Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance:
- All Classes: One carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., small handbag, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, or briefcase).
- Economy and Premium Economy: Carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
- Business Class: Carry-on bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
- First Class: Carry-on bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs).
- Infants (0–23 months): One carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) for essentials, plus a collapsible stroller or car seat.
- Marco Polo Club (Silver/Gold/Diamond) and oneworld (Sapphire/Emerald): May receive increased weight allowances (e.g., Silver/Gold: up to 10 kg in Economy/Premium Economy/Business, 15 kg in First; Sapphire/Emerald: additional benefits in Economy Light).
Size Restrictions:
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions are 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), including handles, wheels, and pockets. Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions are 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inches). Must fit under the seat.
- Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single, transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag, presented separately at security.
Additional Notes:
- Oversized or overweight carry-on bags may be checked into the cargo hold with potential excess fees (e.g., $200 for oversized items exceeding 158 cm / 62 inches).
- Small musical instruments (up to 93 x 39 x 24 cm, including case, and 7 kg) can be carried on as part of the allowance. Larger instruments may require a purchased seat (Cabin Baggage, CBBG) with dimensions up to 136 x 48 x 44 cm.
- Sharp items (e.g., nail scissors, knives) are prohibited in carry-on and must be checked.
- Smart bags with lithium batteries must have batteries removed and carried separately per safety rules.
- On smaller aircraft, carry-on bags may be stowed in the cargo hold due to limited cabin space, retrievable plane-side upon arrival.
Checked Baggage:
Size and Weight Limitations:
- Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 inches, L+W+H) for standard baggage; up to 203 cm (80 inches) for oversized baggage with fees and prior approval.
- Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo; contact Cathay Pacific at least 3 working days prior.
- Oversized (158–203 cm): Subject to a $200 fee per piece.
- Overweight (23–32 kg): Fees range from $60–$150 per piece, depending on route.
- Baggage over 203 cm is not accepted without special arrangements.
Excess Baggage Fees:
- Piece Concept Routes: $60–$150 per extra bag; $200 for oversized (158–203 cm); four times the excess charge for over 203 cm (requires approval).
- Weight Concept Routes: $12–$60 per kg over the allowance, varying by zone.
- Prepaid Extra Baggage: Up to 10% discount if purchased online or via Contact Centre at least 24 hours before departure. Not available for blackout periods or certain routes (e.g., diplomatic bags, some connecting flights).
- Pooled allowances are permitted for passengers checking in together on the same flight.
Codeshare/Interline Flights:
- The Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rules apply per IATA Resolution 302, typically the airline operating the longest leg. If Cathay Pacific is the MSC, their rules apply; otherwise, check the operating carrier’s policy (e.g., Air New Zealand for Hong Kong–Auckland/Christchurch domestic connections).
- For separate tickets, passengers may need to collect and recheck baggage at connecting airports (e.g., Australia, US).
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
- Allowance: Sporting equipment (e.g., golf bags, skis, bicycles) and musical instruments count toward the free baggage allowance if within size (158 cm / 62 inches) and weight (23–32 kg) limits. No surcharge if within allowance.
- Specific Rules:
- Golf Bags, Skis, Snowboards, etc.: Accepted as checked baggage; oversized/overweight items incur fees ($200 for 158–203 cm). Scuba tanks must be empty.
- Bicycles: Require advance notification (72 hours) to confirm space; must be packed in a bike box. Fees apply if exceeding allowance.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (up to 93 x 39 x 24 cm, 7 kg) can be carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked (up to 32 kg, 203 cm) or booked as CBBG (up to 136 x 48 x 44 cm) with a purchased seat. Loosen strings to prevent damage due to pressure/temperature changes.
- Oversized/Fragile Items: Require prior approval; contact Customer Care 3 working days in advance.
- Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 32 kg or 203 cm, hoverboards, toy guns, and certain hazardous items (e.g., compressed gases) are prohibited unless preapproved.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and portable electronic medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines) are carried free. Lithium batteries up to 300 Wh permitted; advance notification required. CPAP machines can be carry-on but not used during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
- Medical Equipment: Personal oxygen equipment (gas-filled) may be carried in the cargo hold if packed per “Dangerous Goods” regulations; contact reservations in advance.
Pet Policy:
- Pets (dogs, cats, birds) can travel in the cargo hold with advance booking and health documentation. Fees vary by route. Assistance animals travel free in the cabin with proper documentation and prior approval.
Tips to Avoid Fees:
- Measure bags: carry-on (56 x 36 x 23 cm), personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm), checked (158 cm). Weigh bags: 7–15 kg for carry-on, 23–32 kg for checked.
- Prepay extra baggage online for up to 10% savings (24 hours before departure).
- Pack essentials (medications, valuables, documents) in your personal item.
- For codeshare flights, confirm the MSC’s rules, especially for Air New Zealand or American Airlines.
- Label bags with contact details to prevent loss.
- Consider luggage shipping services (e.g., SendMyBag, Stasher) for oversized items to avoid fees.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
- Report issues at the airport’s Baggage Services Counter immediately to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). For international flights, file claims within 7 days for damaged baggage or 21 days for delayed baggage.
- Use Cathay Pacific’s online baggage tracing system with the PIR number.
- Liability limits apply; the airline is not responsible for normal wear, valuables, or TSA-related damage.
