If you’re flying with China Southern Airlines, baggage rules can feel a bit confusing at first glance. Weight concepts, piece concepts, regional differences, special items—there’s a lot to take in. The good news is that once you understand how the China Southern Baggage Policy works, packing becomes much easier and you’re far less likely to face surprise charges at the airport.

This guide walks you through carry-on rules, checked baggage allowances, excess baggage fees, and special baggage policies in plain, everyday language. No fluff. Just real explanations you can actually use.

---

Understanding the China Southern Baggage Policy Basics

China Southern Airlines follows two different baggage systems depending on where you’re flying:

• Weight Concept – used mainly on domestic China routes and many Asian flights

• Piece Concept – used for flights to and from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and some long-haul destinations

Knowing which system applies to your ticket is the first step. Your booking confirmation usually shows this clearly, but we’ll break both down so nothing feels unclear.

---

China Southern Carry-On Baggage Policy

Carry-on rules are usually the easiest part of the China Southern Baggage Policy, but they still matter. Overweight cabin bags often end up being checked at the gate.

Carry-On Allowance by Cabin Class

China Southern allows different carry-on limits based on your class of travel:

Economy Class

• 1 carry-on bag

• Maximum weight: 5 kg (11 lbs)

• Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm

Premium Economy

• 2 carry-on bags

• Combined weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)

Business Class

• 2 carry-on bags

• Combined weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)

First Class

• 2 carry-on bags

• Combined weight: 15 kg (33 lbs)

China Southern tends to enforce weight limits more strictly than some Western airlines, especially on domestic routes.

---

Personal Items Allowed

In addition to your main carry-on, you’re usually allowed one small personal item, such as:

• Laptop bag

• Small backpack

• Handbag or purse

• Camera bag

It must fit under the seat in front of you.

---

China Southern Checked Baggage Policy – Weight Concept

The weight concept applies mostly to domestic flights within China and many regional Asian routes.

Economy Class (Weight Concept)

• 20 kg (44 lbs) free allowance

Premium Economy

• 25 kg (55 lbs) free allowance

Business Class

• 30 kg (66 lbs) free allowance

First Class

• 40 kg (88 lbs) free allowance

There is usually no fixed limit on the number of bags, as long as your total weight stays within the allowance and each bag meets size rules.

---

Maximum Size Per Checked Bag

Under the China Southern Baggage Policy, each checked bag must not exceed:

• 158 cm (62 inches) total linear dimensions (length + width + height)

Anything larger may be treated as oversized baggage.

---

China Southern Checked Baggage Policy – Piece Concept

The piece concept applies to long-haul flights, especially to:

• United States

• Canada

• Europe

• Australia

• New Zealand

Here, the number of bags matters just as much as weight.

---

Economy Class (Piece Concept)

• 2 checked bags

• Each bag: 23 kg (50 lbs)

• Maximum size: 158 cm

Premium Economy

• 2 checked bags

• Each bag: 23 kg (50 lbs)

Business Class

• 2 checked bags

• Each bag: 32 kg (70 lbs)

First Class

• 3 checked bags

• Each bag: 32 kg (70 lbs)

This version of the China Southern Baggage Policy is more familiar to travelers used to U.S. or European airlines.

---

Excess Baggage Fees on China Southern Airlines

Excess baggage fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re unaware of the rules before reaching the airport.

Excess Fees Under Weight Concept

If your total checked weight exceeds your allowance:

• Fees are typically charged per kilogram

• Cost varies by route and region

• Domestic China flights usually charge lower rates than international routes

It’s almost always cheaper to prepay excess baggage online rather than at the airport.

---

Excess Fees Under Piece Concept

Under the piece system, excess fees apply when:

• You exceed the allowed number of bags

• A bag exceeds the weight limit

• A bag exceeds size limits

Charges can be substantial, especially on intercontinental routes.

---

Overweight Baggage Fees

• 23–28 kg: Overweight fee applies

• 28–32 kg: Higher overweight fee

• Over 32 kg: Often not accepted as checked baggage

China Southern is fairly strict here. Bags over 32 kg usually need to be shipped as cargo.

---

Oversized Baggage Fees

If your bag exceeds 158 cm, it may incur oversized fees or require special handling.

---

China Southern Special Baggage Policy

Some items don’t fit neatly into standard baggage rules. The China Southern Baggage Policy includes specific guidelines for special items.

---

Sports Equipment

China Southern accepts many sports items, including:

• Golf clubs

• Skis and snowboards

• Surfboards

• Bicycles

Some equipment can count toward your free baggage allowance, while others incur special fees. Advance notification is usually required.

---

Musical Instruments

Small instruments may be carried on if they fit size limits. Larger instruments:

• Can be checked (with proper packaging)

• Or purchased an extra seat for cabin transport

This is a common practice on China Southern international flights.

---

Strollers and Child Items

For passengers traveling with infants:

• One stroller is usually accepted free of charge

• Car seats may also be checked without additional fees

These items do not count toward the child’s baggage allowance.

---

China Southern Baggage Policy for Infants and Children

Infants (Under 2 Years)

• Typically allowed 1 checked bag (up to 10 kg)

• Plus one stroller or bassinet

Children (2 Years and Older)

• Same baggage allowance as adults in the same cabin class

Always double-check your ticket details, especially on international itineraries.

---

Restricted and Prohibited Items

China Southern follows international aviation safety rules, including restrictions on:

• Lithium batteries

• Power banks

• Flammable items

• Sharp objects in carry-on bags

Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked bags.

---

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Charges

A few small steps can save you a surprising amount of money:

• Weigh bags at home using a luggage scale

• Prepay excess baggage online when possible

• Split weight across multiple bags under the piece concept

• Use lighter suitcases to maximize usable weight

China Southern staff often enforce limits closely, so preparation matters.

---

Managing Baggage Through China Southern Booking

You can manage baggage options through:

• China Southern’s official website

• Customer service centers

• Airport ticket counters

Pre-purchased baggage allowances are almost always cheaper than airport fees.

---

Final Thoughts on China Southern Baggage Policy

The China Southern Baggage Policy isn’t difficult once you understand which system applies to your flight. The key difference lies in whether your route uses the weight concept or piece concept, and that alone determines how you should pack.

China Southern is generally generous with baggage compared to many global airlines, especially on long-haul routes. Still, strict enforcement means travelers should measure and weigh bags carefully.

If you plan ahead, pack smart, and understand the rules, flying with China Southern can be smooth and stress-free—at least when it comes to baggage.