is treated as: normal checked baggage, special baggage, or seat baggage
- Use a hard case, remove loose parts, and label as fragile
- Book in advance if the airline requires it
- Consider travel insurance that covers valuables and baggage issues
🤚 Must-do: If you’re transporting an instrument you love, don’t rely on “fragile” stickers. Rely on a hard case and a plan.
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Restricted items and security quirks: liquids and lithium batteries (what to do to avoid confiscation)
Two classic pain points: liquids and lithium. On domestic flights within China, carry-on liquids can be banned with limited cosmetic exceptions, so don’t assume your usual airport routine applies. Cosmetics can be allowed in small quantities, but the rules can be specific (think: one per type, small containers, separate for inspection). Duty-free liquids can have extra transfer rules too, which is where people lose their fancy bottle mid-journey.
Lithium batteries and power banks also get attention, and China has tightened rules around power banks on domestic flights, including restrictions around certification markings and recalled models. That means “my power bank is fine” is not enough. You need “my power bank is compliant for this airport, today”.
- Pack liquids smart: keep essentials tiny, keep them accessible
- Keep power banks in cabin (not checked), and check compliance before flying domestically
- If you’ve got a domestic China leg, do a quick “security rules check” the week of travel
Avoiding fees: the real-world packing plan (step-by-step)
If you want a calmer airport experience, pack backwards from the strictest rule. For many Air China trips, that means planning around the 5 kg cabin weight in Economy and the 158 cm standard size band for checked baggage. Start by deciding: can you realistically go carry-on only? If not, aim for one checked bag that stays within the standard size and weight limits. Then build your cabin bag as a “fragile essentials kit” not a second suitcase.
Also, consider your arrival plan. If you land late, have kids, or just hate navigating a new city with heavy luggage, pre-booking an airport transfer can save sanity.
| Bag type | Best for | Common mistake | Easy fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cabin case | Short trips, light packers | Over 5 kg in Economy | Put dense items in personal item |
| Under-seat backpack | Essentials + tech | Too bulky to fit under seat | Use a slimmer daypack |
| Medium checked suitcase | Most long-haul trips | Oversize (over 158 cm) | Choose a smaller hard-shell |
| Duffel bag | Flexible packing | No structure, easy to overpack | Use packing cubes and a luggage scale |
Baggage problems: delayed, damaged, missing (what to do fast)
If your bag goes walkabout, speed matters. The most important move is to report it immediately at the airport and get a reference (often a Property Irregularity Report). Take photos of your bag beforehand, keep your baggage tags, and save receipts for essentials if you need to buy items while waiting. Time limits can apply for claims, and airlines often expect you to act quickly.
For damage, report it as soon as you collect the bag and notice the issue. For delays, keep your claim tidy: list what you bought, why you needed it, and attach receipts. This is also where travel insurance can be a lifesaver if airline payouts are slow or limited. And if your missing bag drama happened alongside a big delay, cancellation, or missed connection, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for flight compensation too.
- Report at airport before you leave arrivals
- Keep baggage tags and boarding passes
- Photograph damage immediately
- Buy essentials only, keep receipts
- Track with your reference number
FAQs about Air China Baggage Allowance
What size carry-on is allowed on Air China?
Air China’s carry-on size limit is 55 x 40 x 20 cm per piece. You also get one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. If your bag can’t be stowed properly, it may be checked.
How strict is Air China about carry-on weight?
Economy and Super-Economy can be limited to 5 kg, which is low enough to be enforced in real life. If your cabin bag is heavy, plan to shift dense items into your personal item and keep your carry-on light and simple.
How much checked baggage is included on Air China international flights?
Many international routes use the piece system, often Economy 1 x 23 kg (sometimes 2 pieces on certain route groups), Premium Economy 2 x 23 kg, and Business/First 2 x 32 kg. Always confirm what your ticket shows for your route.
What is the checked baggage allowance on Air China domestic flights in China?
Domestic mainland China flights commonly use the weight system, often Economy 20 kg, Premium Economy 20 kg, Business 30 kg, and First 40 kg. If you exceed the allowance, overweight fees can apply per kilogram.
What happens if my checked bag is overweight or oversized?
Overweight and oversize charges can apply based on fee bands like 23–28 kg, 28–32 kg, and 158–203 cm linear size. Fees vary by route zone and can apply per segment, so a connection can increase total cost quickly.
Final Thoughts
Air China baggage planning is basically three steps: confirm your allowance for every leg, pack with the strict cabin weight in mind, and prepay extras early if your route allows it. Keep your checked bag under 158 cm linear to stay in the “standard” band, and aim to keep cabin weight under control so you’re not repacking in public like it’s an unpaid performance piece.
If you’ve got a Beijing stopover or early flight, it can be worth grabbing an airport hotel via Booking.com, and if you want instant data for maps and translation on arrival, an eSIM is a low-effort win.
Got a route you’re flying (and your cabin), plus a domestic China connection? Drop it in the comments and I’ll tell you where the baggage traps usually pop up. For more flight and packing guides, head to TheTravelTinker.com. 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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