Baggage

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1. Which routes have baggage restrictions by weight?
Baggage restrictions by weight apply to all domestic flights.

2. Which routes have baggage restrictions on number of pieces?
Baggage restrictions by piece apply to all international flights.

3. What are the baggage restrictions for First and Business Class passengers?
For all domestic flights, the free baggage allowance for First Class is 40 kg (88 pounds) and for Business Class it is 30 kg (66 pounds).

For all international flights, First Class and Business Class passengers may check two pieces of luggage free of charge, each weighing no more than 32 kg (70 pounds), and the maximum size of each piece may not exceed 158 linear cm (62 linear inches).

4. What are the baggage restrictions for Economy Class passengers?
For all domestic flights, the free baggage allowance for Economy Class is 20 kg (44 pounds).

On flights between China and Japan or China and the Americas or Australia, passengers holding adult tickets or children’s tickets may check two pieces of luggage free of charge, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 pounds), and the maximum size of each piece may not exceed 158 linear cm (62 linear inches).  On other international flights, passengers holding adult tickets or children’s tickets may check one piece of luggage free of charge, weighing no more than 23 kg (50 pounds), and the maximum size may not exceed 158 linear cm (62 linear inches).

5. What are the baggage restrictions for infant passengers?
For all domestic flights, infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare may check one piece of luggage free of charge weighing no more than 10 kg (22 pounds).

For all international flights, infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare may check one piece of luggage free of charge, weighing no more than 23 kg (50 pounds), and the maximum size may not exceed 115 linear cm (45 linear inches).

A baby stroller (folded) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge for all infant ticketed passengers.

6. What do I do if I realize after the flight that my luggage has been damaged or lost?
Please report damaged or lost luggage immediately to the baggage service counter in the terminal at the arrival airport. If you are unable to make a claim at the airport, you have seven days file a claim in writing with Air China on damaged baggage and 21 days to file a claim in writing with Air China for lost baggage. After this period is up, Air China is no longer obliged to compensate for lost or damaged luggage.

7. How does Air China find lost baggage?
Air China uses the “WT System” which does an automatic search for 24 hours after the bags are reported lost. Any findings will be communicated immediately to the passenger. Air China will also contact the Air China office at the original departure location and any transit locations to begin searches through other channels.

8. What is the compensation policy if baggage is lost or damaged on a flight between US and China and Canada and China?
Your flight qualifies under the international transportation policies of the Montreal Convention, which states the baggage compensation limit is 1000 special withdrawing rights for each passenger. A special withdrawing right refers to the special withdrawing right regulated by the International Monetary Fund and one (1) special withdrawing right is valued at 1.37 dollars of which the exchange rate is floating. Baggage compensation shall be confirmed according to related regulations of baggage transportation for Air China.
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9. How much carry-on baggage can I take into the aircraft cabin?
All carry-on baggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

For domestic flights, First Class passengers may carry on two small bags or other personal items per person, each weighing no more than 5 kg. Business Class and Economy Class passengers may carry on one small bag or other personal item per person, weighing no more than 5 kg.

For international or regional flights, First Class and Business Class passengers may carry on two small bags or other personal items per person, each weighing no more than 8 kg. Economy Class passengers may carry on one small bag or other personal item per person, weighing no more than 5 kg.

Each piece of carry-on baggage shall not exceed the maximum dimensions of 55 cm (long) x 40 cm (wide) x 20 cm (high). Any item that exceeds the carry-on size, weight or piece allowance limits will be required to travel as checked baggage.

10. If I am connecting flights on Air China, do I need to pick up my luggage and re-check it?
Passengers departing from domestic cities who connect through Beijing to domestic/international/regional flights are not required to pick-up their baggage in Beijing if they have checked their baggage through to the destination. This applies on routes such as SHE-PEK-CAN or SHE-PEK-SFO.

Passengers departing from overseas/regional cities who connect through Beijing to international/regional flights are not required to pick-up their baggage in Beijing if they have checked their baggage through to the destination. This applies on routes such as ICN-PEK-ARN or FRA-PEK-HKG.

Passengers departing from overseas/regional cities who connect through Beijing to domestic flights are required to pick-up their baggage and have it inspected at Customs. This applies to routes such as JFK-PEK-HET.

11. What is the charge for excess baggage?
To find out more about excess baggage fees call your local Air China office. You also can visit the "excess baggage fees" section of the Air China website. Please contact us for more information.

12. How do I transport bulky or fragile baggage?
Various fares and conditions apply for the transport of musical instruments, bulky baggage, fragile baggage etc. Please obtain the information you need prior to travel by contacting your local Air China office.

13. Can my pet travel with me?
Yes. Small animals such as a cat or dog can be transported by Air China in the cargo section. If you would like to take your pet along on your Air China flight, please register the pet when you book your ticket. Please check in your pet at least 120 minutes before the flight departure time.

14. How much do I need to pay for my pet?
Small animals and their containers will be charged as overweight baggage and can be paid for at the check-in counter. Please check-in with your pet at least 120 minutes before departure time. For further details, please contact us.

15. What documents do I need if I want to travel with my pet?
Animal quarantine certificates and valid certificates for small animals leaving, entering or passing through China should be provided. Please note that Air China has the right to refuse carriage of any animal that appears wild, dangerous, or pregnant.

16. Do I need to book an oxygen cabin for my pet?
You do not need to book an oxygen cabin for your pet. As long as Air China approves the transportation of your pet, it will be accommodated in an oxygen cabin.