Buy Extra Baggage
Updated Jul 9, 2026
Steps
- Book your Air China flight first to obtain a valid e-ticket starting with 999.
- Go to airchina.com.cn and click '我的订单/行程' (My Booking/Itinerary) on the top navigation bar.
- Enter your ticket number and last name to retrieve your booking, or log in to your Phoenix Miles (PhoenixMiles) account.
- Select '额外行李服务' (Extra Baggage Service) from the available ancillary services.
- Select the baggage option you need from the available products (extra checked bag, overweight/oversized allowance, or special baggage) and specify the quantity.
- Complete payment online using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. The prepaid baggage will be linked to your booking.
Prices
Extra checked bags
International routes use piece-based pricing divided into five IATA zones. Domestic China routes use weight-based pricing at 1.5% of the economy class published fare per kg. Each extra piece must not exceed 23 kg (economy/premium economy) or 32 kg (first/business class) and 158 cm total dimensions.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic China (weight-based) | 1.5% of economy class fare per kg |
|
| Zone 1 — Americas (excl. US/Canada) & Caribbean ↔ Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW Pacific | CNY 1,400 / USD 220 per piece (1st) |
|
| Zone 2 — Europe/Middle East ↔ Africa, Asia, SW Pacific; Japan ↔ SW Pacific; Japan/SW Pacific ↔ Asia/Africa | CNY 1,100 / EUR 140 / USD 160 per piece (1st) |
|
| Zone 3 — Canada ↔ Americas (excl. US/Canada), Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW Pacific | CNY 1,590 / USD 230 / CAD 300 per piece (2nd+) |
|
| Zone 4 — US (incl. Hawaii) ↔ Americas (excl. US), Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, SW Pacific | CNY 1,380 / USD 200 per piece (1st) |
|
| Zone 5 — Africa ↔ Asia (excl. Japan); Europe ↔ Middle East; Intra-Asia (excl. Japan); Intra-Americas (excl. US/Canada) & Caribbean; other routes | CNY 830 / USD 120 per piece (1st) |
|
Overweight baggage
Overweight fees are charged per piece and vary by zone. Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lb) cannot be accepted as checked baggage.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 — 23-28 kg (≤158 cm) | CNY 380 / USD 60 |
|
| Zone 1 — 28-32 kg (≤158 cm) | CNY 980 / USD 150 |
|
| Zone 5 — 23-28 kg (≤158 cm) | CNY 210 / USD 30 |
|
| Zone 5 — 28-32 kg (≤158 cm) | CNY 520 / USD 75 |
|
Oversized baggage
Oversized fees apply when bag dimensions exceed 158 cm but do not exceed 203 cm total (length + width + height). Bags exceeding 203 cm cannot be accepted as checked baggage.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 — ≤23 kg, 158-203 cm | CNY 980 / USD 150 |
|
| Zone 1 — 23-32 kg, 158-203 cm | CNY 1,400 / USD 220 |
|
| Zone 5 — ≤23 kg, 158-203 cm | CNY 830 / USD 120 |
|
Special baggage
Special baggage includes sports equipment, musical instruments, pets, and other items requiring individual packaging. Fees vary by weight and whether the item counts toward the free baggage allowance.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sports equipment (within free allowance, 23-45 kg) | CNY 2,600–5,200 / USD 400–800 |
|
| Musical instruments, small electronics, camping gear (within free allowance, ≤23 kg) | CNY 490 / USD 75 |
|
| Musical instruments, small electronics, camping gear (>23 kg or exceeds free allowance) | CNY 1,300–3,900 / USD 200–600 |
|
| Pets (cats and dogs, in-cabin ≤8 kg container) | CNY 1,300 / USD 200 per container |
|
FAQ
Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?
Yes. Go to airchina.com.cn, click '我的订单/行程' (My Booking/Itinerary), retrieve your booking, and select '额外行李服务' (Extra Baggage Service) under ancillary services. You can also purchase via the Air China mobile app.
Where do I buy extra baggage?
Online at airchina.com.cn via 'My Booking/Itinerary' or the 'Additional Services' page, through the Air China mobile app (中国国航APP), at airport check-in counters, or by calling Air China customer service at 95583 (China) or your local Air China office.
How many extra bags can I buy, and what are the bag limits?
There is no maximum limit on the number of checked bags (including regular and special baggage). However, the 7th and any subsequent paid bags (beyond free allowance and membership benefits) require advance approval from an Air China sales office/station and may not travel on the same flight. Each bag must not exceed 32 kg (70 lb) and 203 cm (80 in) total dimensions.
When is the deadline to buy extra baggage online?
Air China does not publish a single fixed deadline; availability depends on the route and fare type. Online purchase is available after ticketing through 'My Booking/Itinerary'. Pre-purchase before arriving at the airport is recommended to guarantee availability.
How does Air China calculate extra baggage charges?
Air China uses two pricing systems: weight-based (domestic China routes, charged at 1.5% of the economy class published fare per kg) and piece-based (international routes, divided into 5 IATA zones with fixed per-piece fees). Overweight and oversized surcharges apply per zone and may be combined for bags exceeding both limits.
Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online in advance vs at the airport?
Air China publishes standard excess baggage fees that apply at both online and airport purchase channels. Online prepurchase through the website or app is recommended for convenience and to guarantee availability before arriving at the airport.
What are the overweight or oversized baggage rules?
Each checked bag must not exceed 32 kg (70 lb) and 203 cm (80 in) total dimensions. Overweight fees apply from 23-32 kg. Oversized fees apply for bags 158-203 cm. Bags exceeding both limits are charged a combined fee. Bags over 32 kg or 203 cm cannot be accepted as checked baggage.
Do codeshare or partner-operated flights have different baggage rules?
Air China is a Star Alliance member. For flights operated by partner airlines, the operating carrier's baggage rules and fees apply. For connecting itineraries involving multiple carriers, the most significant carrier's rules may govern baggage allowances. Always verify with Air China or the operating carrier for codeshare flights.
Can I pay for extra baggage with credit cards or other methods?
Online payment accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Chinese payment methods (UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay) on the Air China website. At airport counters, cash and major credit cards are accepted. Specific available methods may vary by region.
Are there any important exceptions or restrictions I should know?
Special baggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, pets) has separate fee schedules. Passengers with disabilities may transport assistive devices (wheelchairs, portable oxygen concentrators, etc.) free of charge. Bags containing dangerous goods, perishable items without proper packaging, or prohibited items cannot be transported. The 7th+ paid bag requires advance approval.