Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy

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15 May 2025

Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy and Allowances

Having baggage on a flight will add to your trouble. Going through screening? Paying the excess baggage fee? On Cathay Pacific you will be allowed baggage according to your fare class. The airline is shifting from weight allowance to piece allowance. You may be able to pay the baggage fee online or at the airport. In this WinkTravelDeals blog, you will find the entire Cathay Pacific baggage policy and the ways you can deal with the problems passengers usually face when checking baggage.

Cathay Pacific Baggage Allowance

Cathay Pacific baggage allowance may vary, depending on the route as well as class of travel, and fare type. Opting for Flex tickets in any cabin will let you fly with more baggage. Economy Light has the least baggage allowance of 1 cabin bag and 1 checked bag of 7 kg and 23 kg. 
 
Here is more on the Cathay Pacific baggage allowance based on fare classes.
 
  • Economy Class – Essential and Flex passengers can travel with 2 checked bags of 23 kg and 1 cabin bag of 7 kg.
  • Premium Economy – 2 checked bags of 23 kg and 1 cabin bag of 7 kg for Essential and Flex tickets.
  • Business – 2 checked bags of 32 kg each and 1 bag of 10 kg in cabin for Light, Essential and Flex Business class tickets.
  • First – 3 pieces of checked bags of 32 kg each and 1 bag of 15 kg in the cabin.
 

Cathay Pacific Carry-on Baggage Size and Weight

Cathay Pacific carry on baggage depends on the class of service. Small handbags and other personal items along with a carry-on bag are included in the tickets of all passengers. The personal item should be small enough to fit easily underneath the seat. Take a glance at the size and weight of carry-on and personal items.
 
  • Cabin baggage size limit –  36 cm x 23 cm x 56 cm including wheels, handles and side pockets.
  • Small item size limit –  40 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm including wheels, handles and side pockets, and can fit under the seat in front.

Cathay Pacific Checked Baggage Policy

Cathay Pacific checked baggage policy may vary by flight classes and routes. Every passenger will have a free baggage allowance. The weight of each checked bag must not exceed the maximum weight allowed per piece. Each checked bag should not measure more than the size that has been prescribed. 158 cm is the permitted Cathay Pacific baggage size. While measuring the size do not forget to consider the wheels, handles or any other protruding part. Charges may apply in the below cases.
 
  • You exceed the free baggage allowance - The free baggage allowance is mentioned on the e-ticket.
  • Your baggage is oversized – Your checked bag can measure up to 203 cm. but not more than this. 
  • Your baggage is overweight – Your baggage can weigh up to 32 kg but not more than this.

Cathay Pacific Baggage Fees

Cathay Pacific baggage fees for overweight and extra baggage may vary based on the flight zone. There are several rules on paying Cathay Pacific baggage fees. Pre-paying for baggage online will save you money because baggage charges paid online are 10 % less. Pre-purchase of extra baggage is available on selected routes. Only up to 3 bags can be added online. You will have to pay more if you buy your baggage at the airport.
 
The charges for baggage will be either in terms of per piece or per kg. Charges will also depend on the route you are travelling. Here is a look at how you may be charged.
 
Routes  Charge per extra bag Charge per extra kg  Oversized bag fee Overweight bag fee
South East Asia - Central Asia $120 $13 $80 $200
South Asia - Middle East $170 $20 $100 $200
Europe, Africa, South West Pacific $220 $150 $200 $200
North America, Central & South America $260 N/A $150 $200

 

Cathay Pacific Baggage Size Guidelines

Cathay Pacific has some necessary guidelines for both checked and carry-on baggage. Checked bags and cabin bags should ideally measure within 158 cm and 115 cm respectively. This measurement is the total of all the dimensions - length, width, and depth. As a thumb rule, remember that the cabin bag must be easily stowable in the overhead bin. Here are several ways Cathay Pacific will help you if you have an oversized bag.
 
  • You can pay Cathay Pacific baggage fees and check baggage measuring up to 203 cm.
  • You can check a carry-on bag that is bigger than 115 cm.
  • Cathay Pacific can make special arrangements for sporting equipment, musical instruments etc.

Cathay Pacific Baggage Weight Restrictions

Bags weighing over 32 kg may be denied carriage unless you have prior approval. Here are several things you must remember about travelling with overweight bags.
 
  • Extra charges - Bags weighing over 32 kg may be carried with 4 times the Cathay Pacific baggage fees normally applicable.
  • Get prior approval – Call customer care to get prior approval for overweight bags at least 3 working days before you fly.

Cathay Pacific Baggage Allowance for Infants

You can opt to bring an infant below the age of 2 years on your lap. There will be a free baggage allowance for infants. Here is a look at the baggage you can bring for your toddler.
 
  • Check in baggage - 1 bag of up to 23 kg measuring within 115 cm.
  • Infant care items (in cabin) – A safety device (child restraint seat), a small bag of food and nappies, and a collapsible stroller.

How to Check Cathay Pacific Baggage Allowance Online

To check your Cathay Pacific baggage online, You can choose your own way to check baggage. The easiest way is to buy it when you book a ticket. Other than that, baggage can be purchased on the website. Up to 3 bags can be purchased online. You will not be able to buy baggage online if you have a group ticket with more than 4 passengers in the same booking. The process of checking Cathay Pacific baggage online after booking a ticket involves the steps given below.
 
Step 1 – Click on the Manage Booking link
 
Step 2 – Enter the details of your ticket viz. booking reference, e-ticket number, family name, given name.
 
Step 3 – Click on add baggage.
 
Step 4 – Review the Cathay Pacific baggage fees and proceed with the payment.
 
Step 5 – Wait for confirmation.
 
 

Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy: Prohibited Items

Cathay Pacific Baggage Prohibited Items

Cathay Pacific has many prohibited items that passengers can’t bring on board and in checked baggage. These items are generally considered dangerous or pose a security risk. For safety reasons, airlines prohibit certain items in checked bags and carry-on bags. Here is a look at the prohibited items.
 
  • Weapons & Dangerous Tools like firearms, even replicas like toy guns are not allowed. Knives, axes, drills, and crowbars are restricted. Anything that can be used as a weapon is generally not allowed
  • Explosives & Flammables like Pyrotechnics and fireworks are banned. Incendiary devices and volatile chemicals are not permitted.
  • Lithium Battery-Powered Devices like E-scooters, hoverboards, or AirWheels with lithium-ion batteries are banned. Smart bags with non-removable or oversized lithium batteries are restricted
  • Sharp Objects like box cutters, large scissors (blades over 6cm), or razor blades in cabin bags are not allowed. Some blunt-tip scissors or nail tools may be checked in
  • Restricted Tech & Specialty Items like Briefcases with built-in alarms not allowed. Certain laser pointers and recalled devices (e.g., 15-inch MacBook Pro) are banned
  • Spare or commercial batteries must be packed as per airline instructions. Some types may only be carried in carry-on and need terminal protection

Cathay Pacific Lost or Delayed Baggage

Cathay Pacific recommends that you do not place any valuable item like a camera, or jewellery in your checked bag. In case your baggage is lost or delayed, here is the standard process you have to follow. 
 
  • Speak to the team at the baggage service counter.
  • Give details of the baggage identification number.
  • You will be given a unique reference number.
  • Track the progress of the bag retrieval with the unique reference number.

Conclusion

Understand the Cathay Pacific baggage policy properly, it can help you travel smoothly and avoid extra charges. From carry-on size and weight limits to checked baggage fees, being aware of the rules ensures your stress-free experience. Always double-check your ticket and route details for the most accurate Cathay Pacific baggage allowance. And if in doubt, visit the Cathay Pacific website or Call WinkTravelDeals team at +1-866-579-8033 for help.

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