Air New Zealand Baggage Policy

Cabin Baggage:

Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag, max 7 kg (15 lbs), total linear dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 118 cm (46.5 in, including handles/wheels) + 1 small personal item (e.g., handbag, slim laptop bag) that fits under the seat. On smaller Q300 aircraft, the width (measurement 'C') must not exceed 22 cm (8.7 in).
Premium Economy, Business Premier, Business Premier Luxe, Airpoints Gold, Elite, Star Alliance Gold: 2 carry-on bags, combined max 14 kg (30 lbs), with no single bag over 10 kg (22 lbs), same dimensions + 1 personal item.
Infants (under 2): 1 carry-on bag (max 7 kg, same dimensions).
Additional Items: Duty-free bags, jackets, umbrellas, cameras, reading material, infant carry baskets, baby food, and assistive devices (e.g., crutches, collapsible wheelchairs) are free and do not count toward the allowance.
Enforcement: Air New Zealand has increased spot checks due to passengers exploiting limits, especially at Auckland (AKL) and Wellington (WLG). Oversized/overweight bags must be checked into the hold, with fees starting at $35 NZD per bag ($70 NZD for New Zealand to Australia/Pacific Islands, except Perth/Honolulu/Bali).
Liquids: Max 100 ml per container, total 1 liter, in a transparent, resealable bag. Prohibited items include sharp objects, flammables, and excessive lithium-ion batteries (>100 Wh or >2 spares); batteries must be in carry-on.

Checked Baggage:

Allowance by Fare Type and Route (max 23 kg/50 lbs per bag, 158 cm/62 in total linear dimensions):

Domestic New Zealand:

Seat Only: No checked baggage.
Seat+Bag, Flexi Time, Smart Saver: 1 bag.
Flexi Plus: 2 bags.

International:

Seat+Bag, The Works, Economy: 1 bag (23 kg), except 2 bags for Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Honolulu, or Australia to USA (excl. New York), South America, Canada.
Works Deluxe, Premium Economy: 2 bags.
Business Premier, Business Premier Luxe: 3 bags (max 23 kg each).

Infants (under 2): No checked baggage allowance, but 1–2 items (stroller, car seat, or bassinet) free, suitably packed.

Children (2–11): Same as adult allowance for the fare type.

Max Limits: Max 3 checked bags per passenger. Bags >23 kg (up to 32 kg/70 lbs) or >158 cm (up to 2.5 m/98.4 in on jets, 1.8 m x 0.8 m x 1.2 m on regional flights) incur fees. Bags >32 kg or >2.5 m must be shipped via Air New Zealand Cargo.

Special Items:

Sports Equipment: Items 2 m (6.5 ft) and 23 kg (e.g., bikes, golf clubs, skis, surfboards) count as standard checked baggage. Oversized (>2 m, up to 2.5 m) or overweight (23–32 kg) incur fees (NZD 40–325). Bikes must be packed in a bag/box (NZD 25 at airports); tyre pressure 200 kPa.
Musical Instruments: Carry-on if within size/weight limits. Checked as baggage (counts toward allowance, max 23 kg). Large instruments (e.g., guitars) may require an extra seat (prior approval). Fees apply if no allowance.
Pets: Domestic flights allow cats, dogs, and small caged birds as checked baggage (max 32 kg with kennel, 1 cage per passenger). International flights require cargo transport. Fees vary (e.g., NZD 75–200 domestic).
Firearms/Ammunition: Allowed as checked baggage (max 5 kg ammo, unloaded, packed) with prior approval (48 hours). Fees apply (e.g., NZD 50–100).
Medical/Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and portable oxygen concentrators (FAA-approved, max 7 kg, 115 cm) free. CPAP machines require 48-hour notice and Air New Zealand MEDA form.
Strollers/Car Seats: Free for infants/children, up to 2 items, even if no checked baggage allowance. Must be packed (straps stowed, ideally in a travel bag).

Additional Notes:

Codeshare/Interline Flights: For journeys starting/ending in the U.S., the first ticketed carrier’s allowance applies throughout. For non-U.S. routes, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rule applies (longest leg). Separate tickets require re-checking baggage, and each carrier’s rules apply. Pacific Premium Economy allowance (2 bags) not recognized by other carriers. Check partner policies (e.g., Virgin Australia, Air France).
Lost/Damaged Baggage: Report damage within 7 days, loss within 21 days at airport or online (Property Irregularity Report). Track via Air NZ app. Compensation per Montreal Convention (up to ~€1,414).
Check-In: Online check-in opens 24 hours prior; closes 30 minutes (domestic) or 90 minutes (international) before departure. Baggage drop closes 60 minutes before international flights, 45 minutes for domestic. Oversized items go to designated desks.