Air China Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Air China allows 1 carry-on (5 kg) and 1 personal item in Economy. Economy tickets generally include at least 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Air China (CA) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag, 55x40x20 cm, 5 kg max. Business/First: 2 bags, 55x40x20 cm, 8 kg max each. |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item allowed (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) that fits under the seat. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag (23 kg) or 2 bags (23 kg each) depending on fare type. Business/First: 2 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | Free for standard economy fares. Excess first bag fee is $120-$220 USD depending on route. |
| Second Bag Fee | Free if included in fare. Excess second bag fee is $160-$310 USD depending on route. |
| Overweight Fee | $30-$150 USD depending on route and weight tier (23-28 kg or 28-32 kg). |
| Oversized Fee | $75-$150 USD depending on route for bags 158-203 cm. |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Golf bags, skis, and bicycles are accepted and count towards standard baggage allowance; no extra charge for oversize. Surfboards and canoes are charged by weight (e.g., $400 for 2-23 kg).
Musical Instruments
Small instruments can be carried on if within size limits. Large instruments can be checked as special baggage; excess fees apply based on weight (e.g., $75 for 2-23 kg, $600 for 23-32 kg).
International Rules
Most international routes use the piece concept (e.g., 1-2 bags up to 23 kg for Economy). Some routes use the weight concept (e.g., 20 kg total for Economy).
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Join PhoenixMiles for extra baggage allowance. 2. Book a higher Economy fare tier (Selected/Latitude) for a second free bag. 3. Ensure carry-on is strictly under 5 kg as Air China often weighs them.
Unique Nuances
Air China has an unusually strict 5 kg (11 lbs) weight limit for Economy carry-on bags. PhoenixMiles elite members get an extra free checked bag (up to 23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in premium cabins).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Air China charge for checked bags?
- Air China charges Free for standard economy fares. Excess first bag fee is $120-$220 USD depending on route. for the first checked bag and Free if included in fare. Excess second bag fee is $160-$310 USD depending on route. for the second bag.
- What is Air China's carry-on bag size limit?
- Air China carry-on allowance: Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag, 55x40x20 cm, 5 kg max. Business/First: 2 bags, 55x40x20 cm, 8 kg max each.. 1 personal item allowed (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) that fits under the seat.
- Does Air China include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, Air China includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag (23 kg) or 2 bags (23 kg each) depending on fare type. Business/First: 2 bags (32 kg each).
- What is Air China's overweight baggage fee?
- $30-$150 USD depending on route and weight tier (23-28 kg or 28-32 kg).
- Can I bring sports equipment on Air China?
- Golf bags, skis, and bicycles are accepted and count towards standard baggage allowance; no extra charge for oversize. Surfboards and canoes are charged by weight (e.g., $400 for 2-23 kg).
- What are Air China baggage fees?
- Air China baggage fees are Free for standard economy fares. Excess first bag fee is $120-$220 USD depending on route. for the first checked bag and Free if included in fare. Excess second bag fee is $160-$310 USD depending on route. for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $30-$150 USD depending on route and weight tier (23-28 kg or 28-32 kg).. Most international routes use the piece concept (e.g., 1-2 bags up to 23 kg for Economy). Some routes use the weight concept (e.g., 20 kg total for Economy).