CI · Taiwan · Full-service
China Airlines Baggage Policy
Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for China Airlines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.
Quick answer
- Carry-on: up to 22 x 14 x 9", max 7 kg, free
- Personal item: up to 16 x 12 x 6", free on every fare
- Checked bag: $0 first, $0 second (domestic economy)
Carry-on baggage
- Max dimensions (in)
- 22 x 14 x 9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 56 x 36 x 23 cm
- Weight limit
- 7 kg (15 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Medium
Economy and Premium Economy passengers get one carry-on. Business Class passengers get two carry-on bags. Each bag must not exceed 7 kg (15 lb). China Airlines is known to be strict about carry-on weight enforcement.
China Airlines cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum China Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which works out to 56 x 36 x 23 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on China Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag listed as "22 inch" by a luggage brand can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
China Airlines cabin bag weight limit
China Airlines limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at the higher gate-check fee.
Does China Airlines charge for cabin bag bags?
No. China Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.
China Airlines carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Discount | Included | Included | One carry-on (7 kg) plus personal item. One checked bag (23 kg) on long-haul. |
| Economy Standard | Included | Included | One carry-on (7 kg) plus personal item. Two checked bags (23 kg each) on long-haul. |
| Economy Flex | Included | Included | Same as Standard with flexible rebooking. |
| Premium Economy | Included | Included | One carry-on (7 kg) plus personal item. Two checked bags (28 kg each). |
| Business (Dynasty) | Included | Included | Two carry-on bags (7 kg each) plus personal item. Two checked bags (32 kg each). |
China Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft
China Airlines operates A350-900, A330-300, 777-300ER, and 737-800 aircraft. Widebody A350 and 777 aircraft on transpacific routes have ample overhead bin space. Regional 737 flights within Asia have smaller bins and may require gate-checking larger carry-ons.
Avoiding gate-check on China Airlines
Boarding proceeds by cabin class (Business, Premium Economy, Economy) and then by row groups from back to front. Dynasty Flyer elite members board with priority. SkyTeam Elite Plus members from partner airlines also receive priority boarding.
What counts as a personal item on China Airlines
Allowed
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
- Camera bag
Counts as a second carry-on
- Full-size roller bag
- Large duffel
- Any bag exceeding 40x30x15 cm
Common China Airlines carry-on mistakes
- Exceeding the strict 7 kg carry-on weight limit, China Airlines uses scales at the gate and will force-check overweight bags.
- Assuming Economy Discount includes two checked bags on long-haul, it includes only one.
- Bringing a carry-on over 56x36x23 cm on a regional 737 flight, bin space is tight and enforcement is strict.
- Not realizing China Airlines is a SkyTeam member, not Star Alliance, when trying to use lounge access or earn miles on partner airlines.
What happens if your bag does not fit on China Airlines
China Airlines has luggage measurers at the airport. Passengers may be asked to place their bag in the sizer, and bags exceeding the 56x36x23 cm dimensions or 7 kg weight are checked at the gate. A standard excess baggage fee applies for bags that exceed your allowance.
China Airlines vs EVA Air carry-on
China Airlines and EVA Air are Taiwan's two major carriers, both hubbing at TPE. They share identical carry-on dimensions of 56x36x23 cm with a 7 kg limit, and both allow one personal item. The key difference is alliance membership: China Airlines belongs to SkyTeam while EVA Air is Star Alliance. On transpacific routes, both offer two free checked bags in economy (23 kg each), but EVA's Economy Basic/Discount fares reduce this to one bag. China Airlines Business (Dynasty) and EVA's Royal Laurel both allow two carry-on bags and two checked bags at 32 kg. For US-Taiwan travelers, the choice often comes down to frequent flyer program alignment rather than baggage policy differences.
See EVA Air baggage policyPersonal item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 16 x 12 x 6"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 40 x 30 x 15 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
One personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or similar) permitted free under the seat on all classes. Must fit within 40x30x15 cm.
Does your bag count?
| Bag type | Typical size | Fit |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Fits |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Checked baggage fees
Compare fees across airlines →Economy Standard and Flex fares include two free checked bags (23 kg each) on long-haul routes. Economy Discount fares include one bag. Premium Economy gets two bags at 28 kg each. Business Class gets two bags at 32 kg each. Maximum linear dimensions 158 cm (62 in). Excess baggage at the airport costs approximately $280 USD per piece or $10 USD per kg. Prepaid excess is $252 per piece with a 10% online discount. Bags over 32 kg up to 45 kg cost 3x the piece rate. Bags over 45 kg are not accepted.
Ways to skip the China Airlines checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the China Airlines carry-on size.
- Use a China Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- 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
- $150
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments allowed as carry-on if under 7 kg and within 100x36x23 cm. Checked instruments accepted up to 292 cm (115 in) total dimensions. Large fragile instruments can be purchased a cabin seat (CBBG) with 48-hour advance notice.
Sports equipment (golf, bikes, surfboards, diving gear) counts toward the free checked allowance. Items totaling over 115 inches in linear dimensions are treated as two pieces. Bicycles must have deflated tires and be boxed. Pet in cabin costs $150 USD for dogs and cats at least 8 weeks old, in a carrier not exceeding 19x13x9 in with combined pet and carrier weight under 10 kg. Service dogs fly free in the cabin. Pets not accepted on Taiwan-Hong Kong routes.
Basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $0
- One checked bag instead of two on long-haul routes
- Limited rebooking flexibility
- Mileage accrual may be reduced
Frequently asked questions
What is the China Airlines carry-on size limit?
China Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15 lb).
What is the China Airlines personal item size?
The personal item on China Airlines must fit within 16 x 12 x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. One personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or similar) permitted free under the seat on all classes. Must fit within 40x30x15 cm.
Does China Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
No. China Airlines includes one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on most fares.
What is the China Airlines carry-on weight limit?
China Airlines limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15 lb). Overweight carry-ons are typically asked to be checked at the gate.
How much does a checked bag cost on China Airlines?
The first checked bag on China Airlines costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $0. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Economy Standard and Flex fares include two free checked bags (23 kg each) on long-haul routes. Economy Discount fares include one bag. Premium Economy gets two bags at 28 kg each. Business Class gets two bags at 32 kg each. Maximum linear dimensions 158 cm (62 in). Excess baggage at the airport costs approximately $280 USD per piece or $10 USD per kg. Prepaid excess is $252 per piece with a 10% online discount. Bags over 32 kg up to 45 kg cost 3x the piece rate. Bags over 45 kg are not accepted.
Can I bring a carry-on on China Airlines Economy Discount?
Yes. China Airlines Economy Discount passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Economy Discount costs around $0.
How can I avoid China Airlines checked bag fees?
Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the China Airlines carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 9"); (2) hold a China Airlines 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 China Airlines?
China Airlines 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 China Airlines flight
Build a packing list that fits within the China Airlines carry-on and personal-item limits.
China Airlines hubs & focus cities
Major US airports where China Airlines operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.
Compare other airlines
- Air India baggage policy AI · India
- AirAsia baggage policy AK · Malaysia
- ANA All Nippon Airways baggage policy NH · Japan
- Bamboo Airways baggage policy QH · Vietnam
- Cathay Pacific baggage policy CX · Hong Kong
- Cebu Pacific baggage policy 5J · Philippines
- EVA Air baggage policy BR · Taiwan
- IndiGo baggage policy 6E · India
Sources & verification
- Carry-on and personal item: https://baggagepolicies.com/china-airlines-baggage-policy/ verified 2026-04-16
- Checked baggage: https://baggagepolicies.com/china-airlines-baggage-policy/ verified 2026-04-16
- Special items: https://baggagepolicies.com/china-airlines-baggage-policy/ verified 2026-04-16
- Basic economy fare: https://baggagepolicies.com/china-airlines-baggage-policy/ verified 2026-04-16
Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with China Airlines before flying.