Here you find the long story short on baggage policy for each class, excess baggage fees, and quick links to access the baggage fee calculator. Also on prohibited items and the limit on carrying liquids inside the cabin.
Cabin & Checked-In Baggage Policy
Cabin Baggage Policy: Air New Zealand allows passengers to bring one piece of cabin baggage on board, along with a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. The maximum dimensions for the main cabin baggage are 118cm (46.5 inches) combined length, width, and height, and the weight should not exceed 7kg (15.4 lbs).
Quick links: Complete charges in detail -> Air NZ excess baggage charges
Checked-in Baggage Policy: The checked baggage allowance for Air New Zealand flights typically depends on the class of service, fare type, and route. The standard weight allowance for most international flights is as follows:
- Economy Class:
- International Short-haul: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs).
- International Long-haul: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs) for most flights, or 2 pieces for some destinations like the United States.
- Premium Economy Class:
- International Short-haul: 2 pieces of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs) each.
- International Long-haul: 2 pieces of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs) each for most flights, or 3 pieces for some destinations like the United States.
- Business Class:
- International Short-haul: 2 pieces of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs) each.
- International Long-haul: 3 pieces of checked baggage up to 23kg (50 lbs) each for most flights, or 4 pieces for some destinations like the United States.
Please note that specific routes and fare types may have different allowances, so it’s essential to check with Air New Zealand or review your ticket details for precise information. Additionally, if you exceed the weight or piece limits, excess baggage fees may apply.
Baggage Allowance for Infants and Children
- Infants (under 2 years old):
- Infants are typically not entitled to a separate cabin baggage allowance.
- However, parents or guardians are allowed to bring essential items like nappies, baby food, and a small bag for the infant’s belongings on board.
- Infants are usually allowed a checked baggage allowance, which may vary depending on the route and fare type.
- The specific allowance for checked baggage can be confirmed by checking with Air New Zealand or reviewing the ticket details.
- Children (2 years old and above):
- Children have the same baggage allowance as adult passengers, depending on the ticket class, fare type, and route.
- They are typically entitled to the same cabin baggage and checked baggage allowances as adults in their respective classes.
- When traveling with infants on Air New Zealand, you can bring certain essential items such as strollers, buggies, car seats, booster seats, and porta cots
- Air New Zealand allows passengers to bring strollers and buggies for infants and children.
- Car seats can be brought on board for infants and children to provide them with a safe and secure seating arrangement during the flight.
- Booster seats are allowed on Air New Zealand flights for children who require them.
- Air New Zealand provides porta cots on select long-haul international flights, subject to availability.
Excess Baggage and Charges
Excess baggage refers to any checked-in or cabin baggage that exceeds the weight or piece limits set by the airline. When your baggage exceeds these limits, it is considered excess baggage, and you may be required to pay additional fees.
> Go to the official page for the checked-in baggage calculator
Prepaid Excess Baggage Charges
- Per bag basis for every domestic travel is $30 ( per bag in USD)
- New Zealand & Australia: $55 (USD)
- Long haul flights: $90 USD
for prepaid additional baggage charges visit -> Air Newzealand Baggage
For oversized sports, musical items, and your personal checked-in baggage that is over in size -> Oversized Baggage
You Cant Carry the Following: Prohibited Baggage
Air New Zealand, like other airlines, has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed in either cabin baggage or checked-in baggage for safety and security reasons
- Explosives and flammable materials:
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- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Flammable liquids, gases, and aerosols
- Fireworks and flares
- Gasoline, lighter fluids, and other highly flammable substances
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- Weapons and sharp objects:
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- Knives, swords, and other bladed weapons
- Firearms and replica firearms
- Martial arts equipment that can be used as weapons
- Sporting equipment that can cause injury (e.g., bats, golf clubs)
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- Chemicals and toxic substances:
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- Corrosive substances, such as acids and alkalis
- Toxic and poisonous materials
- Radioactive materials
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- Miscellaneous items:
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- Hoverboards and electric scooters (due to lithium-ion battery restrictions)
- Self-defense sprays and mace
- Lithium-ion batteries exceeding the specified size or capacity limits
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More details at Air New Zealand Checkin Baggage.
Musical Instruments
Q: How are musical instruments handled in Air New Zealand’s baggage policy? A: Musical instruments not exceeding 100cm in length and 15lb/7kg in weight are considered standard bags. If they exceed these measurements, additional charges for being overweight or oversized may apply, along with applicable restrictions.
Q: Can I bring larger musical instruments like a cello on board? A: Yes, you can bring larger musical instruments such as cellos in the aircraft cabin. However, you will need to purchase an extra seat for the instrument. The cabin crew will help secure it safely on the seat next to you.
Q: Are there any specific guidelines for carrying larger musical instruments? A: Yes, purchasing an extra seat for your larger musical instrument is required. The cabin crew will assist in securing it properly during the flight.
Liquid Limit and Medicines in Baggage
Q: Can I bring liquids in my cabin baggage on Air New Zealand flights? A: Yes, you can bring liquids in your cabin baggage on Air New Zealand flights. However, there are restrictions on the quantity and packaging of liquids, which must comply with the airline’s guidelines and international security regulations.
Q: What are the restrictions on carrying liquids in cabin baggage? A: Air New Zealand follows the standard 100ml/3.4oz rule for liquids in cabin baggage. All liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (1 quart). Each passenger is typically allowed one such bag.
Q: Are there any exceptions for carrying larger quantities of liquid in cabin baggage? A: Yes, there are exceptions for certain essential liquids such as baby formula, breast milk, and medications. These liquids may be allowed in quantities exceeding 100ml, but you may be required to declare and present them separately at the security checkpoint for inspection.
Liquid Medications
Q: Can I carry medicinal items in my cabin or checked baggage? A: Yes, you can carry the necessary medicinal items in both your cabin and checked baggage. It’s recommended to keep any essential medications in your cabin baggage for easy access during the flight.
Q: Do I need to provide any documentation for carrying medicinal items? A: It’s advisable to carry a prescription or a doctor’s note for any prescribed medications or medical supplies you bring on board. This documentation may be required for verification purposes, especially for liquid medications exceeding the standard liquid restrictions.
Q: Is there any specific process for carrying liquid medications in cabin baggage? A: Liquid medications exceeding 100ml should be declared at the security checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening procedures, and it’s essential to cooperate with the security staff and follow their instructions.