Sichuan Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Sichuan Airlines (3U) applies a piece concept on international and regional routes: economy passengers get one free checked bag up to 23kg, and business class gets two bags up to 32kg each. Domestic flights within China use a weight concept (20kg free in economy, 30kg in business). The cabin allowance is one carry-on piece not exceeding 5kg.
The bottom line on Sichuan Airlines baggage
Sichuan Airlines is a full-service carrier that switches rulebooks depending on where you fly, and that is the real trap: international and regional routes use a piece concept (one free 23kg bag in economy), while domestic flights within China use a weight concept (20kg free). The cabin side is tight either way — just one carry-on piece up to 5kg, with no separate weighted personal item — so travelers used to roomier hand-luggage limits get caught at the gate.
The smart move is to confirm your route's rule at booking and budget for a second bag on international trips, since economy includes only one free piece. Buy any extra allowance in advance rather than at the airport, where it costs more, and if you regularly travel heavy, business class lifts the checked allowance to two 32kg bags.
FlyRulebook Score
Our own 1–5 rating of Sichuan Airlines's baggage policy, scored from the verified data on this page. See airline rankings → · How we score →
Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Sichuan switches rulebooks by route: international/regional flights count pieces (one free 23kg bag in economy), while domestic flights within China count weight (20kg free) — assuming one rule everywhere can leave you paying excess.
- The cabin allowance is a single piece up to 5kg with no separate weighted personal item, so travelers used to a roomier hand-luggage plus laptop bag get caught at the gate.
- Buying extra allowance in advance is cheaper than paying at the airport, where overweight or oversize pieces are charged as excess baggage.
Sichuan Airlinesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | There is no separate weighted personal-item allowance. Under the international piece concept each passenger may bring only one cabin piece up to 5kg, though small items such as a handbag, laptop, or camera are generally tolerated within that single-piece limit. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | One carry-on bag up to 5kg, with the sum of the three sides not exceeding 115cm (about 55 x 40 x 20cm). Overweight or oversize cabin bags must be checked. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | 1 piece up to 23kg (50 lb), each within 158cm total dimensions |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | 2 pieces up to 23kg each, within 158cm total dimensions |
Sichuan Airlines checked bag fees
| Economy free allowance (international/regional, piece concept) | 1 piece up to 23kg (50 lb), each within 158cm total dimensions |
| Premium economy (international) | 2 pieces up to 23kg each, within 158cm total dimensions |
| Business class (international) | 2 pieces up to 32kg each, within 158cm total dimensions |
| Domestic (weight concept) | Economy 20kg free; business 30kg free |
| Piece size limit | Each checked bag within 158cm (62 in) total linear dimensions |
| Excess baggage | On weight-concept (domestic) routes about 1.5% of the full economy fare per extra kg; on piece-concept routes charged per additional/overweight piece — varies by route and fare |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Sichuan Airlines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$0
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Sichuan Airlines vs China Eastern Airlines vs Xiamen Airlines: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Sichuan Airlines | China Eastern Airlines | Xiamen Airlines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | Free | Free | Free |
| 2nd checked bag | — | Free | — |
| Overweight surcharge | — | $140 | — |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 32 kg | 23 kg |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and cancellation terms depend on fare type; discounted economy fares carry higher penalties and may be non-refundable, while flexible fares allow changes for a lower fee plus any fare difference. Check your specific ticket rules or contact Sichuan Airlines.
Other common fees
| Prepaid excess baggage | Buying extra allowance in advance is generally cheaper than paying at the airport |
| Overweight/oversize piece | Bags over the free weight or above 158cm are charged as excess baggage |
| Unaccompanied infant baggage | 1 piece up to 10kg within 115cm total dimensions |
| Seat selection | Varies by route and fare; premium seats may carry a fee |
How to avoid extra fees
- International economy includes only one free 23kg bag — budget for a second bag if you are traveling with more.
- Keep your single cabin bag under 5kg; Sichuan enforces a one-piece cabin limit on international routes.
- On domestic routes the system is weight-based (20kg economy), so a heavier single bag is fine as long as you stay within the free kilos.
- Confirm the exact allowance on your route and fare at booking, as international (piece) and domestic (weight) rules differ.
- Business class raises the checked allowance to two 32kg bags if you regularly travel heavy.
Sichuan Airlines baggage — FAQ
＋ − What is Sichuan Airlines' baggage allowance?
On international and regional routes, economy passengers get one free checked bag up to 23kg and business class gets two bags up to 32kg each. Domestic flights use a weight concept with 20kg free in economy. The cabin allowance is one piece up to 5kg.
＋ − How much is excess baggage on Sichuan Airlines?
On domestic weight-concept routes, excess weight is typically charged at about 1.5% of the full economy fare per kilogram. On international piece-concept routes, extra or overweight bags are charged per piece. Prepaying online is cheaper than the airport rate.
＋ − What is Sichuan Airlines' carry-on size and weight limit?
One carry-on piece up to 5kg, with the three sides adding up to no more than 115cm (roughly 55 x 40 x 20cm).
＋ − Does Sichuan Airlines include a free checked bag internationally?
Yes — international economy includes one free checked bag up to 23kg within 158cm total dimensions. Additional or overweight bags are charged as excess baggage.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Sichuan Airlines. Figures here reflect Sichuan Airlines's published Asia fares as of 2026-07-12.