China 🇨🇳 · CA · Verified 2026-08-27
Air China Baggage Allowance 2026
Air China (CA) uses BOTH piece and weight concepts depending on route: PIECE concept on transatlantic + Asia-Europe long-haul, WEIGHT concept on Asia-Asia routes.
Full baggage rules by fare class
| Class | Carry-on | Personal item | Checked | First bag fee | Overweight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (international) | 5 kg (Economy) / 8 kg (Premium Economy) 55 × 40 × 20 cm | Small handbag | 2 × 23 kg (piece — most international) or 20 kg (weight — Asia routes) | Free | $100-200 per bag |
| Business | 8 kg + 8 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm each 2 pieces | Handbag | 2 × 32 kg (piece) or 40 kg (weight) | Free | $100+ |
| First | 8 kg + 8 kg 55 × 40 × 20 cm each 2 pieces | Handbag | 3 × 32 kg (piece) or 50 kg (weight) | Free | $100+ |
The real rules
Air China (CA) uses BOTH piece and weight concepts depending on route: PIECE concept on transatlantic + Asia-Europe long-haul, WEIGHT concept on Asia-Asia routes.
Economy carry-on is a strict 5 kg — one of the lowest in the industry. Premium Economy gets 8 kg. Business + First gets 2 × 8 kg. Air China enforces carry-on weight at check-in more than most carriers.
PhoenixMiles Silver/Gold/Platinum status adds +10/15/20 kg per passenger. Star Alliance Silver/Gold: +10kg/+20kg.
Key rules quick reference
- ✓Carry-on: 5 kg Economy strict / 8 kg Premium Economy
- ✓PIECE concept on transatlantic + long-haul Asia-Europe
- ✓WEIGHT concept on Asia-Asia routes
- ✓PhoenixMiles Silver/Gold/Platinum: +10/15/20 kg
- ✓Star Alliance Silver/Gold: +10/20 kg
Insider tip
Air China's 5 kg cabin bag limit is one of the strictest — practical answer: pack heaviest items (books, electronics) in your personal item (handbag/laptop bag) which is weighed less strictly. Save cabin bag weight for clothes.
Data verified 2026-08-27 against Air China's official baggage policy page. Rules change — confirm with the airline before travel.
Air China baggage — FAQ
What is Air China's carry-on allowance?
1 bag(s) at 5 kg (Economy) / 8 kg (Premium Economy), dimensions 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Plus 1 personal item (Small handbag).
What is Air China's checked baggage allowance in Economy?
2 × 2 × 23 kg (piece — most international) or 20 kg (weight — Asia routes). First bag fee: Free.
How much is overweight baggage on Air China?
$100-200 per bag. Book excess weight online in advance where possible — airport rates are typically 50-100% higher.
Does Air China Business Class include more baggage?
Yes — Business Class includes 2 × 32 kg (piece) or 40 kg (weight) checked plus 8 kg + 8 kg carry-on across 2 bag(s).
Can I take sports equipment on Air China?
Sports equipment generally counts against your standard allowance if pre-declared. Book separately for excess weight.
What is Air China's baggage insider tip?
Air China's 5 kg cabin bag limit is one of the strictest — practical answer: pack heaviest items (books, electronics) in your personal item (handbag/laptop bag) which is weighed less strictly. Save cabin bag weight for clothes.
Other airline baggage guides: