Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy

Get clear about the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, fees, and allowance.

This page provides an overview of the Cathay Pacific baggage allowance as laid out under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy. The free baggage allowance will depend on your route, class, and frequent flyer status. The piece-concept applies to all flights from/to/via the Americas and non-stop flights between Kong–Christchurch/ Auckland, and the weight-concept applies to most of the remaining flights.

Major highlights of the Cathay Pacific baggage policy are as follows:

1. A standard checked bag must not exceed:
   1. 158cm/62in in total combined dimensions (L + W + H) on piece-concept flights. 
   2. 203cm/80in in total combined dimensions on weight-concept flights. 
   3. Bags exceeding 70lb/32kg in weight must be pre-approved or they will not be accepted.
2. All passengers are allowed 1 carry-on bag not exceeding:
   1. Economy and Premium Economy Class 15lb/7kg 
   2. Business Class 22lb/10kg
   3. First Class 33lb/15kg
3. The maximum dimensions of your cabin baggage are as follows:
   1. Standard Bag 56 x 36 x 23cm 
   2. Personal Item 40 x 30 x 15cm 
4. Marco Polo members (Silver and Gold) are allowed a carry-on baggage allowance of 22lb/10kg for Economy and Premium Economy Class and 33lb/15kg for Diamond members on all classes.
5. Special allowances apply on non-stop flights between Kong–Christchurch/ Auckland without extra sectors if operated by Cathay Pacific or Air New Zealand.
6. Mobility aids, child strollers, and child restraint systems (if using) are allowed free of charge.
7. Baggage allowance can be paid in advance by phone or online via Manage booking.

Remember, the Cathay Pacific baggage policy further states that:

• Baggage discounts are available on select flights if purchased online at least 24 hours prior to departure.
• Bags exceeding size and weight limits will incur both oversize and overweight fees. 
• Items that can be carried at no additional charge include:

• Umbrellas and walking canes.
• Walking sticks, canes, and mobility devices. 
• Overcoats, jackets, outer garments, etc. 

• On U.S. flights, there’s no limit to the number of mobility aids and assistive devices you can carry free of charge. 
• On other flights, you can carry 2 mobility aids and 1 assistive device free of charge.

Children’s Baggage Allowance 

Ticketed children occupying their own seats are entitled to the same baggage allowance as an adult travelling on the same fare.

Food Items 

If you plan to carry food items in your cabin or checked baggage, check the destination country’s local customs requirements.  

You’re allowed to carry most fruit items into the cabin except jackfruit and durian, which are banned for carriage as cabin or checked baggage due to their strong smell.

Alcoholic Beverages 

Per the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, alcohol can be brought in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to the following conditions: 

• Must be in retail packaging, if containing more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol.
• Must be in receptacles not exceeding 5 liters.
• Must not exceed 5 liters per passenger.
• Alcoholic beverages containing less than 24% alcohol by volume are not treated as restricted items. However, this does not include pressurized bottles and barrels with carbon dioxide or similar gases used in catering.
  

Cathay Pacific Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees 

What extra baggage fees will I have to pay on Cathay Pacific?

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the extra baggage fees for weight- and piece-concept flights are as follows:

• For weight-concept flights, Cathay Pacific will charge you anywhere from USD 13–65/kg for overweight baggage exceeding your standard allowance (see the table below). 
• For piece-concept flights (from/to/via the United States, Canada, and Central or South America), a fee of USD 150–280 will apply for carrying an additional piece, depending on your flight zone. 
• If your baggage is within the standard weight allowance and you want to carry an additional piece of baggage, you will have to pay:
  • USD 30–60/piece/way on a weight concept flight.
  • USD 200–280/piece/way on a piece concept flight. 

Extra Baggage Charges by Weight

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the per-kilo baggage charges for weight-concept flights are as follows:

Extra Baggage Charges by Weight—Most Flights (excluding the Americas)  

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the per-piece extra baggage charges for weight-concept flights to most routes (excluding the Americas) are as follows:

Extra Baggage Charges by Piece—Flights to/from/via the Americas  

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the per-piece extra baggage charges for piece-concept flights to/from/via the Americas (U.S.A., Canada, Central and South America) are as follows:

Extra Baggage Charges on Direct Flights to/from Hong Kong and Auckland/Christchurch

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the baggage charges for direct flights between Hong Kong and New Zealand (Auckland/Christchurch) are as follows:

Remember, under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy:

• Bags exceeding the following weight and size will not be accepted—unless you have obtained prior approval:
  • Max. weight 70lb/32kg
  • Max. Dimensions (L + W + H) 203cm/80in (on piece-concept flights)
• Bags exceeding the maximum limits must be split up and repacked at check-in.
• The following items are exempt from the rules above:
  • Musical instruments
  • Sporting equipment
  • Pet travel
  • Mobility aids
  • Medical equipment
  • Diplomatic bags
• If you’re carrying oversized or overweight bags, contact Cathay Pacific’s local reservations office at least 3 days before departure. 
• All fees are collected in local currency.

How to Pre-pay for Baggage Online 

Save up to 20% if you purchase online in advance

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, passengers can purchase their baggage as follows:

1. Online through the Manage booking option 

(below the flight booking box)  

2. Through the mobile app
3. By phone:  

You can purchase up to 110lb/50kg of baggage online per passenger in blocks of 11lb/5kg up to 24 hours before departure.

You can save up to 20% by pre-paying for excess baggage online on select flights. To learn whether your flight is eligible, log in to your Cathay Pacific account or ask Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific Sports Equipment Policy

Cathay Pacific accepts most sporting equipment as checked baggage 

Per Cathay Pacific’s sports baggage policy, your sports equipment counts as part of your checked baggage allowance. If your sporting equipment exceeds your allowance, you will be charged for excess baggage—by piece- or weight-concept (depending on your route).

On piece-concept flights (to/from/via the U.S., Canada, and Central/South America), the following baggage rules will apply:

• Regardless of the dimensions of your sports equipment, each piece will count as 158cm/62 in total dimensions (L + W + H), regardless of its actual dimensions. The following items count as one piece of sports equipment:
  • A bed roll or sleeping bag 
  • A knapsack, rucksack, or backpack
  • A pair of snow skis comprising a pair each of boots and ski poles 
  • 1 snowboard plus boots
  • 1 water surfing board 
  • 1 golf bag with clubs and golf shoes
  • 1 duffle-type bag or type 22 bag 
  • Properly packed firearms 
  • Pre-booked avalanche backpack 
  • 1 properly packed bicycle
  • A pair of standard slalom/water skis 
  • Properly packed fishing equipment comprising 2 rods, 1 landing net, 1 reel, 1 pair of fishing boots, and a tackle box
• If the length of the sports equipment exceeds 158cm/62in but the total dimensions are less than 203cm/80in, you will be charged an oversized baggage fee of USD 150 per piece. 
• If the length of the sports equipment exceeds 158cm/62in and the total dimensions exceed 203cm/80in, you will be charged 4 times the standard excess baggage fee per piece. 

Special Rules for Certain Sports Items 

According to the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, the following sports items must be packed per specific requirements.

• Bicycles 
  • Get in touch with a Global Contact Center 3 full days prior to departure (72 hours).
  • Only single-seat, non-motorized racing/touring bicycles are permitted.
  • The bicycle should be packed securely in a proper bicycle box or hardcover casing as explained below. For Zurich-departing flights, the height of the case (incl. bicycle) must not exceed 100cm/39in.
    • The handlebars must be fixed sideways, placed along the frame, or packed in plastic foam or similar material.
    • Pedals must be fixed inwards or removed and placed in plastic foam or similar material.
    • The tires must be deflated.
      
• Avalanche Rescue Backpacks
  • Only 1 item is allowed per passenger.
  • Can be carried as hand baggage or checked baggage. 
  • Must be stowed such that it does not get activated accidentally. 
  • Pressure relief valves must be fixed to the airbag.
  • Backpacks with compressed gas cylinders (division 2.2) must be equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200mg of Division 1.4S. 
  • You will be required to show your datasheet when checking in.
    
• Sporting Firearms
  • Includes the following:
    • 1 rifle case with up to 2 rifles, 11lb/5kg ammunition, noise suppressors, small tools, and 1 shooting mat. 
    • 2 shotgun cases with up to 2 shotguns.
    • 1 pistol case with up to 5 pistols, 11lb/5kg ammunition, 1 pistol telescope, small tools, and noise suppressors.
  • For more information, contact the Cathay Pacific booking office.

Special Baggage Items

Under the Cathay Pacific baggage policy, valuable or oversized items that are not banned or restricted can be carried on an additional paid seat in the cabin. Cathay recommends purchasing seats for special baggage items through the local reservation office—not online.

The following types of special items are accepted:

• Religious idols, per the following requirements:
  • Only in Economy Class
  • The size must not exceed 60cm x 36cm x 36cm (24in x 14in x 14in) 
  • The weight must not exceed 33lb/15kg (excluding box)
    
• Diplomatic bags, artworks, urns, etc.
  • Can be carried in all classes
  • The size must not exceed 60cm x 36cm x 36cm (24in x 14in x 14in) 
  • The weight (incl. box) must not exceed 70lb/32kg
    
• Musical instruments 
  • Can include large musical instruments like guitars and cellos 
  • Must be properly fastened to the seat 
  • Must be securely packed in a hard case

Special baggage items must be booked: 

• At least 3 working days before departure. 
• By phone (not online) via a local reservation office in your area.

Respiratory Devices—Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

If you intend to use respiratory devices such as a POC on the flight:

• Inform Cathay Pacific at least 2 days (48 hours) in advance. 
• Passengers without FREMEC cards will be required to submit a Physician Statement within 10 days of the travel date.
• The battery power of a lithium battery must not exceed 160Wh (8g), otherwise it must be sent by cargo.
• POCs/medical devices cannot be connected to the aircraft’s power supply.
• You must charge the batteries so that they last at least 1.5 times the flight duration. 

Payment of Baggage Fee

Cathay Pacific accepts baggage fee payments: 

• Via the website when purchasing your ticket
• Later via Manage booking 
• Through the mobile app
• By phone: 1 (800) 233-2742
• At the airport when checking in
  (by credit card or in local currency)

You can save up to 20% (on select flights) if you purchase your baggage online at least 24 hours before departure. To learn whether your flight is eligible, log in to your Cathay Pacific account or call your local Cathay Pacific office.

Cathay Pacific Musical Instruments Policy

Most musical instruments are allowed on Cathay Pacific

Passengers are allowed to carry their musical instruments as hand baggage, as checked baggage, or on a paid seat in the cabin. Requirements of the Cathay Pacific musical instruments policy are briefly presented below.

1. As Cabin Baggage
   The Cathay Pacific musical instruments policy allows the carriage of small musical instruments like violins and flutes as part of their cabin baggage allowance—provided they fit in the overhead bin. 

The maximum weight and size (incl. case) must not exceed: 

• Max. weight 15lb/7kg.
• Max. dimensions (H x W x D) 93cm x 39cm x 24cm
  (36in x 15in x 9in) 

2. As Checked Baggage

Passengers can check in large musical instruments like guitars and cellos which exceed their hand baggage allowance, provided they are packed  safely in a hard case. Checked musical instruments (incl. case) will be subject to the same weight and size restrictions that apply to your fare type. For details, refer to Checked Baggage under the section titled Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy.

3. On a Passenger Seat

Passengers can book a seat for musical instruments such as guitars, cellos, etc., if they don’t want to check in their musical instruments. The following conditions will apply:

• Must not exceed the following weight and size:
  • Max. weight 70lb/32kg
  • Max. size 136cm x 48cm x 44cm
    (54in x 19in x 17in)
• The instrument must be fastened upside-down if its thickness is 31–44cm (12–17in).
• Should not block any passenger’s/crewmember’s:
  • Access to a cabin, aisle, or an emergency exit.
  • View of the signage on the aircraft, such as Seatbelt On/Off, No Smoking, etc. 
• Must not contain prohibited or dangerous items. 

How to buy an extra seat for your musical instrument

You must book a seat at least 3 days before departure through Cathay Pacific’s local reservation office. 

Delayed, Lost, and Damaged Baggage

Delayed Baggage 

If a checked bag does not arrive, you must: 

• Inform the Baggage Service Counter at the airport immediately. You will be asked to file a report and provided a Report File Reference number for tracking your bag or filing a claim.
• Report it online. Do note down your Report File Reference number as you will need it for reference in the future.  

After filing your report, you can: 

• Call the local baggage services office for further assistance.
• Track the progress of your delayed Cathay Pacific baggage. 

Damaged Baggage 

If your checked baggage has been damaged, you must: 

• File a report with the Baggage Service Counter in the airport’s arrival hall (before customs clearance).  After you file a report, you will be given a Report File Reference number that you will need later to file a claim, if required. 
• Report it by phone. You can also call Cathay Pacific’s baggage service hotline to file a damaged baggage report. You must file the report no later than 7 days after you receive your baggage. When filing your report, you will be given a Report File Reference number which you must save for reference in the future.  

After filing your report, you can call the local baggage services office for further assistance.

Under IATA rules, minor damages and defects like scratches, scuffs, dirt marks, stains, cuts, and punctures do not qualify for damage claims. Carry-on bags, inadequately packed articles, and items contained in overpacked bags are also not covered.

Items Left on Board

• If you forgot an item onboard a Cathay Pacific aircraft, call the local baggage services office. 
• If you forgot an item onboard a codeshare flight, call the operating carrier to report the loss.

How to Make a Claim and Seek Reimbursement for Missing or Damaged Bags on Cathay Pacific

If your baggage is missing or damaged, you must do all of the 3 things outlined below. However, if you’re holding private insurance coverage for your baggage, file a claim with your insurance company.

1. Report the problem
   • Make sure you report the problem and have received a Report File Reference from the Baggage Services Desk at the airport (as explained above). 
2. Submit your claim 
   • If Cathay Pacific is unable to resolve your issue, fill out the online baggage claim form, and provide as much information as you can about your baggage and your itinerary.
3. Send supporting documents 
   • After submitting your claim and receiving a confirmation email, you must send a copy of all your supporting documents (incl. receipts) to the contact provided in the email.

Cathay Pacific Phone Numbers

• Customer Care—Hong Kong +852 2747 2200
• Customer Care—China 400 880 7488
• Customer Care—Worldwide +800 2747 2200 
• USA Reservations
• Canada Reservations  
• India Reservations 000 800 4405008 
• Indonesia Reservations 001 803 852 2212
• Italy Reservations 800 971 720 
• Netherlands Reservations 080 0022 4229
• Saudi Arabia Reservations 8008 440 350 
• South Africa Reservations (080) 061 1206 
• Sri Lanka Reservations +94 (11) 2423 726 
• United Arab Emirates Reservations 8000 444 6554 
• Marco Polo Club—Green/ Silver/ Gold +800 2747-5500 
• Marco Polo Club—Diamond +800 2747-3888 
• Asia Miles (U.S.A.) 1866 892 2598

Cathay Pacific’s Baggage Liability 

If you lose your baggage, find it damaged on arrival, or your baggage gets delayed, Cathay Pacific’s liability is limited to the amounts mentioned below unless you have already declared a higher value and paid additional charges in advance. 

• Liability for trips governed by the Warsaw Convention. If your international journey (incl. domestic sections of an international journey) is covered by the Warsaw Convention, Cathay Pacific’s liability will be limited to:
  • For checked baggage—SDR 17/kg 
  • For unchecked baggage—SDR 332/passenger
•  Liability for trips governed by the Montreal Convention. If your trip is governed by the Montreal Convention, Cathay Pacific’s liability will be limited to SDR 1,288/passenger (approx. USD 1,780) for checked and unchecked baggage. 

Prohibited Items

The Cathay Pacific baggage policy prohibits the carriage of the following items for safety reasons:

• Stunning devices are prohibited. These include:
  • Tasers, stun guns, stun batons, cattle prods, etc.
  • Animal stunning devices or killers
  • Incapacitating or disabling chemicals, sprays, and gases such as pepper sprays, maces, tear gas, animal repellant sprays, acid sprays, etc.
    
• Explosives and incendiary materials are prohibited. These include but are not limited to:
  • Smoke-generating cartridges or canisters 
  • Limitation or replica explosive devices
  • Munitions, fireworks, and flares
  • Mines, grenades, and other explosives
  • Pyrotechnics and fireworks 
  • Plastic explosives, dynamite, and gunpowder 
  • Fuses, detonators, and blasting caps 
  • Ammunition
    
• Flammable items (solids, liquids, and gases) are prohibited. They include:
  • Strike anywhere matches
  • Easily-ignitable articles like phosphorous and charcoal
  • Thinners, paints, and liquid adhesives
  • Flammable solids such as disposable BBQ, coal, and non-safety matches
  • Flammable liquids such as diesel, petrol, and lighter fluid
  • Flameless ration heaters incl. self-heating instant hotpots and self-heating Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE)
  • Glazing torches, camping gas, and harmful gases
    
• Harmful materials such as poisons, hazardous materials, corrosives, etc.
  • Poisonous or toxic stuff such as weed killer, arsenic, cyanides, and pesticides
  • Radioactive material
  • Oxidizing solids and liquids 
  • Corrosives such as mercury, car/wet batteries, etc.
  • Other corrosive materials such as alkalis, acids, and wet cell batteries
  • Flammable, non-flammable, or poisonous compressed gases like propane, butane, lighter fuels, aqualung cylinders, aerosols, irritant aerosols, etc.
• Biologically or chemically hazardous substances, incl. infectious materials such as bacteria, blood, viruses, etc.
  

• Dangerous items such as lithium-powered vehicles
  • Briefcases pre-fitted with alarms
  • Incorporate lithium batteries
  • Pyrotechnic material
  • Lithium-ion battery-operated vehicles (Solowheel, Hoverboard, AirWheel), self-balancing scooters, mini Segways, etc.
    
• E-cigarettes/liquids (Taiwan and India)
  
• Animal products into the EU
  • Meat and milk products are not permitted in the EU—except infant milk powder, baby food, and pet food for medical purposes. For details, refer to EUROPA guidelines.
  • For details, refer to this page.
    
• Laser pointers are not permitted in Switzerland (import or transit)
  • This includes the following classes:
    • 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, and 4
    • 3A, IIIA, or 1C lasers
    • Class 2 lasers are allowed up to June 1, 2021
  • Non-hazardous lasers are permitted 

Controlled Items that Can be Transported under Certain Conditions 

• Liquids and powders 
• Spare batteries 
• Alcohol 
• Alcohol-based sanitizers and disinfectants
• Lighters and matches
• Inflatable items
• Food items 
• Hair iron
• Smart bags 
• Electronic cigarettes 
• Guns and firearms (checked baggage)
• Sharp and pointed objects (checked baggage)
• Workmen’s tools (checked baggage)
• Blunt instruments (checked baggage)

For details, refer to Cathay Pacific’s Controlled and banned items page.

Smart Baggage 

Smart baggage refers to battery-operated luggage items. The Cathay Pacific baggage policy prohibits the carriage of smart bags which contain non-removable lithium batteries. Such items cannot be carried in the cabin as part of your hand baggage nor as part of your checked baggage.

However, if your smart bag contains removable lithium-ion batteries, you are allowed to carry it in the cabin or check it in after removing the batteries. After you remove the batteries, you must tape the terminals, pack the batteries separately in a plastic bag, and carry them with you to the cabin. 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy

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