Air China Baggage Allowance: Carry-on & Checked Limits

If you’re flying Air China, keep a close eye on your scale. For international Economy travelers, you get the standard one-bag limit at 50 lbs. However, if you have a domestic connection within China, be careful—the weight limit often drops to a total of 44 lbs.

Also, don't let the carry-on rules catch you off guard. Unlike many US carriers that don't weigh your rollers, Air China is strict: your carry-on must be under 11 lbs. To avoid extra fees, ensure your checked bags are within 62 linear inches.

✈️ Air China Basic Info

🎒 Carry-On Baggage Allowance: What You Can Bring Onboard?

Air China passengers receive different cabin baggage allowances by travel class:

• Economy/Premium Economy: 1 cabin bag (11 Ibs each) + 1 personal item
• Business/First Class: 2 cabin bags (17.5 Ibs each) + 1 personal item

Cabin Bag Size & Weight Limits

Standard cabin bag limits:

• Maximum dimensions: No more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (22” x 16” x 8”) (length x width x height)
• Maximum weight: 11 Ibs (Economy/Premium Economy) or 17.5 Ibs (Business/First Class)
• Must fit in overhead bin or under seat

Bags exceeding these limits will be checked into cargo hold and may incur additional charges if you exceed your free checked baggage allowance.

What Counts as a Personal Item?

Acceptable personal items include:

• Handbag or briefcase
• Laptop or tablet bag
• Camera bag
• Other items of similar sizes

Bonus: Passengers with infants can bring infant food and diapers. A portable foldable baby stroller (within 55cm(l) x 40cm(h) x 20cm(w) after folded) can be taken into the cabin.

Allowed and Prohibited Items in Your Carry-On

Completely banned in cabin or checked baggage:

• Explosives, dangerous goods, firearms
• Sources of fire, such as lighters, matches, cigarette lighters and firesteels, etc.
• Electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, scooters and bicycles
• Alcoholic beverages that exceed 70% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Perishable items with a strong odor (e.g. durian).
• Self-heating food (e.g. self-heating hot pots).

Liquids, aerosols, gels (LAGs):

• Maximum 100ml per container
• Must fit in 1 clear, resealable 1-litre bag per passenger

Power banks & Spare batteries:

• Only allowed in cabin baggage (not checked luggage)
• Under 100Wh (~27,000mAh) generally allowed
• 100-160Wh requires airline approval (max 2 pieces)
• Cannot be used or charged during flight
• For domestic flights within China, power banks must be 3C certified

Read our China Power Bank Limit guide to know more about power bank limits for domestic flights within China! 

🧳 Checked Baggage Allowance: How Much Can You Check In?

Air China provides free checked baggage allowance based on your travel class.

Economy & Premium Economy

• Standard / Flex / Premium Standard: 1 checked bag
• • Max Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Selected / Latitude / Premium Flex: 2 checked bags
• • Max Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag

Business & First Class

• All Fares: 2 checked bags
• • Max Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg) per bag

Infants

• All Cabin Classes: 1 checked bag
• • Max Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)

💰 Air China Excess Baggage Fees

Applicable to most international routes (including US-China). All fees are in USD.

1. Heavy & Oversized Bags

If your bag is within your "piece" allowance but exceeds weight or size limits:

*Fees vary slightly depending on the specific international route.

Air China | From Unsplash

2. Extra Bags (Additional Pieces)

If you check more bags than your ticket class allows (e.g., checking a 3rd bag):

• 1st Extra Bag: $150 - $200
• 2nd Extra Bag: $200 - $300
• 3rd Bag & More: $400+ per bag

⚠️ Important Rules for US Travelers

• The "Hard" Limit: Air China will NOT accept any single checked bag weighing over 70 lbs (32kg) or exceeding 80 total inches.
• Check Your Fare: Most Economy tickets to/from the US include 2 checked bags (50 lbs each), but some "Basic" or "Discounted" fares may only include 1.
• Currency: While fees are listed in USD, they are often charged in the local currency of your departure airport at the current exchange rate.

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