Tallinn, Estonia, Tallinn
Do you have a friend who always brings tons of stuff when going abroad and even more when returning? Their suitcase is always overweight, and it often takes everyone’s help to close it properly. Or else they pack their carry-ons to the brim with endless souvenirs. So how do airlines charge for overweight luggage? Don’t worry—this issue, we’ll take you through the overweight baggage fees of various airlines. Let’s check it out together!
The information in this issue is compiled from the official websites of various airlines. Please refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information if there are any changes.
In 2016, China Airlines reduced the overweight baggage fees for weight-based fare regions. The maximum reduction on European routes exceeded 70%. Moreover, for regions using weight-based systems such as Asia (including Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and mainland China), New Zealand/Australia, and Europe, China Airlines has relaxed the checked baggage allowance across all cabin classes and increased the free baggage allowance by 10 kg, which is very considerate.
(source by miaerolinea.com)
In 2016, China Airlines reduced the overweight baggage fees for weight-based fare regions. The maximum reduction on European routes exceeded 70%. Moreover, for regions using weight-based systems such as Asia (including Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and mainland China), New Zealand/Australia, and Europe, China Airlines has relaxed the checked baggage allowance across all cabin classes and increased the free baggage allowance by 10 kg, which is very considerate!
(source by China Airlines official website)
From the table below, you can compare the overweight baggage fees for both piece-based and weight-based systems across different regions. Travelers heading to Europe or America should pay special attention—overweight baggage fees can be quite substantial. It’s recommended to bring a luggage scale just in case~
■ Zone 1: Taiwan
■ Zone 2: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar), Hong Kong, Mainland China
■ Zone 3: Northeast Asia, Palau
■ Zone 4: South Asia, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
■ Zone 5: Europe, Middle East, Africa
■ Zone 6: United States, Canada
■ Zone 7: Central America, South America
Exceptions:
In addition to the above regional information, the overweight baggage fee per kilogram for flights between Sydney/Brisbane (Australia) and Auckland (New Zealand) is USD 6; between Sydney/Melbourne (Australia) and Christchurch (New Zealand) it is USD 6 per kg; between Singapore and Surabaya (Indonesia) it is USD 10 per kg; and between Hong Kong and Jakarta (Indonesia) it is USD 10 per kg. Please pay extra attention.
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EVA Air increased its free checked baggage allowance by 10 kg several years ago. Routes departing from Europe, as well as those departing from Thailand to Europe, all have relaxed allowances. Economy class increased from 20 kg to 30 kg, premium economy from 25 kg to 35 kg, and business class from 30 kg to 40 kg—so you don’t have to worry about overweight luggage when shopping overseas.
(source by EVA Air official website)
But if you’re worried about going overboard, you’ll need to keep an eye on the overweight baggage fees. EVA Air’s overweight baggage fees are shown in the following table. Any amount exceeding the free checked baggage allowance must be paid for additionally, charged in the equivalent local currency.
■ Zone 1: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Philippines, South Korea
■ Zone 2: Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar
■ Zone 3: Oceania, Middle East, Asia (excluding Zone 1 and Zone 2)
■ Zone 4: Europe, Russia, Africa (Turkey is included in the Europe zone)
■ Zone 5: West Coast of the US and Canada (Los Angeles/Seattle/San Francisco/Vancouver)
■ Zone 6: East Coast of the US and Canada (New York/Toronto) and other US/Canada destinations (Houston/Chicago)
■ Zone 7: Central America and South America
EVA Air charges USD 45 per kilogram for round-trip flights between Bangkok and European destinations (Amsterdam / Vienna / London).
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair both raised the hand luggage limit to 5 kilograms for all cabin classes in 2016. The limit was increased to 7 kilograms for Economy and Premium Economy, and to 10 kilograms and 15 kilograms for Business and First Class, respectively. Overall, excess baggage fees were reduced by 40%, which is quite significant.
(source: Cathay Pacific official website)
The following table shows the excess baggage fees per kilogram based on the flight region you are traveling to.
If your luggage is not overweight but the number of pieces is too high, please refer to the table below:
Cathay Pacific does not accept baggage exceeding 32 kilograms / 70 pounds (weight) or 203 centimeters / 80 inches (total linear dimensions) without prior approval. (The total linear dimension is the sum of width, height, and length.)
Additionally, if your baggage is oversized or overweight, please contact the reservation office at least 3 working days before your flight. Exceptions: photographic equipment, household goods, sports equipment, musical instruments, travel with pets, motorized mobility aids, medical equipment, and diplomatic baggage.
■ Zone 1: China, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia (Asian region), South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
■ Zone 2: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka
■ Zone 3: Bahrain, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
■ Zone 4: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, South Africa, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand
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With its high-quality service and punctuality, All Nippon Airways is a consistent top-tier five-star airline, offering excellent in-flight service and entertainment. It can fly to 49 cities in Japan, making it the top choice for domestic travel in Japan (recommended: ANA ticket discount section). ANA’s excess baggage fees, like other airlines, are calculated based on either the ‘number of pieces’ or the ‘weight,’ with the two standards outlined below.
(source: ANA official website)
The following table shows the excess baggage fees based on the “number of pieces” for the respective flight regions:
■ Region 1: North America, Central and South America, Hawaii
■ Region 2: Europe, Africa, Middle East
■ Region 3: Asia (including Japan), Oceania
The following table shows the excess baggage fees based on “weight or size” for each flight segment:
Please note that large baggage with a combined length, width, and height exceeding 292 cm, or any single piece weighing over 45 kg, cannot be checked in.
We hope the above information helps you prepare your luggage for travel or while shopping abroad. It is recommended to bring a luggage scale to avoid accidentally exceeding the weight limit due to overenthusiastic shopping. Also, remember to consider how manageable your luggage will be at the airport — overpacking can easily lead to injury.
[FunTime Travel Recommendation]Authorized reprint | Original source: [Complete Guide to Airline Excess Baggage Fees – It’s Not Worth It If Your Luggage Is Overweight]