Home / Mastering Air China Baggage Policies: A Traveller’s Essential Handbook
Before you pack your bags and head to the airport, it’s essential to know their baggage rules. Air China has clear policies for checked bags, carry-on luggage, special items, and procedures in the event that your bags are delayed or damaged. If you don’t understand the rules, you might get stuck at check-in, pay extra money, or even lose your things.
So, here’s everything you need to know.
When you check in at the airport and hand your suitcase to the airline, that’s referred to as checked baggage. Air China takes your bag, puts a special tag on it, and loads it into the airplane’s cargo hold. Once you give it to them, you can’t reaccess it until you reach your destination. But not just any bag can be checked in. You have to follow their packing rules first.
Here’s how your checked baggage must be packed if you’re flying Air China:
The total size of each bag (length + width + height, including wheels and handles) must not exceed 203 cm (approximately 80 inches). Additionally, each bag must be at least 60 cm (about 24 inches) in total size. If your bag is too large, you’ll have to either divide it into smaller bags or pay additional fees.
On international or regional flights, the size of a free checked bag must not go over 158 cm (62″) in total.
If your bag is too large, you will incur an additional baggage fee.
Bags can’t be too heavy or too light either:
| Baggage Rule | Limit |
| Minimum Weight | 2 kg (4 pounds) |
| Maximum Weight per Bag | 32 kg (70 pounds) |
If your bag weighs more than 32 kg, Air China won’t accept it as standard baggage. You’ll need to remove some stuff or send it as cargo separately. Remember: just because your bag meets the weight limit doesn’t mean it’s free! Your free baggage allowance depends on your ticket type and the route you’re flying.
Carry-on baggage is the bag you keep with you on the airplane. It sits either under the seat or in the overhead bin. Air China’s rules for carry-on bags are particular:
| Class of Travel | Number of Bags | Max Weight per Bag | Size Limit per Bag |
| First Class | 2 bags | 8 kg (17 pounds) each | 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
| Business Class | 2 bags | 8 kg (17 pounds) each | 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
| Economy Class | 1 bag | 5 kg (11 pounds) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
| Super Economy | 1 bag | 5 kg (11 pounds) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
In addition to your carry-on bag, you can also bring one small personal item for free, like:
Passengers travelling with babies can also bring baby food, diapers, and a small stroller (as long as it folds down to the correct size). People who use mobility aids, such as crutches or wheelchairs, can also bring them into the cabin, unless there is no space available, in which case they are checked for free.
If your carry-on bag is too large, too heavy, or can’t fit in the cabin, Air China will move it to the cargo hold. They might also charge you extra. Always measure and weigh your carry-on before you leave home.
Not everything fits neatly into a suitcase. Air China treats some special items differently. Here are examples:
Each type of special baggage has its own packing rules and fees. You must notify Air China in advance if you’re carrying special baggage. Otherwise, they might refuse it at the airport.
Air China uses two systems to decide how much free baggage you get:
Again, your ticket will indicate what you receive.
Air China charges extra baggage fees if your bag exceeds the free allowance in weight or dimensions. They also charge extra for bringing more bags than allowed. Prices vary depending on the route, so it’s smart to pack carefully and avoid surprises at check-in.
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, baggage gets delayed, damaged, or even lost.
Air China has a system in place to handle these issues.
If you have a baggage problem, here’s what you must do:
Air China will search for your bag and contact you with updates. If they find your bag within 72 hours, they’ll arrange delivery. Additionally, if they can’t find it, they’ll handle it as a lost bag case. If your bag is damaged, they’ll contact you to determine the compensation amount based on the extent of the damage.
Compensation depends on the route and the applicable laws.
SDR is a type of international currency value set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
You must report damaged baggage within 7 days of receiving it and report delayed baggage within 21 days of receiving it. If you want to sue or file a bigger complaint, you must do it within 2 years of your flight date.
With Air China, clear rules are in place to protect your belongings, enhance security, and ensure everyone travels comfortably onboard. Whether you’re checking a suitcase, carrying a musical instrument, or bringing along baby gear, knowing the proper limits and allowances can save you time, money, and a lot of stress at the airport.
However, please note that rules can vary by ticket class, destination, or aircraft type. Always double-check what applies to your specific flight before you travel. A few minutes of planning at home can save you hours of hassle at the airport.
Luggage wrapping services are often offered by third-party vendors at major international airports, but Air China itself does not provide or guarantee this service. It’s best to check with the airport you’re departing from.
If you lose your baggage tag, report it immediately at the baggage service counter. Staff may request your boarding pass and identification to track your luggage manually. Keeping a photo of your tag or receipt can help.
Yes, Air China allows passengers to check in empty bags, but size and weight limits still apply. You may still incur excess baggage fees if the bag itself is large or heavy.
Unusual items such as framed art or delicate displays may require special packing and approval in advance. Air China advises passengers to arrange for these to be transported as cargo, especially if they exceed standard size restrictions.
Yes, passengers with medical needs can bring approved devices, such as portable oxygen concentrators, onboard.
