Is your next flight with China Airlines? That sounds like a fun trip. The airline is very popular in Taiwan and beyond, thanks to the comfort of its cabins and the tasty meals it serves. Before you zip up your last bag, it’s worth taking a moment to check China Airlines’ baggage allowance.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through the most up-to-date baggage information, from carry-on and checked baggage requirements to sports equipment. You’ll also find a handy tip on choosing a bag that fits under the seat and meets China Airlines’ size limits. With the right bag and a little planning, you can avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected fees at the airport.

China Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy

China Airlines carry-on dimensions.

The maximum quantity and weight for carry-on baggage apply to all travel classes.

The required size limit for each bag is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), while the maximum weight is 15 pounds (7 kg) per piece.

Each passenger is entitled to bring carry-on baggage and one personal item that fits the space under the front seat. The item can be your handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, or other items of similar sizes. And it is free of charge.

Free baggage allowance for carry-on baggage may differ depending on your travel class.

• Economy and Premium Economy class passengers are entitled to bring only one cabin bag.
• Business class travellers can carry at most two pieces of carry-on bags.

Passengers are recommended to use the baggage measurer available at the check-in counter or the boarding gate. It helps you check whether your baggage meets the standard requirements.

Just a quick reminder that some airports can be quite strict about carry-on sizes. Even if your bag follows China Airlines’ usual cabin rules, there’s still a chance it might not fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. If that happens, the staff may need to check it into the hold, and extra fees could apply if it goes over your free allowance.

To keep things simple, you might like to travel with the CabinZero 28L backpack. It’s made to fit neatly under the seat on most airlines, including the stricter ones. It’s light at about 600 grams, has a water-resistant coating and comes with a lifetime warranty. There’s also an Okoban tracking tag, which can be a real help if your bag ever goes missing.

Plenty of travellers worldwide use this backpack to avoid surprise baggage charges. If you pick one up, you can head off on your next China Airlines flight feeling much more relaxed.

Checked Baggage Policy

In order to protect your baggage and its contents during transport, your belongings should be packed in proper suitcases. In addition, any fragile, perishable, or valuable item must be kept in your carry-on bag instead.

For the safety of airport staff, the total size of each checked bag, length, width and height together should not be more than 62 inches, or 158 centimetres.

How much each bag can weigh depends on the class you are flying. In the Economy, each checked bag can be up to 50 pounds, or 23 kilograms. Premium passengers can take bags of up to 61 pounds, or 28 kilograms, and Business Class allows up to 70 pounds, or 32 kilograms. If your bag is heavier than the limit, it won’t be accepted as it is, and you’ll be asked to repack it.

The free baggage allowance may differ if you take code-share flights operated by other airlines. Detailed information can be checked via the Interline Baggage Rules.

Excess Baggage Policy

Suppose your checked baggage exceeds the required limit. In that case, it will be treated as an oversized/overweight item, and the airline shall collect an additional charge.

Excess baggage charges may vary slightly depending on whether you do it at the airport or in advance (during the online process).

Paying for excess charges at the checkpoint often costs USD 10 per kg (~GBP 18 per lb) or USD 280 (~GBP 227 per lb) per piece. On the other hand, the prepaid amount is USD 10 per kg (~ GBP 18 per lb) or USD 252 (~GBP 204) per piece.

Note that the above figures apply to flights within zone 4 only (destinations from/to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East). Passengers who want details on other zones, please consult the official website of China Airlines.

Sports Equipment and CPAP Policy

For special kinds of baggage, like sports equipment and respiratory devices, China Airlines has a few things you should know:

Most sports equipment is included in China Airlines’ free checked allowance. Photo by Pixel-Shot on Adobe Stock

1. Travelling With Sports Equipment

China Airlines accepts most types of sports equipment as checked baggage. These items can be included in your free checked allowance, but usual excess baggage fees will apply if weight or number limits are exceeded. If your sports equipment has a total size (length + width + height) of more than 115 inches, or 292 centimetres, it will be charged as two pieces.

Items such as bicycles, golf clubs, fishing gear, diving equipment, hockey gear, lacrosse equipment, archery sets, bowling gear, sporting guns and ammunition, surfboards, windsurfing boards, and canoes or kayaks are limited by weight only, not by total size. You should contact the airline to check the maximum weight allowed for each of these items.

Do not try to pack anything not related to sports together with your sports equipment in one package. It may then be treated as oversized baggage and charged accordingly.

2. Bringing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

China Airlines does not require a medical certificate to carry CPAP machines, and you are allowed to use a CPAP during the flight. However, you must follow the airline’s carry-on baggage and dangerous goods policies.

Some China Airlines aircraft may provide a power supply at your seat for the CPAP, but this is not guaranteed for all flights or seats. Using the power supply beyond its limit may cause interruptions, so it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries that can last one and a half times the duration of your flight. Make sure spare batteries are stored safely to prevent damage, and follow the airline’s dangerous goods rules.

It’s best to notify the China Airlines Reservation Centre that you will be using a CPAP machine at least two working days before your flight.

How to Get Your China Airlines Ticket

Photo captured on China Airlines’ website

You can buy a China Airlines ticket in three main ways: via the website, using the mobile app, or at one of the airline's branch offices.

1. Booking on the China Airlines Website

Step 1: Find your flight

Go to china-airlines.com and use the booking box on the homepage. Choose whether you want a one-way, return, or multi-city trip. Enter all the required information: your departure city, destination, travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred class. Once everything looks correct, hit “Search Flights”.

Step 2: Choose your departure

You will see a list of available flights with seats still open. Take your time to check details such as the number of bags and carry-on allowance, change fees, and refund policies. Once you’re happy with your selection, click “Select” to move to the next page.

Step 3: Confirm your flight

Review the total price of the ticket. If the information looks good, click “Confirm”.

Photo captured on China Airlines’ website

Step 4: Provide your information

Enter your name and title exactly as shown on your passport. You will also need to provide contact details, including your phone number and email address. Click “Confirm” again to continue.

Step 5: Add your extras

This is the stage where you can choose a specific seat, select your meal, or pay for extra baggage on top of your standard China Airlines allowance. Once you have picked what you need, press "Checkout".

Step 6: Finalise your booking

Enter your credit card details accurately and click “Confirm to pay” to complete your transaction.

2. Using the China Airlines Mobile App

Booking flights and taking care of other tasks with China Airlines' app is much quicker and easier. Just download the app on your phone. This works on both iOS and Android. Open the app, create an account, and look for your flight. The steps are pretty much the same as booking on the website.

3. Buying Tickets at a China Airlines Office

If you prefer, you can also purchase a ticket at a local China Airlines office. The airline does have offices in many regions, including the United Kingdom. You can check here to find the one nearest to you.

How to Check In With China Airlines

Like most major airlines these days, check-in for China Airlines can be done either online or at the airport.

1. Online Check-in

You can check in online on the website or through the mobile app using your reservation number.

• Online check-in opens from 48 hours up to 60 minutes before your flight.

• For flights to the United States (including Guam), local regulations apply, meaning that check-in is normally open from 24 hours up to 60 minutes before departure.

• Online check-in is not available if you are flying from the UK, Malaysia or Hong Kong and you are upgrading with miles; if you are entering the US on a paper visa or green card; or if your flight is a code-share.

Travelling with China Airlines feels lighter with online check-in. Photo by ARAMYAN on Adobe Stock

2. Automated Check-in

If you enable automated check-in, China Airlines will check you in automatically before your flight, saving you from having to do it yourself. 

• You can sign up for automated check-in from 360 days up to 48 hours before your flight.

• For US-bound flights, local regulations are in force, so usually, automated check-in is available starting from 360 days and up to 24 hours before departure.

• Automated check-in is not available if you’re flying from the UK, Malaysia, or Hong Kong and you’re upgrading with miles; entering the US on a paper visa or green card; or on code-share flights.

3. Airport Check-in

You can also check in at the airport. Usually, check-in counters open two to three hours before your flight is due to depart. Make sure you have your e-ticket, a passport that's valid for at least six months, and any other documents required by the country you're travelling to.

A Brief Overview of China Airlines

China Airlines is a popular Taiwan airline headquartered in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The flights operated by the company mainly focus on Hong Kong, Kaohsiung and Taipei-Songshan. In addition, the airline also has an extensive network of over 100 cities scattered across Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania.

Founded on December 16, 1959, the airline has shown remarkable development and gained many achievements. The airline has recruited over 10,000 employees and flown to over 190 destinations across the continents.

Flying with China Airlines, passengers will receive comfort and safety within all the travel classes. High-quality TV with audio entertainment systems is provided in each seat. Snacks and Drinks are available whenever passengers need to fill their bellies, with a small fee, of course.

Besides the facilities and entertainment activities, the airline offers excellent benefits regarding baggage allowance, which will be explained in detail below.

FAQs

1. How Much Baggage Is Allowed With China Airlines?

Each passenger is entitled to check in two pieces of baggage. The weight limit varies according to your class: 23kg (50 lbs) for Economy, 28kg (61 lbs) for Premium Economy, and 32kg (70 lbs) for Business Class. For international flights, no single baggage should weigh more than 32kg, with special rules if it’s heavier. Members flying China Airlines may have a bit of extra allowance.

2. What Is Not Allowed in China Airlines Check-in Baggage?

Explosives, weapons, flammable liquids or solids, corrosive substances like acids or mercury, toxic materials, and some gases, such as butane or propane, are forbidden. Lithium batteries are limited too, especially ones over 160Wh or those that can not be removed from devices.

3. What if My Luggage Is 1 KG Overweight on China Airlines?

If your bag is just 1kg over, you may be charged an extra fee. Fees are based on your route, ticket class, and whether you pay at the airport or in advance. The best thing to do is check your China Airlines baggage allowance and the airline's website to see exactly what it would cost.

Quyen Pham