China Airlines Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
China Airlines includes at least one free checked bag (23 kg) on most economy flights, with two bags allowed on long-haul routes. Carry-on allowance is one bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) plus a personal item.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | China Airlines (CI) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), 15 lbs (7 kg) max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 16x12x6 inches (40x30x15 cm) or 85 cm total linear dimensions. Includes small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy: 1-2 bags (23 kg each) depending on route and fare. Premium Economy: 2 bags (28 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | Free on most routes (included in standard economy fare) |
| Second Bag Fee | Free on long-haul routes. For routes with 1 bag allowance, excess bag fee applies (e.g., $200 USD from Taiwan to US). |
| Overweight Fee | 23-32 kg: 0.5 piece excess baggage charge. 32-45 kg: 3 pieces excess baggage charge (subject to approval). >45 kg: Not accepted as checked baggage. |
| Oversized Fee | 158-203 cm: 1 piece excess baggage charge. >203 cm: 2 pieces excess baggage charge. >292 cm: 2 pieces excess baggage charge and subject to cargo space. |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Most sports equipment (golf, bicycles, scuba, surfboards) is accepted as part of the free baggage allowance. Items exceeding 292 cm incur a 2-piece excess baggage fee. Special items like bicycles and surfboards require advance notice.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (up to 100x36x23 cm, 7 kg) allowed as carry-on. Large instruments require a purchased seat or must be checked. Total dimensions up to 292 cm (115 in) accepted as checked baggage.
International Rules
Long Haul (US/Canada/Europe/Australia/NZ): 2 free bags (23 kg each) in standard economy. Short Haul (Within Asia): 1 free bag (23 kg). Trans-Tasman: 0-1 free bag depending on fare.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Pre-purchase excess baggage online at least 4 hours before departure for a 5% discount. 2. Join the Dynasty Flyer program (Gold/Emerald/Paragon members get extra free baggage). 3. Pack within the 23 kg limit to avoid the 0.5 piece overweight charge. 4. Ensure sports equipment is properly packed to be included in your standard allowance.
Unique Nuances
China Airlines charges excess baggage fees in 'pieces' rather than flat rates, with overweight bags (23-32 kg) costing 0.5 of a piece charge. They also offer a 5% discount for pre-purchasing excess baggage online.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does China Airlines charge for checked bags?
- China Airlines charges Free on most routes (included in standard economy fare) for the first checked bag and Free on long-haul routes. For routes with 1 bag allowance, excess bag fee applies (e.g., $200 USD from Taiwan to US). for the second bag.
- What is China Airlines's carry-on bag size limit?
- China Airlines carry-on allowance: 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), 15 lbs (7 kg) max. 1 personal item: 16x12x6 inches (40x30x15 cm) or 85 cm total linear dimensions. Includes small backpack, purse, or laptop bag.
- Does China Airlines include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, China Airlines includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy: 1-2 bags (23 kg each) depending on route and fare. Premium Economy: 2 bags (28 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each).
- What is China Airlines's overweight baggage fee?
- 23-32 kg: 0.5 piece excess baggage charge. 32-45 kg: 3 pieces excess baggage charge (subject to approval). >45 kg: Not accepted as checked baggage.
- Can I bring sports equipment on China Airlines?
- Most sports equipment (golf, bicycles, scuba, surfboards) is accepted as part of the free baggage allowance. Items exceeding 292 cm incur a 2-piece excess baggage fee. Special items like bicycles and surfboards require advance notice.
- What are China Airlines baggage fees?
- China Airlines baggage fees are Free on most routes (included in standard economy fare) for the first checked bag and Free on long-haul routes. For routes with 1 bag allowance, excess bag fee applies (e.g., $200 USD from Taiwan to US). for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of 23-32 kg: 0.5 piece excess baggage charge. 32-45 kg: 3 pieces excess baggage charge (subject to approval). >45 kg: Not accepted as checked baggage.. Long Haul (US/Canada/Europe/Australia/NZ): 2 free bags (23 kg each) in standard economy. Short Haul (Within Asia): 1 free bag (23 kg). Trans-Tasman: 0-1 free bag depending on fare.