✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
China Southern Airlines (CZ), the largest carrier in Asia by fleet size and a SkyTeam member, runs two different free-baggage systems depending on where you fly. This is the single most important thing to get right before you pack. Flights touching the Americas (and a few other long-haul markets) use the piece concept — you get a number of bags, each capped at 23 kg in economy. Most other international and all domestic Chinese routes use the weight concept — you get a total weight allowance and the number of bags matters less. Policy on this page reflects China Southern’s rules effective 9 January 2026.
The headline figures: economy carry-on is 8 kg at 55 × 40 × 20 cm, and each checked bag is capped at 23 kg / 158 cm (linear total) in economy. Always check the allowance printed on your specific ticket — it can differ by fare bundle, route and SkyTeam status.
Quick facts
| Carry-on (economy) | 1 piece, 8 kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Carry-on (business/first) | 2 pieces, 10 kg each, 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Personal item | Small handbag/laptop bag, generally allowed in addition |
| Checked — piece concept (Americas etc.) | Economy 2 × 23 kg, each ≤ 158 cm |
| Checked — weight concept (most intl) | Total weight allowance (commonly 23 kg economy free); excess by kg |
| Checked bag size limit | 158 cm (62 in) linear; oversize 159–203 cm |
| Excess piece (Americas) | ~USD 225 / CNY 1,380 per extra bag |
| Overweight 32–45 kg | ~USD 495 / CNY 3,000 per bag |
| Business / First checked | Business 2 × 32 kg; First 3 × 32 kg |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | No separate published dimension; a handbag, small laptop bag or camera bag. Economy is officially one cabin piece at 8 kg, but a small personal item (handbag/laptop bag) is normally accepted in addition. Don't rely on a second large bag. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 55 × 40 × 20 cm · 8 kg (economy); 10 kg each in business/first Free |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | Piece concept (Americas & select routes): economy 2 × 23 kg. Weight concept (most other international + domestic China): a total free weight allowance, commonly 23 kg in economy, varies by fare/route. |
| Weight limit | 23 kg per piece (economy); 32 kg per piece (business/first) |
| Typical fee | Free allowance varies by route/fare. Excess: piece routes ~USD 225 / CNY 1,380 per extra bag; weight routes charged per kg (domestic ≈ 1.5% of full one-way economy fare per kg). Overweight 32–45 kg ≈ USD 495 / CNY 3,000. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Small personal item normally accepted | 1 × 8 kg (55 × 40 × 20 cm) | Piece routes: 2 × 23 kg. Weight routes: total allowance, commonly 23 kg free |
| Premium Economy | Small personal item | 1 × 8 kg | Piece routes: 2 × 23 kg |
| Business | Small personal item | 2 × 10 kg | 2 × 32 kg |
| First | Small personal item | 2 × 10 kg | 3 × 32 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get on a cheap China Southern fare: at the deal prices we surface, China Southern’s standard economy ticket is genuinely generous compared with European or Gulf low-fare bundles. The cheapest economy fare normally includes both an 8 kg cabin bag and one 23 kg checked bag — checked baggage is not stripped out the way it is on Western “light” fares. That means the advertised price is usually closer to your all-in cost.
The catch is the two-system split: on Americas routes you typically get two 23 kg checked bags, while on many other international routes the weight-concept allowance is a single 23 kg total — so a second bag is paid excess. Before you book a connecting CZ itinerary, confirm whether your route is piece or weight concept, because the most-restrictive segment governs the whole journey.
Oversize, sports & special items
Oversize and overweight: any checked bag over 158 cm (62 in) linear or over 23/32 kg is charged extra. Oversize bands run from 159 cm up to about 203 cm; pieces above 203 cm or above 45 kg generally must travel as cargo. Overweight bags of 32–45 kg attract a heavy-piece fee of roughly USD 495 / CNY 3,000.
Sports equipment: items such as golf clubs, skis and bicycles are accepted as checked baggage but should be declared in advance; if they exceed your free allowance or the 158 cm limit they are charged as excess/oversize. Pack within airline-specified protective packing.
Musical instruments: small instruments can go as cabin baggage if within 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm; larger instruments either travel checked (subject to oversize fees) or require a purchased extra seat (“cabin-seat baggage”) arranged ahead of time.
SkyTeam status: SkyTeam Elite Plus members generally receive an extra checked piece or added weight allowance on China Southern flights.
Frequently asked questions
How much carry-on can I bring on China Southern in economy?
One piece up to 8 kg, with dimensions not exceeding 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Business and First passengers may bring two pieces of up to 10 kg each.
Does China Southern's cheapest economy fare include a checked bag?
Yes, in most cases. China Southern's standard economy ticket normally includes one 23 kg checked bag plus the 8 kg cabin bag. On Americas routes economy typically gets two 23 kg bags. The deepest promo fares can carry less, so check your ticket.
What is the difference between piece concept and weight concept?
Piece concept (used on Americas and some other routes) gives you a set number of bags, each capped at 23 kg in economy. Weight concept (most other international and domestic China routes) gives you a total free weight allowance, and excess is charged per kilogram.
How much does an extra or overweight bag cost on China Southern?
On piece-concept (Americas) routes, an additional bag is roughly USD 225 / CNY 1,380. An overweight bag of 32–45 kg costs about USD 495 / CNY 3,000. On weight-concept routes, excess is charged per kilogram — domestically about 1.5% of the full one-way economy fare per kg.
What is the maximum checked bag size on China Southern?
Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). Bags from 159 cm up to about 203 cm are accepted as oversize for an extra fee; larger items must go as cargo.
How many checked bags do business and first class get?
Business class passengers get two checked pieces of up to 32 kg each. First class passengers get three checked pieces of up to 32 kg each.
Can I bring sports equipment or a musical instrument?
Sports equipment such as skis, golf clubs and bicycles is accepted as checked baggage, declared in advance, and charged as excess/oversize if over your allowance or 158 cm. Small instruments can go in the cabin within 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm; larger ones travel checked or on a purchased extra seat.