Hong Kong Airlines’ baggage policy varies by fare type, travel class, route, and Fortune Wings Club (FWC) membership status. Below is a comprehensive overview based on the latest available information:
Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- Main Economy: 2 pieces, up to 20 kg (44 lbs) total, each piece not exceeding 158 cm (62 inches, length + width + height).
- Standard Economy & FlexiPlus Economy: 2 pieces, up to 30 kg (66 lbs) total, each piece not exceeding 158 cm.
- A 0kg fare class is discontinued, and all Economy fares include a minimum 23 kg free baggage allowance per piece.
- Maximum weight per piece: 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy.
Business Class:
- 2 pieces, up to 30 kg (66 lbs) total, each piece not exceeding 158 cm.
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg (70 lbs).
Infants (under 2 years):
- 1 piece, up to 10 kg (22 lbs), max dimensions 158 cm.
- 1 collapsible stroller or car seat free of charge.
Children (2–11 years):
- Same allowance as adults based on fare type.
Fortune Wings Club Members:
- Platinum, Gold, and Silver members receive 1 additional piece of luggage (up to 23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Business).
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Included in the free allowance if within size/weight limits. A free bicycle allowance (up to 25 kg) applies on flights to/from Australia (Gold Coast, Cairns), New Zealand (Auckland), Taiwan (Taipei), Japan (Okinawa, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Okayama, Tokyo-NRT, Osaka-KIX, Sapporo, Yonago), and Hainan (Haikou, Sanya). Pre-registration is required 48 hours prior.
- Musical Instruments: Count as checked baggage if exceeding carry-on limits; hard cases recommended.
- Pets: Dogs and cats (except brachycephalic breeds) are accepted as checked baggage in IATA-compliant crates, subject to excess baggage fees. Pre-booking is required 7 days prior. Pets are not allowed in the cabin (except service dogs).
- Mobility Aids & Medical Devices: Portable medical electronic devices (e.g., CPAP) are permitted with 48-hour advance notice. Mobility aids like wheelchairs are carried free of charge.
Restrictions:
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg (70 lbs). Items over 32 kg must be shipped via cargo.
- Maximum dimensions: 203 cm (80 inches). Oversized items incur fees.
- Prohibited items include hazardous materials, sharp objects, and lithium battery-powered devices (e.g., hoverboards) in both checked and carry-on baggage.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- 1 piece, up to 7 kg (15 lbs), max dimensions 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles/wheels).
- 1 personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, small backpack) that fits under the seat, no specific weight limit but must meet size requirements (typically smaller than carry-on).
Business Class:
- 2 pieces, up to 7 kg (15 lbs) each, max dimensions 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
- 1 personal item, same size restrictions as Economy.
Infants:
- No separate carry-on allowance; items must be included in the adult’s allowance.
General Rules:
- Carry-on must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a clear zip-top bag (max 1 liter), are allowed. Duty-free LAGs over 100 ml must be in sealed tamper-evident bags with a visible receipt.
- Prohibited items include knives, scissors, lighters, matches (on flights from Mainland China), and e-cigarettes (must be in carry-on, not checked).
- Oversized/excess carry-on will be checked into the hold for HKD 500 (approx. $64 USD), regardless of checked baggage allowance.
Excess Baggage Fees
Prepaid Excess Baggage:
- Available up to 4 hours before departure via Hong Kong Airlines’ website, app, WeChat, or call center.
- Up to 60 kg total (including free allowance), limited to 2 pieces per sector.
- Cheaper than airport rates (up to 20% discount). Non-refundable, non-transferable, subject to availability.
- Not applicable to North America, Northern Mariana Islands, special flights, or codeshare/interline flights.
Sports Equipment:
- Standard excess baggage fees apply if exceeding free allowance, except for the free bicycle allowance on specified routes.
Baggage Handling and Liability
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
- Report immediately at the airport or contact Hong Kong Airlines within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delays.
- Liability follows international regulations (e.g., Montreal Convention, up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights).
- No compensation for bicycles offloaded due to cargo capacity issues.
Connecting Flights:
- For Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights (e.g., Beijing to Bali via Hong Kong), baggage is checked through to the final destination.
- For interline/codeshare flights, the Most Significant Carrier’s (MSC) baggage policy applies, as per IATA Resolution 302. For U.S./Canada itineraries, the marketing carrier’s rules may apply.
Additional Notes
Baggage Calculator: Check specific allowances on Hong Kong Airlines’ website under “Manage Booking” or the baggage policy page.
Online Check-In: Available 36 hours to 2 hours before departure at select airports (e.g., Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei). Baggage must be checked at counters.
Check-In Closure: Effective 2025, check-in counters and smart kiosks at Hong Kong International Airport close 60 minutes before departure.
Policy Updates: The 23 kg minimum allowance for Economy reflects a recent change, ensuring consistency across fares.
Packing Tips:
- Use durable baggage with name tags and unique identifiers.
- Avoid overpacking; repack overweight/oversized bags at the airport to avoid rejection.
- Secure portable electronic devices in checked baggage with soft wrapping to prevent accidental activation.
Recommendations
- Pre-purchase excess baggage online to save costs.
- Verify allowances for codeshare/interline flights with all operating carriers.
- Weigh and measure luggage before departure to avoid fees.
- Pre-register special items (e.g., bicycles, pets) to ensure acceptance.
- Review restricted items on Hong Kong Airlines’ website or the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department for destination-specific rules.
