China Airlines Baggage Policy

Understanding the China Airlines baggage policy helps travelers avoid unexpected fees and airport hassles. Whether you’re flying on a short regional route or a long-haul international journey, each travel class—Economy, Premium Economy, or Business—comes with its own set of baggage rules. 

From carry-on dimensions to checked baggage weight limits and extra baggage fees, the policy outlines clear expectations for every type of traveler. This guide distills those official rules into clear, practical advice—no guesswork, only verified details straight from China Airlines’ own sources. Whether you’re packing light or carrying more, staying informed about what’s allowed can help make your journey smoother and stress-free. Let’s look into China Airlines’ baggage policy at length.

China Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

As part of the comprehensive China Airlines baggage policy, travelers are expected to follow strict guidelines regarding the size, weight, and number of checked bags, based on their travel class and route. These requirements are critical to ensure smooth baggage processing and compliance with safety regulations.

Standard Size and Weight Limits

For all fare types, each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height). Weight limits vary by travel class:

• Economy Class: Up to 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag
• Premium Economy: Up to 28 kg (61 lbs) per bag
• Business Class: Up to 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag

It’s important to note that China Airlines does not accept any single checked bag over 32 kg, unless approved in advance for special items.

Baggage Allowance by Fare and Route

Economy Class

Allowance varies based on fare type and route:

• Short-Haul (within Asia):
  • Discount/Basic: 1 piece
  • Standard/Flex/Award: 2 pieces
• Trans-Tasman (Australia–New Zealand):
  • Discount/Basic: No free checked baggage
  • Standard/Flex/Award: 1 piece
• Long-Haul (US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand):
  • Discount: 1 piece
  • Basic to Award: 2 pieces

Premium Economy and Business Class

For all international routes, both classes enjoy the same entitlement across booking types:

• Premium Economy: 2 pieces (28 kg each)
• Business Class: 2 pieces (32 kg each)

These generous allowances reflect the premium nature of these travel classes and are consistent regardless of route or fare tier.

Special Note for Air Canada Connections

If your itinerary starts with Air Canada (AC) on a China Airlines ticket, different rules apply:

• Economy Class: 1 piece (23 kg)
• Business Class: 2 pieces (32 kg each)

In such cases, Air Canada’s baggage policy governs the entire trip, even on segments operated by China Airlines.

Important Restrictions and Recommendations Regarding China Airlines’ Baggage Policy 

According to the China Airlines baggage policy, passengers must follow these rules:

• Overweight bags (over 32 kg) are not accepted unless special approval is granted.
• Fragile, perishable, or high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, or business documents should never be packed in checked baggage. These are not covered for loss or damage by the airline.
• Checked baggage inspections in the U.S. are governed by TSA regulations. Travelers must leave their bags unlocked or risk them being forcibly opened by TSA agents.

China Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy

A crucial part of understanding the overall China Airlines baggage policy is knowing what you’re allowed to bring into the cabin. China Airlines enforces specific size, weight, and quantity restrictions on carry-on baggage to maintain cabin safety and ensure proper stowage. Travelers are encouraged to comply with these guidelines to avoid delays, gate-checking, or additional fees.

Cabin Baggage Dimensions and Weight

Each carry-on item must not exceed 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), including handles and wheels. The weight limit for each piece is 7 kg (15 lbs). These limits are in place to ensure items fit securely in overhead compartments or beneath the seat in front.

Passengers in:

• Economy and Premium Economy Class: Allowed 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item
• Business and Premium Business Class: Allowed 2 carry-on bags and 1 personal item

Personal items can include a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. You may even include duty-free merchandise (in limited amounts), a camera case, a small camera, an umbrella, infant napkins, feeding bottles, and even their food for consumption. 

Storage Guidelines and Safety Considerations

To ensure safety and avoid overhead bin congestion, China Airlines requires that all carry-on baggage:

• Fits in the designated bin or under the seat
• Does not block aisles or exits
• Is not placed on laps or in the cloakroom

On certain aircraft—especially single-aisle planes—even baggage that meets standard size restrictions may need to be gate-checked due to limited space.

Overloaded or awkwardly shaped bags that pose a risk to passengers or crew will be denied cabin stowage and must be checked in. If any bag exceeds the China Airlines baggage weight limits or does not fit securely, it will be stored in the cargo hold.

Special Considerations Regarding China Airlines: Travel Gadgets and Medical Devices

Travel accessories like inflatable cushions or multifunctional luggage may be permitted on board only if they meet airline size and weight limits, and do not interfere with passenger comfort or cabin safety. Use of such items is not allowed during the flight’s take-off, taxing, and landing, and only in select seat types (e.g., window seats A/K or middle seats E/F). 

Infants or kids below two cannot use travel gadgets. Moreover, two or more travel gadget units mustn’t be put together for kids to lie down. Also, adults must accompany kids when they use travel gadgets. 

Additionally, medical assistive devices (e.g., canes, crutches, portable medical equipment) and items for infants, such as collapsible strollers and child safety seats, may be brought into the cabin. These may exceed normal size and weight limits, but must still be able to fit in overhead storage or be gate-checked.

Security Rules for Liquids and Sharp Items on China Airlines’ Flight 

As with most international carriers, China Airlines adheres to the ICAO liquid restrictions:

• Each liquid must be in a container of 100 ml or less
• All containers must fit inside a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag
• Only one such bag is allowed per passenger
• They can only be carried in the cabin baggage. During security checks, the passenger must separate the liquid from their cabin baggage and present it to the security personnel to be screened. 

Medications and infant formula are allowed outside this limit but must be declared at security checkpoints. Passengers should carry supporting documents for prescribed medicines.

Sharp objects such as scissors, metal nail files, and tweezers are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked luggage. If discovered during security screening, these items may be confiscated, delayed, or disposed of without compensation from the airline.

Duty-Free Items and Transit Regulations

Passengers should be aware that duty-free liquids purchased before transiting through Taiwan may be confiscated due to security screening regulations at Taiwan Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports. To avoid losing your purchases, it is advised to buy duty-free items after completing your transfer.

By staying within the China Airlines carry-on baggage allowance, passengers can ensure a smoother boarding process and contribute to overall flight safety. Always double-check current guidelines before traveling, especially if carrying special or oversized items, to avoid complications at the gate.

Excess Baggage Charges- China Airlines

If a passenger’s checked baggage exceeds the free baggage allowance, excess baggage fees apply. These charges vary based on:

• Number of excess pieces
• Weight or size of the baggage
• Flight zones and itinerary

Standard Excess Baggage Charges (Per Piece) – In USD

Between	Taiwan	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5
Taiwan	–	$110	$150	$180	$200	$230
Zone 1	$110	$150	$180	$200	$220	$110
Zone 2	$150	$180	$200*	$220	$230	$110
Zone 3	$180	$200	$220	$230	$240	$110
Zone 4	$200	$220	$230	$240	$250	$110
Zone 5	$230	$230	$240	$250	$260	$110

Note: Between Australia and New Zealand: USD $50 per piece

Excess Baggage Charges (CAD) – For Departures from Canada

Between	Taiwan	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5
Taiwan	–	$154	$210	$252	$280	$322
Zone 1	$154	$210	$252	$280	$308	$322
Zone 2	$210	$252	$280*	$308	$322	$336
Zone 3	$252	$280	$308	$322	$336	$350
Zone 4	$280	$308	$322	$336	$350	$364
Zone 5	$322	$322	$336	$350	$364	$378

Note: Between Australia and New Zealand: CAD $68 per piece

Oversized & Overweight Baggage Policy of China Airlines 

China Airlines imposes additional fees on checked baggage that exceeds standard size or weight limits. These charges vary based on how much the item exceeds the allowed dimensions or weight range.

Size-Based Charges

• 158 – 203 cm (62 – 80 in): 0.5 piece excess charge
• >203 cm (80 in): 1 piece excess charge
• >292 cm (115 in): 2 pieces excess charge (Accepted only if space available)

Weight-Based Charges

• 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs): 0.5 piece excess charge (Economy: 23 kg; Premium Economy: 28 kg limit)
• 32–45 kg (70–100 lbs): 3 pieces excess charge
• >45 kg (100 lbs): Must be shipped as cargo

Prepaid Excess Baggage Discounts

Passengers can pre-purchase an extra baggage allowance online and receive a 10% discount.

Prepaid Charges in USD (Per Piece)

Between	Taiwan	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3
Taiwan	–	$99	$135	$162
Zone 1	$99	$135	$162	$180
Zone 2	$135	$162	$180	$198
Zone 3	$162	$180	$198	$207

Prepaid Charges in CAD (Per Piece)

Between	Taiwan	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3
Taiwan	–	$139	$189	$227
Zone 1	$139	$189	$227	$252
Zone 2	$189	$227	$252	$277
Zone 3	$227	$252	$277	$290

Prepaid Terms:

• Must be purchased at least 4 hours before departure
• Valid for China Airlines (CI) or Mandarin Airlines (AE) ticketed flights only
• Refundable if unused (within 2 years of purchase)
• Not transferable or pooled among passengers
• Special baggage excluded (e.g., musical instruments, pets, sports equipment)

China Airlines’ Cabin Baggage (CBBG) 

China Airlines offers passengers the option to purchase an additional seat to carry special items in the cabin, known as Cabin Baggage (CBBG). This service is typically used for transporting delicate, valuable, or sensitive items such as musical instruments, statues, urns, and other fragile objects that require extra care. 

To arrange for CBBG, passengers must contact China Airlines or Mandarin Airlines sales or reservation offices at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure. Advance confirmation is mandatory to ensure proper accommodation.

The item must be securely packed by the passenger in a non-glass container and must not interfere with seat securing systems or cabin safety procedures. Musical instruments, if placed on the floor, must have a handle for ease of carrying and storage and must meet the airline’s specified size limits. If an item meets the standard carry-on baggage dimensions (not exceeding 56 x 36 x 23 cm or 7 kg), it can instead be carried as regular hand baggage and stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat.

The maximum weight limit for CBBG is 75 kg, and only one well-packed item is allowed per purchased seat. The item must be safely secured using seat belts and should not obstruct emergency equipment, exits, evacuation routes, or safety demonstrations. 

Passengers traveling with CBBG must board the aircraft before general boarding to ensure proper placement. Re-seating is not allowed once the CBBG is secured, and both the passenger and the item must disembark together. If the item cannot be properly stowed in the cabin, it must be checked in as hold baggage.

China Airlines Baggage Policy for Musical Instruments

China Airlines allows passengers to travel with musical instruments either as part of their carry-on baggage, cabin baggage (CBBG), or checked baggage, depending on the instrument’s size and weight.

Small Musical Instruments

Passengers can carry small musical instruments such as violins, flutes, or similar items as part of their hand baggage if the size does not exceed 100 x 36 x 23 cm and the total weight, including the case, remains under 7 kg. These instruments must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat and be properly packed in a hard case to ensure safety during transit. 

It’s also recommended to loosen the strings of stringed instruments before travel to avoid damage due to temperature changes and air pressure variations.

Oversized Musical Instruments

Instruments that exceed the carry-on size or seat stowage limits—like cellos or basses—may be transported in the cabin as Cabin Baggage (CBBG) by purchasing an additional seat. However, if the instrument cannot be properly secured to the seat due to its height or width, it is classified as oversized and must be stowed on the floor near the seat, typically in specific designated areas:

• On the floor of a window seat in the first row (adjacent to or behind a partition).
• In the middle seat section of the last row in dual-aisle aircraft, where those seats remain unoccupied.

Such placement ensures that oversized instruments do not obstruct emergency exits or evacuation routes and adhere to safety regulations.

Charges for Musical Instruments

Musical instruments checked in as baggage follow the airline’s standard baggage allowance. However, China Airlines provides special consideration for professional musicians by permitting musical instruments with total dimensions up to 292 cm (115 in) as part of the free baggage allowance.

If an instrument exceeds this size, it is subject to two pieces of excess baggage charges and may only be transported as checked baggage if space is available in the cargo hold. For pricing, travelers should refer to the Excess Baggage section on the official China Airlines website.

Whether hand-carried, seat-purchased, or checked, all musical instruments must be properly secured, safely packed, and compliant with airline safety and dimension guidelines.

China Airlines Baggage Policy for Sporting Equipment

China Airlines accommodates the transportation of various types of sporting equipment, but passengers are required to make prior arrangements by contacting CI offices at the time of booking. This is to ensure proper handling, space allocation, and compliance with airline and international regulations.

General Guidelines

Most sporting gear can be checked in as part of your free baggage allowance, but if your equipment exceeds the standard weight or dimension limits, excess baggage charges will apply. When equipment is packed separately, each package is treated as an individual piece of baggage, and fees are calculated accordingly. 

If the total linear dimensions exceed 292 cm (115 in), it will be charged the rate equivalent to two excess baggage pieces, and is subject to space availability in the cargo hold.

Important packing note:

All items must be securely packed—preferably using bubble wrap or other protective material—to avoid internal collisions that may cause damage. China Airlines does not take liability for damage caused by poor packaging or inherent defects in the equipment.

Accepted Types of Sporting Equipment

The following items are generally accepted and are subject to a weight limit only (no dimension limit), provided they are for personal use:

• Golf clubs
• Bicycles (non-motorized touring or racing, single-seat only; tires must be deflated and the bike packed in a sturdy box or proper bag)
• Fishing/Angling gear
• Scuba diving equipment (scuba tanks must be completely emptied)
• Hockey/Lacrosse gear
• Archery equipment
• Bowling gear
• Sporting firearms and ammunition (with special requirements and permits)
• Surfboards, Windsurfing gear, Bodyboards
• Canoes and Kayaks

Note: If any clothing or non-sporting items are included in the same package, the equipment will no longer be treated as sporting gear but as regular baggage, and oversized fees may apply.

Firearms & Ammunition

For firearms and ammunition, strict guidelines must be followed:

• Transportation is permitted for personal use only, and all relevant export/import licenses and permits must be presented.
• Ammunition must be packed in a shatter-proof, rigid container with no loose shells.
• Rifles: Max 2 rifles and 5 kg of ammunition per case.
• Pistols: Max 5 pistols and 5 kg of ammunition per case.

All documentation must be submitted to China Airlines at least 5 working days prior to departure.

Charges

Sporting equipment is usually included in the checked baggage allowance, but excess charges will apply if:

• It exceeds the number of allowed checked bags
• It exceeds the standard weight limit
• It exceeds 292 cm (115 in) in size (charged as 2 excess baggage pieces)

The currency conversion for excess fees is based on the exchange rate at the time of departure, and current rates can be verified under the Excess Baggage section on the China Airlines official website.

China Airlines Policy For Mobility Aids

China Airlines allows mobility aids to be transported free of charge as part of a passenger’s checked baggage, without impacting the standard baggage allowance. This includes items such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, respirators, and ventilators, provided they are for use by passengers with disabilities.

Devices that are battery-operated, such as electric wheelchairs or scooters, are also accepted under this policy, though passengers may need to follow specific battery handling and packaging guidelines based on the device type. It is strongly advised to contact China Airlines or refer to the Special Assistance section on their official website in advance for proper arrangements and to ensure compliance with safety and transport regulations.

Also Read: Aruba Airlines Baggage Policy

Traveling with Pets on China Airlines

China Airlines allows household dogs and cats (including psychiatric assistance dogs on select routes) to travel as checked baggage (AVIH), provided the itinerary includes only flights directly operated by China Airlines or Mandarin Airlines. Pets cannot be accepted on interline or codeshare segments.

Passengers must contact the airline’s booking department and submit a pet transport request at least 48 hours before departure. Additionally, travelers must fill out two copies of the Passenger’s Declaration for Live Animals (Baggage)—one submitted during check-in and the other affixed to the pet container.

Please note:

• Transport on B738 aircraft is not allowed due to a lack of temperature-controlled cargo holds.
• A maximum of 8 pet containers can be accommodated per flight.
• Each seat-occupying passenger (including children/infants) may check in up to 2 pet containers.
• Only one pet per container is allowed.

Destination Regulations and Documentation

Pet travel is subject to import/export regulations of the destination and transit countries. Passengers must verify:

• Required health or import certificates,
• Quarantine rules,
• Breed/type and quantity restrictions.

Special U.S. Entry Rules (effective August 1, 2024):

Pets entering the United States must meet new CDC regulations. Dogs without completed documentation will be denied entry. From February 1, 2025, China Airlines will issue an Air Waybill (AWB) for each dog traveling to the U.S., which must be printed and signed by the owner. Failure to present a valid AWB at check-in or upon entry will result in refusal of pet transport.

Restrictions on Pet Acceptance

• No newborn pets (under 10 weeks) are allowed.
• Pregnant pets must be under 40 days into pregnancy; no pets within 7 days post-birth will be accepted.
• Pets with strong odors will be denied carriage.
• Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are restricted based on travel route and season due to a higher risk in air travel.

Pet Container Requirements

Pet containers must meet IATA standards, be made of rigid plastic, and include:

• One secure door and ventilation on four sides,
• Space for pets to stand, lie, and turn naturally,
• Zip-tied door, absorbent bedding, water and food containers, and a visible “Live Animal” label.

Container Dimension Guidelines:

• Length = A + ½ B
• Width = C × 2
• Height = D (natural standing height) + Bedding

Maximum External Dimensions:

• Height: 70 cm
• Width: 90 cm

Charges for Pet Transportation

Pets and containers are not part of the free baggage allowance. Charges are based on combined weight, and special fixed rates apply for pets under 32 kg. If the combined weight exceeds 32 kg, double charges apply.

Zone	Under 32kg Rate (TWD)	Over 32kg Rate (TWD)
Zone 1	392 – 460	644 – 700
Zone 2	490 – 560	644 – 700
Zone 3	560 – 728	700 – 728

Excess Baggage Rule:

If the total dimensions of a pet container exceed 292 cm (115 in), it will be charged as two pieces of excess baggage, and carriage depends on cargo space availability.

Special Restrictions:

• Fighting dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, American Bullies, and Tosa Inus are not accepted.
• Snub-nosed cats/dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and Shih Tzus are only accepted:
  • In select regions (e.g., Japan, Taiwan, Australia) and
  • During certain months and if the total travel time is under 6 hours.
  • Kennel must be one size larger than standard.

Service Dogs

China Airlines permits trained service dogs to travel in the cabin free of charge when assisting passengers with disabilities. This does not include emotional support animals unless recognized as psychiatric assistance dogs on applicable routes.

Conclusion 

China Airlines’ baggage policy is designed to accommodate a wide range of travel needs while maintaining safety, efficiency, and compliance with international regulations. Whether you’re flying with standard baggage, sporting equipment, mobility aids, or even pets, the airline offers clear guidelines to help you prepare in advance. 

Passengers are encouraged to review specific allowances and restrictions based on their travel class and destination, and to make necessary arrangements, especially for special items, well before departure. By following the outlined policies, travelers can enjoy a smoother, stress-free experience with China Airlines. Always confirm the latest rules before your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions