NZ · New Zealand · Full-service

Air New Zealand Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Air New Zealand, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1", max 7 kg, free
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat (no published dimensions), free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: Seat allows a carry-on

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight limit
7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Air New Zealand uses total linear dimensions: the sum of length, width, and height must not exceed 118 cm (46.5 in). A typical 55 x 40 x 23 cm trolley fits. Seat Only fares may limit you to a personal item.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Handbag or small laptop bag that fits under the seat. Included in the 7 kg total.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Under-seat only
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Under-seat only
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Under-seat only
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Under-seat only
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Under-seat only
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Under-seat only

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Long-haul Seat+Bag and The Works fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb (62 linear in). Seat fare includes NO checked bag. Extra checked bags online are roughly NZD 20-30 per bag (about USD 12-18) domestically; long-haul extra bags run about GBP 70 (about USD 90). Airport rates are significantly higher at NZD 50+. Max up to 3 total checked bags per passenger. Airpoints elites get 1 free extra bag.

Ways to skip the Air New Zealand checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Air New Zealand carry-on size.
  2. Use a Air New Zealand co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.

Air New Zealand does not allow pets in the cabin except registered assistance dogs. Pets travel as cargo via Air New Zealand Cargo, priced per shipment. Ski, golf, and bike equipment count as a standard checked bag within allowance; sports-equipment fees apply to extra or oversized items.

Basic economy restrictions

Seat Air New Zealand's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No checked bag included (add Seat+Bag or The Works for bag)
  • No seat selection until check-in
  • No changes
  • Non-refundable
  • Reduced Airpoints earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the Air New Zealand carry-on size limit?

Air New Zealand allows a carry-on bag up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What is the Air New Zealand personal item size?

Air New Zealand does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Handbag or small laptop bag that fits under the seat. Included in the 7 kg total.

How much does a checked bag cost on Air New Zealand?

The first checked bag on Air New Zealand costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Long-haul Seat+Bag and The Works fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb (62 linear in). Seat fare includes NO checked bag. Extra checked bags online are roughly NZD 20-30 per bag (about USD 12-18) domestically; long-haul extra bags run about GBP 70 (about USD 90). Airport rates are significantly higher at NZD 50+. Max up to 3 total checked bags per passenger. Airpoints elites get 1 free extra bag.

Can I bring a carry-on on Air New Zealand Seat?

Yes. Air New Zealand Seat passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid Air New Zealand checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Air New Zealand carry-on size of 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"); (2) hold a Air New Zealand co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Pack for your Air New Zealand flight

Build a packing list that fits within the Air New Zealand carry-on and personal-item limits.

Generate a packing list Browse destinations

Air New Zealand hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Air New Zealand operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Air New Zealand before flying.