Overview of Cathay Pacific Baggage Allowance & Baggage Fee

• Flying with Cathay Pacific in 2023? This extensive guide covers everything you need to know about Cathay Pacific's checked and cabin baggage allowance, excess fees, musical instrument policy, and restricted items rules. Read on for tips to avoid surprises at check-in when flying Cathay Pacific this year.

Cathay Pacific Carry-on Baggage Allowance

• Cathay Pacific’s carry-on baggage allowance lets economy class passengers bring one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item on flights. The carry-on bag can weigh up to 7kg (15 lbs) and its dimensions must not exceed 115 linear cm (45 linear inches). A typical carry-on bag size is 55 x 35 x 20 cm (21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 in). Personal items like handbags, laptop bags, backpacks must be under 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.5 x 11.5 x 3.5 in).

• For first and business class passengers, the carry-on baggage allowance is increased to two pieces of cabin baggage not exceeding 7kg and 115 linear cm each. This replaces the personal item allowance. Premium economy passengers can carry one bag plus a personal item as per economy class terms. Infant items like strollers and food do not count as carry-on baggage.

• Overweight or oversized carry-on luggage will be checked in at the departure gate as it cannot be accommodated in the cabin. Make sure your carry-on bags comply with Cathay Pacific's size and weight restrictions to avoid surprises.

Cathay Pacific Checked Baggage Allowance

• On piece-concept flights operated by Cathay Pacific, the checked baggage allowance is defined by the number of bags that can be checked in based on the class of travel. In economy and premium economy, the free checked baggage allowance is two bags up to 23kg each. For business class it is two bags up to 32kg each, while first class is three bags at 32kg per piece.

• If bags exceed the weight per piece or number of pieces permitted, excess baggage fees apply. Rates are similar to weight-concept flights at around US$200 per extra kg. Online pre-purchase of additional baggage allowance is recommended for lower rates compared to airport check-in.

Cathay Pacific Checked Baggage Allowance—Direct Flights

• On Cathay Pacific direct flights without connections, the checked baggage allowance varies by travel class and Marco Polo Club status:

• Economy Class - 30 kg total weight

• Premium Economy - 35 kg total weight

• Business Class - 40 kg total weight

• First Class - 50 kg total weight

• Marco Polo Green Tier - +10 kg

• Marco Polo Silver Tier - +15 kg

• Marco Polo Gold Tier - +20 kg

• Marco Polo Diamond Tier - +25 kg

• Infant strollers and car seats do not count towards the checked baggage allowance. Check the baggage calculator on Cathay's website to determine the exact free allowance on your itinerary.

Cathay Pacific Checked Baggage Allowance—Weight-Concept Flights

• On weight-concept flights operated by Cathay Pacific, checked baggage allowance is based on the total weight of bags being checked in. There is no piece or number limitation on how many checked bags can be carried within the overall weight limit.

• For economy and premium economy class, the total checked baggage weight allowance is 30kg and 35kg respectively. For business class it is 40kg while first class passengers can check in up to 50kg across all their bags. Marco Polo Club members also get extra 10kg-25kg allowance based on their tier status.

• If bags exceed the total weight limit, excess baggage charges apply based on per extra kilo over the allowance. Current rates are around US$200 per extra kg but can vary depending on your route. You can pre-purchase excess baggage allowance online before your flight at discounted rates.

Children’s Baggage Allowance

• Infants not occupying a seat have a separate baggage allowance on Cathay Pacific flights. One stroller and one collapsible car seat can be checked in plus one 10kg bag. If an infant is occupying a seat, the baggage allowance is the same as an adult.

• For children between 2-11 years, the baggage allowance is 75% of the adult allowance. At 12-17 years, children get the full adult allowance. Unaccompanied minors also receive the standard adult baggage allowance based on the class of travel.

Food Items

• Non-liquid food items can be carried in both check-in and carry-on bags without restrictions. However, many countries impose import restrictions on bringing in fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats etc. Check customs rules of your destination country before packing perishable food.

Alcoholic Beverages

• Alcohol can only be accepted in checked baggage on Cathay Pacific flights. Carrying alcohol in carry-on bags or at the boarding gate is prohibited. There are also limits on the duty-free alcohol allowance inbound to certain countries. Adhere to stated customs regulations to avoid confiscations or fines.

Cathay Pacific Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees

• If your bags exceed the number of pieces or weight limit on your ticket, excess baggage charges apply:

• Excess Baggage Fees

• Typically around US$200 per extra kg

• Varies by route and region

• Oversize/Overweight Per Bag

• US$150 for over 158 linear cm (length+width+height)

• US$200 for between 23kg to 32kg bags (economy class)

• Booking Extra Allowance Online

• Discounted rates on website vs. airport check-in

• Add allowance anytime until check-in opens

• Know your free baggage allowance to avoid surprise fees. Weigh bags at home and pre-book extras online for the lowest rates.

Extra Baggage Charges by Weight

• Here are the typical excess weight fees on routes operated by Cathay Pacific:

• Americas Route

• US$100 for bags weighing 23-32 kg per piece

• US$200 for bags 32-45 kg per piece

• All Other Routes (excluding Americas)

• US$12 per extra kg between 23-32 kg

• US$18 per extra kg between 32-45 kg

• Minimum US$100 charge

• Within Hong Kong

• HK$120 per extra kg from 16kg onwards

• Free allowance: 23kg in First/Business | 15kg in Economy

• Dubai, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan

• Around US$15 per extra kg

• Free allowance: 40kg (First) / 30kg (Business) / 20kg (Economy)

• Check route-specific excess baggage rates on the Cathay website. Airport check-in attracts higher fees.

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

• Here are the overweight/oversized baggage charges on most Cathay routes (except Americas):

• Total Dimensions (L+W+H)

• Up to 158cm - No fee

• 159cm to 203cm - US$150

• 204cm and above - Not accepted as checked baggage

• Overweight Charge Per Extra Kg

• Economy class:

• 23kg to 32kg: US$12 per kg

• 32kg to 45kg: US$18 per kg

• First/Business Class:

• 32kg to 45kg: US$18 per kg

• Minimum Charge - US$100

• Max Weight Per Bag - 45kg

• Max Checked Bags Per Passenger - 5 bags

• Weigh and measure bags carefully to avoid excess fees. Pre-purchase extra baggage allowance online for discounts.

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

• For Cathay Pacific flights on American routes, extra bags above the free allowance or overweight bags attract the following fees:

• Per Extra Bag Charge

• Economy: US$200 per extra bag from 3rd piece onwards

• Business: US$200 per extra bag from 3rd piece onwards

• First: No charge for extra bags within allowance

• Overweight Per Bag Charge

• US$100 for 23-32 kg bags

• US$200 for 32-45 kg bags

• Max Weight Per Bag - 45 kg

• Max Checked Bags Per Passenger - 5 bags

• Avoid surprises by learning the exact terms before you fly. Add extra allowance online in advance for the lowest rates.

How to Pre-pay for Baggage Online

• Get the most savings by pre-paying for extra checked baggage online before your Cathay Pacific flight:

• Log into your booking and select "Manage My Booking"

• Click on "Add Baggage" under the "Manage Extras" section

• Choose flights and enter details for extra bags needed

• Pre-pay at discounted rates shown

• Add extra allowance any time until check-in opens

• Excess fees are 2-3 times higher when paying at the airport

• Receive your prepaid voucher to show at bag drop

• Paying in advance online provides the lowest extra baggage rates on Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific Sports Equipment Policy

• Most sports equipment can be carried within your free checked baggage allowance and standard size limits on Cathay Pacific. Golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles, ski gear each must not exceed 32kg with combined dimensions under 158cm. Oversized items may require pre-approval and fees.

• Fishing rods, small hockey sticks fit within standard 115cm cabin baggage size limits. Ski boots count as a personal item. Contact Cathay Special Load team at least 7 days before departure for oversized sport items exceeding 158cm total dimension.

Special Rules for Certain Sports Items

• Bicycles - Remove pedals and turn handlebars sideways to reduce dimensions. Packing required to avoid damage.

• Surfboards - Must be packed in bike boxes or stiff protective cases. Fins and leashes can be detached.

• Vaulting Poles - Check-in only. Carry-on prohibited due to cabin safety issues.

• Scuba Tanks - Must be empty with the regulator valve open to allow for pressure equalization.

• Contact Cathay Special Load team for approval and correct packaging requirements before checking in specialty sports gear.

Respiratory Devices—Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

• Passengers can use approved POC brands on Cathay Pacific flights if they meet stated conditions:

• POC model must be airline approved per manufacturer guidelines

• Two spare batteries per POC unit

• POC battery capacity does not exceed 150 Wh

• Medical certificate confirming POC requirement

• Notify Cathay Special Assistance team 48 hours before departure for POC carriage approval. POCs cannot be used in the cabin when the seatbelt sign is on.

Payment of Baggage Fee

• Cathay Pacific accepts the following methods for payment of checked baggage fees:

• Credit card - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB

• Debit card - Maestro, Cirrus

• Cash - HK dollars, US dollars, Euros or local currency where permitted

• Prepaid excess baggage vouchers - purchased online in advance

• Frequent flyer miles - Asia Miles can be redeemed for excess baggage allowance

• Check payment options before departure to avoid delays in baggage collection.

Cathay Pacific Musical Instruments Policy

• Small instruments like flutes, violins can be carried in the cabin if they fit size limits. Larger instruments must be checked in and count towards free baggage allowance. If purchasing an extra seat, contact Cathay Special Load team for fees and documents required.

• Rules for transporting musical instruments on Cathay Pacific:

• Count towards standard checked bag dimensions and weight

• Hard cases required for fragile instruments

• Larger instruments may require seat purchase

• Fees apply for special loading

• Some instruments may not be allowed for safety reasons

• Always inform airline staff at check-in when carrying valuable musical instruments.

Delayed, Lost, and Damaged Baggage

• Cathay Pacific will compensate you if your checked-in baggage is delayed, lost or damaged during transit as per international conventions:

• Delayed Baggage

• File claim immediately upon arrival if bags do not show up

• Provide receipts of essentials purchased due to delay

• Compensated for reasonable interim expenses based on circumstances

• Damaged Baggage

• Report damage before leaving the baggage claim area

• Retain damaged items, packaging for inspection

• Airline liability limited to provable damage

• Items Left on Board

• Contact airline staff immediately on landing

• Provide details of contents, bag description

• Liability limited if belongings cannot be traced

• Monitor baggage status for delays/loss. Retain receipts and baggage tags when filing claims.

Cathay Pacific Phone Numbers

• Contact Cathay Pacific immediately if your baggage is delayed, damaged or lost:

• Baggage Services Hotline

• Hong Kong: +852 2747 2247

• Overseas: +44 20 8834 8344

• Lost & Found

• Hong Kong: +852 2747 1313

• Overseas: +44 20 8834 8344

• Special Assistance Line

• +852 2747 5596

• Cargo/Special Load

• +852 2270 6868

• Have your baggage tag/file reference details handy when calling.

Cathay Pacific’s Baggage Liability

• Cathay Pacific's liability for checked baggage issues is limited under international conventions:

• Delayed - Reasonable interim expenses. Proof of purchases required.

• Damaged - Assessed repair cost. Prior condition affects payable amount.

• Lost - Based on weight, limited to around US$1600 per passenger currently. Submit list of contents.

• Theft/Pilferage - Requires proof of forced entry. Accessible bags have limited coverage.

• Report issues within 7 days. Beyond 21 days, claims may be denied.

• Take photos of bag damage and retain baggage tags to support your claim.

Controlled Items that Can be Transported under Certain Conditions

• Some controlled items can be carried on Cathay Pacific flights if you meet stated requirements:

• Lithium Batteries - Spares between 100-160 watt hours need approval. Limited quantities.

• Camping Stoves - Must be empty with no gas/fuel.

• Wet Cell Batteries - Must be sealed in a leak-proof liner or retail packaging.

• Walking Poles - Allowed but subject to security inspection.

• Antiques/Artwork - Require pre-approval and may have specific shipping requirements.

• Always check prohibited items list before packing. Declare controlled goods during check-in for acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy

• Here are some common questions on Cathay Pacific's checked and cabin baggage allowances:

• Q: What is the free checked baggage allowance on Cathay Pacific?

• A: The free allowance is 30kg (Economy), 35kg (Premium), 40kg (Business) and 50kg (First) based on the class of travel. Marco Polo members get extra 10-25kg.

• Q: What if my bags exceed the weight limits?

• A: You will pay excess baggage fees around US$200 per extra kg over the free allowance. Pre-pay online for discounted rates.

• Q: What is the dimension limit per checked bag?

• A: 158 linear cm or 62 linear inches (L+W+H). Oversize fees apply above this. Max per bag is 45kg.

• Q: How many cabin bags can I take on a Cathay Pacific flight?

• A: One cabin bag and one personal item are permitted in Economy. Two cabin bags in Business and First class.

• Q: Can I take food or alcohol in checked or cabin baggage?

• A: Solid food is allowed. Alcohol only in checked bags within customs limits. None permitted in hand baggage.

• Q: What should I do if my baggage is delayed or damaged?

• A: File a report immediately with airline staff before leaving the airport. Provide receipts and photos.

• Q: How do I transport special items like sports gear?

• A: Check size, weight and packing rules. Some items need pre-approval from Cathay Pacific Special Load team.

• Q: What are some smart packing tips?

• A: Weigh bags at home. Lock checked bags and attach ID tags. Carry valuables and essentials in cabin baggage.

• Hope this guide helps you understand Cathay Pacific's baggage terms to avoid surprises when flying in 2023! Let us know if you have any other questions.

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