What are the baggage regulations for flights within China?
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
Total weight of carry-on baggage for each passenger may not exceed 5kg. First class passengers are allowed to carry up to 2 pieces. All other passengers shall carry on only one piece. The size may not exceed 20×40x55cm. Carry-on baggage in excess of the weight limit is subject to an excess baggage fee and has to be checked at the baggage control.
(For tourists, sometimes exceptions are made, but this is not assured!)
FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Free baggage allowance includes checked baggage and cabin baggage (please see “Carry-on baggage”).
Passengers holding a first class ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 40kg.
Passengers holding a Business class ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 30kg.
Passengers holding an economy class ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg.
No free baggage allowance is granted to infants.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING TOGETHER IN A GROUP WITH MORE THAN ONE PERSON, YOU CAN USE YOUR ALLOWANCE TOGETHER.
Even though the check-in baggage allowance is 20kg pef person when flying in China. You can put 2 people’s allowance together, which means, if you have 35kg, your friend can have only 5kg, as long as you 2 check in together at the airport, that will be fine. But if the total weight exceeds 40kg, they will charge you the over weight part. This policy also applies to 3, 4, 5 or even more people, as long as they are checking in at the same time at the airport counter.
ARTICLES WHICH CANNOT BE TAKEN AS BAGGAGE
Passengers are not allowed to carry any dangerous articles in their luggage, such as flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, radioactive and magnetized materials. Passengers are forbidden to carry either arms nor sharp or lethal weapons when taking a flight.
ARTICLES WHICH CANNOT BE PACKED IN THE CHECKED BAGGAGE
Passengers are warned to pack important documents, classified materials, diplomatic mail bags, negotiable securities, money, valuables, vulnerable perishables, important articles and other articles needed in the special custody of somebody, into the checked baggage. The carrier will not be liable for the loss or damage of the aforementioned objects.
BAGGAGE PACKING
The checked baggage should be packed perfectly, well locked, tied up solidly and be able to withstand pressure to a reasonable extent. Carriers may refuse to accept for carriage, if the baggage packing does not meet the requirements.
BAGGAGE COMPENSATION
The carrier will be liable to compensate for the loss of, or damage to the checked baggage due to the carrier’s fault. The norm of compensation shall not exceed 50 Chinese Yuan per kg. If the value of the baggage is less than 50 Chinese Yuan per kg, the amount of compensation shall be paid according to the actual value of the loss.
BAGGAGE DECLARED VALUE
A passenger may declare the value of his baggage if the value of his checked baggage exceeds 50 Chinese Yuan per kg. Baggage declared value should and can not exceed the real value of the current baggage. The maximum baggage declared value is at 8,000 Chinese Yuan.
SECURITY INSPECTIION
Passengers and their baggage (including checked and carry-on baggage) have to pass the security inspection before boarding the aircraft or the train.
What about airport tax in China?
In most cases the airport tax is already included in your flight ticket and you do not have to care about it.
Just for your reference:
Currently, the airport tax is about 50 Chinese Yuan (about USD 6) for domestic flights. For international flights it is about 90 Yuan (about USD 10). In HongKong, the airport tax consists of the airport construction fee and the departure tax and is 115 Yuan (about USD 14). All fees are payable in Chinese Yuan and in cash only at one of the special airport tax desks before your check-in.
Can I request one window seat or aisle seat while booking the flight tickets?
No, this is unfortunately not possible. When you get your boarding card at the airport, you can ask for available window- or aisle seats.
