Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Cathay Pacific allows 1 carry-on (7-15 kg depending on class) and 1 personal item. Economy fares generally include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg, with variations based on route.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Cathay Pacific (CX) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 1 piece: 56x36x23 cm (22x14x9 in). Economy/Premium Economy: 7 kg (15 lbs); Business: 10 kg (22 lbs); First: 15 kg (33 lbs). |
| Personal Item | 1 small personal item: 40x30x15 cm (16x12x6 in). |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each). Note: Flights to/from Americas have different allowances. |
| First Bag Fee | Included in standard Economy fare (1 bag up to 23 kg). |
| Second Bag Fee | Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $100 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $200 USD. |
| Overweight Fee | Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $60 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $150 USD. Bags over 32kg pay four times the extra baggage charge. |
| Oversized Fee | $200 USD for bags between 158cm/62in and 203cm/80in. Bags over 203cm/80in pay four times the extra baggage charge. |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Accepted as part of checked baggage if within size/weight limits. Oversized items incur excess fees. Bicycles require advance notice.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on (max 7 kg, 93x39x24 cm). Large instruments require purchased seat (max 32 kg, 136x48x44 cm).
International Rules
On flights to/from the Americas: Economy gets 1x23kg, Premium Economy 2x23kg, Business 2x32kg, First 3x32kg. On flights between Hong Kong and Auckland/Christchurch: Economy 1x23kg, Premium Economy 2x23kg, Business 3x23kg.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Pre-purchase extra baggage online at least 24 hours before departure for up to 10% discount. 2. Join Marco Polo Club or Oneworld for increased allowances. 3. Pay with Miles Plus Cash if you are a Cathay member.
Unique Nuances
1. Baggage over 32kg or 203cm requires contacting Customer Care at least 3 working days before the flight and costs 4x the standard extra bag fee. 2. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online gives up to a 10% discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Cathay Pacific charge for checked bags?
- Cathay Pacific charges Included in standard Economy fare (1 bag up to 23 kg). for the first checked bag and Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $100 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $200 USD. for the second bag.
- What is Cathay Pacific's carry-on bag size limit?
- Cathay Pacific carry-on allowance: 1 piece: 56x36x23 cm (22x14x9 in). Economy/Premium Economy: 7 kg (15 lbs); Business: 10 kg (22 lbs); First: 15 kg (33 lbs).. 1 small personal item: 40x30x15 cm (16x12x6 in).
- Does Cathay Pacific include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, Cathay Pacific includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each). Note: Flights to/from Americas have different allowances.
- What is Cathay Pacific's overweight baggage fee?
- Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $60 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $150 USD. Bags over 32kg pay four times the extra baggage charge.
- Can I bring sports equipment on Cathay Pacific?
- Accepted as part of checked baggage if within size/weight limits. Oversized items incur excess fees. Bicycles require advance notice.
- What are Cathay Pacific baggage fees?
- Cathay Pacific baggage fees are Included in standard Economy fare (1 bag up to 23 kg). for the first checked bag and Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $100 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $200 USD. for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of Varies by zone. E.g., From Hong Kong to Zone 1: $60 USD. From Hong Kong to Zone 5/6: $150 USD. Bags over 32kg pay four times the extra baggage charge.. On flights to/from the Americas: Economy gets 1x23kg, Premium Economy 2x23kg, Business 2x32kg, First 3x32kg. On flights between Hong Kong and Auckland/Christchurch: Economy 1x23kg, Premium Economy 2x23kg, Business 3x23kg.