Baggage

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1. Which routes have baggage restrictions by weight?
All routes have baggage restrictions by weight.

2. Which routes have baggage restrictions on number of pieces?
Routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil) have baggage restrictions by number of pieces.

3. What are the baggage restrictions for First and Business Class passengers?
For all domestic and international flights, except routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), the free baggage allowance is 40kg (88 lbs) for first class and 30kg (66 lbs) for business class.

On routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), each first class or business class passenger is allowed two pieces of checked baggage free of charge, each weighing no more than 32kg (70 lbs) with the maximum length of the three dimensions not exceeding 158cm (62 inches).

4. What are the baggage restrictions for Economy Class passengers?
For all domestic and international flights, except routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), economy class passengers holding adult-fare or child-fare tickets are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg (44 lbs).

On routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), passengers holding adult-fare or child-fare tickets are allowed up to two pieces of checked baggage free of charge, each weighing no more than 23kg (50 lbs) with the maximum length of the three dimensions not exceeding 158cm (62 inches). In addition, the maximum combined length of the three dimensions of two pieces should not exceed 273cm (107 inches).

5. What are the baggage restrictions for infant passengers?
For all domestic and international flights, except routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), the free baggage allowance is 10kg (22 lbs) for infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare.

On routes between China and the US, Canada and Brazil (limited to tickets sold in Brazil for flights departing from Brazil), infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare are allowed to check one bag free of charge and the maximum dimensions should not exceed 115cm (45 inches).

A baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge.

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 unchecked baggage must fit under the seat in front of the passenger or in the overhead compartment.

• First and Business Class passengers are allowed up to two pieces of carry-on baggage that do not exceed 8kg (17 lbs) in total.
• Economy Class passengers are allowed one piece of carry-on baggage that does not exceed 5kg (11 lbs).
• Each piece of carry-on baggage should not exceed 5kg (11 lbs) in weight and dimensions of 55cm (21 inches) in length, 40cm (15 inches) in width and 20cm (7 inches) in height.

Baggage exceeding the weight, piece and dimension allowances will be checked in.

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?
Charges for excess baggage can be determined by calling the local Air China office. 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.