Air China Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

CA / CCA · China

Purchase prepaid excess baggage online via Air China's website or mobile app. Air China uses weight-based pricing for domestic China routes and piece-based pricing for international routes, divided into five IATA-based zones. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Updated Jul 9, 2026

Air China Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

Domestic routes use a weight-based system, while international and regional routes use a piece-based system; tickets purchased from 2026-07-10 are differentiated by fare brand.

LabelAmountNotes
Domestic20 kg
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
To/from Americas2 × 23 kg
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
Other internationalSee official pricing
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.

Carry-on baggage

The carry-on standard applies to all routes and is limited by piece count and weight.

  • All routes1 piece,5 kg
    • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
    • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on Air China

Buy Baggage
  1. Book your Air China flight first to obtain a valid e-ticket starting with 999.
  2. Go to airchina.com.cn and click 'My Booking/Itinerary' (My Booking/Itinerary) on the top navigation bar.
  3. Enter your ticket number and last name to retrieve your booking, or log in to your Phoenix Miles (PhoenixMiles) account.
  4. Select 'Extra Baggage Service' (Extra Baggage Service) from the available ancillary services.
  5. Select the baggage option you need from the available products (extra checked bag, overweight/oversized allowance, or special baggage) and specify the quantity.
  6. Complete payment online using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. The prepaid baggage will be linked to your booking.

Prices

International routes use piece-based pricing divided into five IATA zones. Domestic China routes use weight-based pricing at 1.5% of the economy class published fare per kg. Each extra piece must not exceed 23 kg (economy/premium economy) or 32 kg (first/business class) and 158 cm total dimensions.

LabelAmountNotes
Domestic China (weight-based)1.5% of economy class fare per kg
  • Rate calculated as 1.5% of the direct one-way economy class published fare on the day of excess baggage ticket issuance.
  • Calculated in CNY, rounded to the nearest yuan.
  • Applies to weight-concept routes within mainland China.
Zone 1 — Americas (excl. US/Canada) & Caribbean ↔ Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW PacificCNY 1,400 / USD 220 per piece (1st)
  • 1st extra bag: CNY 1,400 / USD 220
  • 2nd extra bag: CNY 2,000 / USD 310
  • 3rd and subsequent: CNY 3,000 / USD 460
Zone 2 — Europe/Middle East ↔ Africa, Asia, SW Pacific; Japan ↔ SW Pacific; Japan/SW Pacific ↔ Asia/AfricaCNY 1,100 / EUR 140 / USD 160 per piece (1st)
  • 1st extra bag: CNY 1,100 / EUR 140 / USD 160
  • 2nd extra bag: CNY 1,590 / EUR 200 / USD 230
  • 3rd and subsequent: contact Air China for pricing
Zone 3 — Canada ↔ Americas (excl. US/Canada), Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW PacificCNY 1,590 / USD 230 / CAD 300 per piece (2nd+)
  • Overweight or oversized surcharge: CNY 520 / USD 75 / CAD 100
  • Both overweight and oversized: contact Air China for pricing
  • 2nd and subsequent extra bags: CNY 1,590 / USD 230 / CAD 300
Zone 4 — US (incl. Hawaii) ↔ Americas (excl. US), Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW PacificCNY 1,380 / USD 200 per piece (1st)
  • 1st extra bag: CNY 1,380 / USD 200
  • 2nd extra bag: CNY 1,590 / USD 230
  • 3rd and subsequent: contact Air China for pricing
Zone 5 — Africa ↔ Asia (excl. Japan); Europe ↔ Middle East; Intra-Asia (excl. Japan); Intra-Americas (excl. US/Canada) & Caribbean; other routesCNY 830 / USD 120 per piece (1st)
  • 1st extra bag: CNY 830 / USD 120
  • 2nd extra bag: CNY 1,100 / USD 160
  • 3rd and subsequent: CNY 1,590 / USD 230

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?

Yes. Go to airchina.com.cn, click 'My Booking/Itinerary' (My Booking/Itinerary), retrieve your booking, and select 'Extra Baggage Service' (Extra Baggage Service) under ancillary services. You can also purchase via the Air China mobile app.

Where do I buy extra baggage?

Online at airchina.com.cn via 'My Booking/Itinerary' or the 'Additional Services' page, through the Air China mobile app (Air China mobile app), at airport check-in counters, or by calling Air China customer service at 95583 (China) or your local Air China office.

How many extra bags can I buy, and what are the bag limits?

There is no maximum limit on the number of checked bags (including regular and special baggage). However, the 7th and any subsequent paid bags (beyond free allowance and membership benefits) require advance approval from an Air China sales office/station and may not travel on the same flight. Each bag must not exceed 32 kg (70 lb) and 203 cm (80 in) total dimensions.

When is the deadline to buy extra baggage online?

Air China does not publish a single fixed deadline; availability depends on the route and fare type. Online purchase is available after ticketing through 'My Booking/Itinerary'. Pre-purchase before arriving at the airport is recommended to guarantee availability.

How does Air China calculate extra baggage charges?

Air China uses two pricing systems: weight-based (domestic China routes, charged at 1.5% of the economy class published fare per kg) and piece-based (international routes, divided into 5 IATA zones with fixed per-piece fees). Overweight and oversized surcharges apply per zone and may be combined for bags exceeding both limits.

Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online in advance vs at the airport?

Air China publishes standard excess baggage fees that apply at both online and airport purchase channels. Online prepurchase through the website or app is recommended for convenience and to guarantee availability before arriving at the airport.

What are the overweight or oversized baggage rules?

Each checked bag must not exceed 32 kg (70 lb) and 203 cm (80 in) total dimensions. Overweight fees apply from 23-32 kg. Oversized fees apply for bags 158-203 cm. Bags exceeding both limits are charged a combined fee. Bags over 32 kg or 203 cm cannot be accepted as checked baggage.

Do codeshare or partner-operated flights have different baggage rules?

Air China is a Star Alliance member. For flights operated by partner airlines, the operating carrier's baggage rules and fees apply. For connecting itineraries involving multiple carriers, the most significant carrier's rules may govern baggage allowances. Always verify with Air China or the operating carrier for codeshare flights.

Can I pay for extra baggage with credit cards or other methods?

Online payment accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Chinese payment methods (UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay) on the Air China website. At airport counters, cash and major credit cards are accepted. Specific available methods may vary by region.

Are there any important exceptions or restrictions I should know?

Special baggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, pets) has separate fee schedules. Passengers with disabilities may transport assistive devices (wheelchairs, portable oxygen concentrators, etc.) free of charge. Bags containing dangerous goods, perishable items without proper packaging, or prohibited items cannot be transported. The 7th+ paid bag requires advance approval.

Related airlines

Explore more airline baggage pages to compare rules, fees, and official service links.