Air China hand luggage and carry-on allowance
Air China allows one carry-on bag of up to 5 kg in Economy and Super-Economy, and two bags of up to 8 kg each in First and Business Class. Each piece must be no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm. You can also bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front. Check your own bag against it below.
Carry-on baggage
Air China hand luggage and carry-on rules
- First Class and Business Class: maximum 2 pieces, 8 kg (17 lb) each. Economy and Super-Economy Class: 1 piece, 5 kg (11 lb).
- Each carry-on piece must not be more than 55 cm (22 in) long, 40 cm (16 in) wide and 20 cm (8 in) high.
- In addition, each passenger may carry 1 personal item that fits under the seat in front, such as a handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, camera bag or similar smaller item.
- Passengers travelling with infants may also carry infant food and diapers, and a portable foldable stroller that goes into the cabin (folded no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm). Larger strollers travel as checked baggage.
- Assistive items such as crutches, prostheses, hearing aids, white canes and folding manual wheelchairs for use by the passenger may also be carried.
- Baggage that exceeds the limits, cannot be stowed in the closed overhead compartment or under the seat in front, or cannot be carried for safety reasons is transferred to checked baggage at check-in or boarding.
- Air China announces a separate prohibition on carry-on liquids for passengers on domestic flights; check its notice before you fly.
- Checked baggage limits: each piece 2 to 32 kg (70 lb) and up to 203 cm (80 in) in total dimensions. Free pieces may not exceed 158 cm (62 in) in total on international and regional flights.
- Free checked baggage on mainland China domestic routes is by weight: First 40 kg, Business 30 kg, Premium Economy and Economy 20 kg. On international routes it is by piece: for routes between mainland China and the US, Canada, Brazil and Cuba (IATA Zone 1), First and Business get 2 pieces of 32 kg; Premium Economy and Economy get 2 pieces of 23 kg on Latitude, Selected and Flex fares and 1 piece of 23 kg on Standard fares (Air China table effective 10 July 2026). Other regions differ, so check Air China's table.
- Check your ticket and Air China's pages before you fly, as allowances can change.
Source: Carry-on baggage | Air China and Checked Baggage | Air China. Checked 10 October 2026.
Remember that the liquids rule that applies to you is set by the airport you fly from, not the airline. Check your departure airport before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Air China carry-on size limit?
55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) per piece.
What is the Air China carry-on weight limit?
5 kg per piece in Economy and Super-Economy; 8 kg per piece in Business and First Class.
How many carry-on bags can I bring on Air China?
One in Economy and Super-Economy, two in Business and First Class, plus one personal item that fits under the seat.
What happens if my Air China carry-on is too big or heavy?
It is transferred to checked baggage at check-in or boarding.