Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance:
- Economy and Premium Economy Class: One carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., laptop bag, small handbag, coat, camera, binoculars, reading materials). Maximum weight: 5 kg (11 lbs) for the carry-on bag.
- Business and First Class: Two carry-on bags and one personal item, each bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs), total 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Infants (0–23 months): One carry-on bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) for essentials, plus a collapsible stroller, baby basket, or car seat (max 115 cm / 45 inches if carried in the cabin).
Size Restrictions:
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 7.8 inches, total 115 cm / 45 inches). Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Personal Item: No specific dimensions provided, but must fit under the seat in front of you (e.g., small handbag, laptop bag).
- 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 must be checked at the counter or gate and may incur excess baggage fees (e.g., treated as checked baggage with applicable rates).
- On smaller aircraft, carry-on bags may be stowed in the cargo hold due to limited cabin space, retrievable upon arrival.
- Prohibited items in carry-on include sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), poisonous substances, and lithium-ion batteries over 160 Wh (100–160 Wh requires prior approval). Gold chains or jewelry can be carried in hand baggage for free, provided they comply with security rules.
- Cabin Baggage (CBBG) for fragile/valuable items (e.g., musical instruments, precision equipment) requires a purchased seat, booked at least 6 hours before departure via the hotline, app, or ticketing office.
- Foldable strollers (up to 115 cm) can be carried in the cabin; larger strollers must be checked.
- Passengers must cooperate with security checks, and baggage may be inspected at check-in, security, boarding gates, or in the cabin.
Checked Baggage:
Piece Concept Routes (e.g., to/from Japan, Americas, Oceania, Russia, Dubai, Singapore to China, Middle/West Asia):
- Economy Class: Two checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Premium Economy: Two checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: Two checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- First Class: Three checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Infants: One checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) or 115 cm (45 inches), plus one stroller or car seat.
- Sky Pearl Club (Gold/Silver/Platinum): One extra bag (23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Business/First).
Special Allowances:
- International Students, Contract Workers, Seamen, Emigrants, Family Visitors: One extra bag (23 kg) on specific routes (e.g., China to Australia, North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea), with proof (e.g., student visa, seaman’s book) submitted at booking. Not applicable for Economy Saver/Light fares.
- Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare class.
Size and Weight Limitations:
- Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 inches, L+W+H, including wheels and handles). Oversized bags up to 203 cm (80 inches) incur a fee (CNY 1,000 / ~$140).
- Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag; up to 45 kg (99 lbs) with prior approval for special items. Bags over 45 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo; contact China Southern 48 hours in advance.
Codeshare/Interline Flights:
- The Most Significant Carrier’s (MSC) rules apply per IATA Resolution 302, typically the airline operating the longest leg. For Air France-KLM or American waypoints codeshare flights, the marketing carrier’s rules (e.g., China Southern’s) apply. For other codeshares, the operating carrier’s rules apply.
- Baggage is checked through to the final destination if on a single ticket. For separate tickets, passengers may need to collect and recheck baggage.
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
- Allowance: Items like golf bags, skis, bicycles, and surfboards count toward the free baggage allowance if within size (158 cm / 62 inches) and weight (23–32 kg) limits. A fixed handling fee applies if exceeding allowance due to size, fragility, or handling requirements (e.g., CNY 1,000–3,000).
- Specific Rules:
- Sports Equipment: Bicycles (handlebars fixed, tires deflated), surfboards, and scuba gear (empty tanks) require advance notification. Fees apply if exceeding allowance (e.g., CNY 1,000).
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carry-on if within 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 5 kg. Larger instruments must be checked or booked as CBBG with a purchased seat, subject to approval 6 hours prior.
- Oversized/Heavy Items: Up to 45 kg (99 lbs) and 203 cm (80 inches) accepted with fees and approval; contact China Southern 48 hours in advance.
- Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 45 kg or 203 cm, hoverboards, and certain hazardous items (e.g., flammable liquids) are prohibited.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and folding wheelchairs are carried free with advance notification. Lithium-ion batteries (up to 300 Wh) require approval.
- Medical Equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and CPAP machines are allowed as carry-on but cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing. Personal oxygen cylinders are prohibited.
Pet Policy:
- Small animals (dogs, cats, birds) can travel as checked baggage in a carrier (max 90 x 60 x 66 cm, min 5 x 15 x 20 cm, total weight up to 32 kg / 70 lbs). Fees: CNY 450–2,000 (~$65–$280), not included in free allowance. Advance application required (4 hours for domestic, 6 hours for international). Pets cannot travel on connecting flights.
- Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin with prior approval and documentation.
