Air New Zealand Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Air New Zealand allows 1 carry-on (7 kg) and 1 personal item for free. Checked bags are included in most fares except 'Seat Only', with a standard weight limit of 23 kg.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Air New Zealand (NZ) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 118 cm (46.5 inches) linear, 7 kg (15 lbs) max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item allowed. Must fit under the seat in front of you (e.g., handbag, thin laptop, small camera). |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Seat Only: 0 bags. Seat+Bag/The Works/Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business Premier: 3 bags (23 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | $30 USD prepaid domestic, $80 USD prepaid long-haul |
| Second Bag Fee | $45 USD prepaid domestic, $135 USD prepaid long-haul |
| Overweight Fee | $180 USD for bags 23-32 kg |
| Oversized Fee | $180 USD for bags over 158 cm linear dimensions |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Items <2m and <23kg count as standard bag. Max weight 32kg, max length 2.5m (jet aircraft). Bikes require box/bag and count as 1 item.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (<1m, <7kg) allowed as carry-on. Cellos require purchased seat. Oversized fee applies if >1m checked.
International Rules
Long-haul Economy allows 1 checked bag (23 kg). Flights to Honolulu, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, and Australia to USA/Canada allow 2 checked bags in Economy.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Pre-purchase extra bags online up to 90 mins before international flights to save over 50%. 2. Join Koru or Star Alliance Gold for an extra free checked bag. 3. Buy 'Seat + Bag' upfront instead of adding a bag later to a 'Seat Only' fare. 4. Repack heavy items into your personal item to keep carry-on under the strict 7kg limit.
Unique Nuances
Air New Zealand strictly enforces a 7kg carry-on weight limit and frequently weighs bags at the gate. They offer a unique 'Seat Only' fare on international routes that includes no checked bags. Koru members get an extra checked bag up to a maximum of 3 pieces.