Air China Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Air China is the flag carrier of China and a full-service airline. International routes between China and the US/Americas use the piece concept (2 bags in Economy, 23 kg each); domestic China routes use a weight allowance. Carry-on plus a personal item are included.
At a glance
🎒 Personal item
One small personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) is permitted in addition to the carry-on and does not count toward the carry-on allowance.
🧳 Carry-on
Economy: 1 carry-on up to 5 kg, max 55 × 40 × 20 cm. First/Business may carry 2 pieces with a higher combined weight. Items over the limit must be checked.
Air China checked bag fees
| Economy — piece-concept routes (China–US / Americas) | 2 pieces free, 23 kg (50 lb) each, max 158 cm (62 in) per piece |
| Premium Economy — piece-concept routes | 2 pieces free, 23 kg each, ≤ 158 cm per piece |
| Business / First — piece-concept routes | 2–3 pieces free, 32 kg (70 lb) each, ≤ 158 cm per piece |
| Basic / discounted Economy fares (piece concept) | Often 1 free piece (check fare rules at booking) |
| Economy — weight-concept routes (domestic China) | 20 kg total free; First 40 kg, Business 30 kg |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and refund rules depend on the fare bundle. Flexible fares permit changes with low or no fee; basic/discounted fares charge a change fee plus fare difference and may be partly non-refundable. Hard per-piece weight limit is 32 kg (70 lb). Review your fare conditions before booking.
How to avoid extra fees
- On China–US piece-concept routes the allowance is by bag (2 × 23 kg) — a single bag over 23 kg is overweight even if your total is within 46 kg.
- No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lb) — this is a hard handling limit, not just a fee threshold.
- Basic or discounted Economy fares may include only 1 free bag; confirm before assuming 2 pieces.
- Air China's Economy carry-on cap is a strict 5 kg — pack a light cabin bag or it may be gate-checked.
Air China baggage — FAQ
How many free checked bags in Economy to the US?
On China–US piece-concept routes, standard Economy includes 2 free checked bags of up to 23 kg (50 lb) each. Some basic/discounted fares allow only 1 — check your fare rules.
Is Air China piece-based or weight-based?
International routes between China and the US/Americas use the piece concept (a set number of bags each capped by weight). Domestic China flights use a 20 kg weight allowance in Economy.
What is the carry-on allowance?
Economy passengers may bring 1 carry-on up to 5 kg, max 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus one small personal item.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Air China. Baggage fees and policies change often and vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm on the airline's official website before booking or flying.