Air China Baggage Allowance Guide: 2026 Rules Explained

As China’s national airline, Air China connects major global cities with high flight frequency. In only half of 2025, more than 70 million travellers flew with Air China across Asia, Europe, and North America.

If you are preparing to fly with them, it’s necessary to research Air China baggage regulations first. This guide explains Air China baggage allowance in a detailed way, so you will learn how to pack smart and avoid hidden charges.

For the latest baggage limit, please check via the Air China website!

1. Overview of the Air China Baggage Policy

• Personal item size: Must fit under the seat 
• Carry on size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm / 22″ x 16″ x 8″

Carry-on Baggage Allowance:

Checked Baggage Size and Weight Policy:

Checked Baggage Allowance:

2. Can You Take A Carry On Bag On Air China?

What you need to know about Air China hand luggage rules.

Yes, you can take a carry-on bag on Air China, but their weight limits are one of the strictest for Economy passengers.

• For Economy or Premium tickets, you can bring one carry-on bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs).

• Business and first-class passengers can bring two carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg (17 lbs).

• All carry-on bags must be no larger than 55 cm × 40 cm × 20 cm, including wheels and handles.

• You may also bring one personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.

Air China staff may check the size and weight of your cabin luggage at the gate or check-in. If your bag is too large or too heavy, you may need to check it and incur additional fees.

Just in case you are looking for the perfect carry-on for your Air China flight, we would love to annouce our CabinZero 28L Backpack!

With a compact design, it fits easily under the seat or in the overhead compartment. The backpack is also super lightweight, so it’s really beneficial to keep you under weight limits, while multiple compartments help organise your travel essentials. 

3. Does Air China Have A Free Checked Bag?

Yes. fliers of all fares get a free checked bag allowance on Air China. Here are all the details of the Air China baggage allowance for hold bag:

For domestic flights, 

• Economy class passengers can check one bag up to 20 kg;

• Business class passengers are permitted to 30 kg;

• First-class passengers are permitted to 40 kg;

• Infants are permitted 10 kg

Regarding Air China international baggage rules for checked bags, they implement a piece-based baggage system:

• Economy class passengers can check one bag up to 23 kg;

• Premium passengers are permitted two bags, each up to 23 kg;

• Business and first-class passengers can bring two bags, each weighing up to 32kg;

• Infants are typically allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg, in addition to a stroller or car seat. 

Moreover, you must ensure each bag does not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions. Otherwise, you may incur additional charges for overweight or oversized luggage, especially on long-haul flights. 

So, why not save yourself a headache by measuring your bags before you head out?

We recommend weighing luggage at home and packing carefully. Another smart way is to use packing cubes or lightweight suitcases, which can help keep baggage within weight limits. 

4. How Much Does Air China Charge For Extra Baggage?

Exceeding the limits can cost you more than you expect. In fact, understanding the Air China baggage regulations before your trip can save both time and money.

On domestic flights in China, overweight baggage fees are charged in Chinese Yuan.

• Economy passengers might pay CNY 50 to 100 for each extra kg;

• Business and first-class passengers face steeper charges if their bags exceed 30 or 40 kg. 

• Even infants’ luggage over 10 kg can incur fees.

International flights come with steeper baggage fees, often charged in USD, EUR, or CNY:

• Economy passengers pay around $60 USD for 23-28 kg and $150 USD for 28-32kg;

• Oversized bags between 158 cm and 203 cm cost about $150;

• Bags that are both overweight and oversized can incur a $220 fee.

Bringing extra checked bags? Be prepared for fees to climb fast. The first extra bag is about $220; the second jumps to $310, and any additional bags cost $460 or more. Because these charges apply to each flight segment, planning can save you a bundle.

5. Can You Bring Sports Equipment And Cpap On Air China?

Be careful with packaging your sports gear.

If you need to bring oversized or uniquely shaped gear, don’t forget to request approval when you book your ticket. Air China allows you to check many types of sports gear, but it handles these items differently from regular luggage. 

• First, you’ll need to check in most sports gear, including bicycles, golf bags, diving or climbing equipment, skis, hockey or tennis gear, and fishing tools.

• If your equipment is longer or larger than standard baggage, declare it in advance.

• Some items, like surfboards or kayaks, even require airline approval. 

• For inflatable gear, remember to fully deflate it before heading to the airport.

• More importantly, pack everything carefully to keep your equipment safe during transit.

• These items still count toward your checked baggage allowance, so exceeding the limit may incur additional fees. 

• If you rely on medical devices like a CPAP machine or a portable oxygen concentrator, you’re allowed to bring them onboard without affecting your baggage limit. These devices are treated as essential medical equipment. 

Note: Make sure any lithium batteries comply with airline regulations, and be prepared to provide a doctor’s note if you need to use the device during the flight. 

6. Booking and Check-in Process

Like other airlines, you can book and checkin with Air China in two ways: online and offline.

1. Booking

Screenshot taken from Air China website.

For the online booking process, you simply navigate to the airline website or mobile app. Booking online usually gives access to the full flight schedule, fares, and promotions.

We recommend double-checking your flight dates, passenger details, and baggage allowance before confirming. One tip is to use a credit card that allows travel insurance or protection for extra peace of mind.

If you prefer to book offline, visit an Air China ticket office or authorised travel agencies. They can be helpful for complicated itineraries or if you need assistance with connecting flights.

They can also provide guidance on Air China baggage allowance and special baggage requests. However, always remember to keep your booking receipt or e-ticket handy, as you’ll need it for check-in.

2. Check-in

• In fact, Air China allows online check-in starting 36 hours before international flights and 24 hours before domestic flights.

• During online check-in, you can select your seat, confirm your baggage, and print boarding passes or save them on your phone. We recommend checking your passport and travel documents before starting.

• Otherwise, if you check in at the airport, please arrive early as counters usually close 30 - 40 minutes before departure, and boarding gates close 15 minutes prior.

• Don’t forget to bring all travel documents and any special equipment (like sports gear or CPAP machines) to the counter for smooth processing.

7. FAQs

1. How much baggage is allowed in the Air China economy?

Regarding Air China baggage allowance, Economy passengers can check one bag up to 23 kg on international flights. For domestic routes, the limit is 20 kg. Moreover, carry-on baggage is limited to one bag up to 5 kg, plus a personal item. 

2. How strict is Air China with carry-on?

Air China is pretty strict with carry-on limits as they carry lots of flights everyday. Therefore, their staff will always weigh and measure your bag at the gate. We recommend packing light and using a cabin-friendly backpack.

3. What is the 2-piece baggage allowance on China Airlines?

To bring two pieces of baggage on Air China, you’ll need to buy either a Business or First class ticket. You may carry two checked bags, each up to 32 kg on international flights. Economy class usually allows one piece, but premium economy may allow two pieces, each up to 23 kg. 

Conclusion

To sum up, we have brought you details on Air China baggage allowance with carry-on limits and excess fee regulations. You should plan, pack smart, and check your documents early.

If you found these tips helpful, drop a comment below and share your Air China travel experiences with us. Morover, don’t forget to share this guide with friends planning their next trip - it could save them time and money at the airport!

Ha Ngan