✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Sichuan Airlines (IATA code 3U) uses the weight-based baggage system standard across mainland Chinese carriers, not the piece-count system common in Europe and North America. That means your free allowance is defined by total kilograms, and crucially, a free checked bag is included in every fare — even the cheapest economy ticket — so you rarely pay extra to put a bag in the hold.
The headline figures: economy passengers get 1 carry-on up to 5 kg plus a small personal item, and a free checked allowance of 23 kg on international flights or 20 kg on domestic flights within China. Business class roughly doubles this. Because allowance and fees vary by route, fare and cabin, always confirm the exact figures shown on your specific booking before you fly.
Quick facts
| Cabin bag (economy) | 1 piece, 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 5 kg |
| Personal item | 1 small item (handbag, laptop, camera) |
| Checked (economy, international) | 1 x 23 kg free, max 158 cm total |
| Checked (economy, domestic China) | 20 kg free (weight concept, no fixed piece) |
| Checked (business, international) | 2 x 32 kg free (40 kg weight concept) |
| Excess / overweight fee | Varies by route; ~1.5% of one-way economy fare per kg |
| Oversize (>158 cm) | Charged as oversize / excess; pre-book |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Small item that fits under the seat in front. One personal item (handbag, laptop bag or camera) in addition to the cabin bag. Combined cabin allowance is weight-limited, so keep both pieces light. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm · 5 kg (economy); combined cabin + personal item up to 10 kg per some published guidance Free — 1 piece included in all fares |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | International economy: 23 kg free. Domestic China economy: 20 kg free (weight concept). Business international: ~40 kg / 2 x 32 kg. |
| Weight limit | Single bag max 32 kg; size max 158 cm (length + width + height) |
| Typical fee | Free within allowance; excess charged per kg, varies by route |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (domestic) | 1 small item | 1 x 5 kg, 55x40x20 cm + personal item | 20 kg free (weight concept) |
| Economy (international) | 1 small item | 1 x 5 kg + personal item | 1 x 23 kg free |
| Business (international) | 1 small item | Higher cabin allowance + personal item | 2 x 32 kg free |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get at deal prices: Sichuan Airlines is unusually generous for a deal-fare carrier. At the cheapest advertised economy prices on aifly, your fare still includes a free cabin bag (around 8 kg in practice) and one free checked bag of 23 kg on international routes. There is no stripped-out “hand-baggage-only” basic fare like you see on Ryanair, Wizz or even some full-service European carriers’ long-haul Light fares.
That makes 3U a genuinely good value pick for travellers who need to check a bag — the headline price is close to the all-in price. The main thing to watch is the per-kg excess charge if you exceed 23 kg, which on long-haul routes can add up fast, and the relatively tight cabin weight limit, which is enforced more strictly than on many Western airlines.
Oversize, sports & special items
Weight concept vs piece concept: Domestic Chinese flights generally use a weight concept (total kilograms, no fixed number of bags), while most international routes use a piece concept (a set number of bags at 23 kg each). Your ticket states which applies.
Excess baggage: Overweight and extra-piece fees are charged per kilogram and scale with route distance — there is no flat global rate. Pre-purchasing excess where available is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Connections: On a single booking that mixes international and domestic legs, the more generous international allowance normally carries through to the domestic segment.
Because Sichuan Airlines does not publish a single global fee table and figures change by route and fare bundle, treat the numbers here as a planning guide and confirm the exact allowance and any fees on your booking confirmation or at check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Is a checked bag included in Sichuan Airlines' cheapest fare?
Yes. Unlike European budget carriers, Sichuan Airlines includes a free checked allowance in every fare, including the cheapest economy ticket — 23 kg on international routes and 20 kg on domestic flights within China.
How much does carry-on baggage weigh on Sichuan Airlines?
Economy passengers may bring one cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a weight limit of around 5 kg, plus one small personal item such as a handbag, laptop or camera. Some published guidance allows a combined cabin total of up to 10 kg, so keep both pieces light and check your booking.
What is the checked baggage size limit?
A single checked bag must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and 32 kg in weight. Bags larger than 158 cm are treated as oversize and incur an additional charge.
What is the difference between domestic and international checked allowance?
Domestic flights within China use a 20 kg weight concept in economy, while international flights typically use a 23 kg piece concept. When you connect from an international to a domestic segment on the same ticket, the international 23 kg allowance usually applies to both.
How much are Sichuan Airlines excess baggage fees?
Excess and overweight fees are charged per kilogram and vary significantly by route. On many Chinese carriers the per-kg rate is roughly 1.5% of the highest one-way economy fare for that route, so long-haul excess can be expensive. Always pre-pay or confirm the exact rate at booking or check-in.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, bicycles) and large musical instruments are accepted but count toward your allowance and are charged as excess or oversize if over the limits. A small instrument can travel in the cabin if it fits the carry-on dimensions; a larger one may need a paid extra seat. Notify the airline in advance.
Does business class get more baggage on Sichuan Airlines?
Yes. Business class on international routes typically gets around 40 kg free — commonly expressed as two pieces up to 32 kg each — plus a more generous cabin allowance, roughly double the economy entitlement.
What is the maximum weight for a single checked bag?
No single checked piece may exceed 32 kg. Bags between your free allowance and 32 kg are charged as overweight excess; anything over 32 kg must usually be shipped as cargo rather than checked baggage.