Air New Zealand, the flag carrier of New Zealand, is slightly strict with its cabin baggage policy.
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. According to the airline, your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead compartment.
This guide simplifies Air New Zealand’s baggage allowance policy, including weight, fees, and size limits.
Let’s dive right in.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Air New Zealand Carry-On Baggage Allowance
- Air New Zealand Checked Baggage Allowance
- Air New Zealand Excess Baggage
- Traveling With Technology
- Air NZ Restricted Baggage
Air New Zealand Carry-On Allowance
All Air New Zealand Economy Class passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Premium Economy, Business Premier, connecting Business Premier, and Airpoints™ Gold, Elite, and Star Alliance Gold members can bring two carry-on bags plus one small personal item.
Air NZ Carry-On Size
The carry-on bag’s total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 118 cm (46.5 inches), including wheels and handles.
Air NZ Carry-On Weight
- Economy Class passengers: Up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
- Premium Economy, Business Premier, connecting Business Premier, and elite members: Up to 14 kg (30 lbs) total, with one item weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
How Strict Is Air NZ With Carry-On?
Air New Zealand is generally lenient with carry-on luggage. If your baggage slightly exceeds the allowed weight or size, it may still be accepted. However, all seats have the same carry-on allowance regardless of the fare type.
You are allowed two items:
- One carry-on bag (max 7 kg / 15 lbs) that must fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you.
- One personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag).
What If My Carry-On Is Slightly Oversized?
If your carry-on is slightly oversized, or can’t fit everything on it , it may not be an issue. However, if it is significantly larger or heavier, it will be subject to checked baggage rules.
According to Air New Zealand, if your carry-on exceeds the allowance, you can:
- Repack some items into your checked bag.
- Buy a Prepaid Extra Bag to add another checked bag.
- Pay excess baggage fees at the airport.
Air New Zealand Checked Baggage Allowance
Domestic Flights
- Seat + Bag, Flexitime, and Smart Saver fares: 1 checked bag.
- Flexidate fares: 2 checked bags.
International Flights
- Seat + Bag, The Works, and Economy Class: 1 checked bag.
- Works Deluxe and Premium Economy: 2 checked bags.
- Business Premier and Business Class: 3 checked bags (no additional bags can be added).
- The Works fares to Honolulu: 2 checked bags.
- Economy Class to Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei: 2 checked bags.
- Economy fares from Australia to the USA (excluding Honolulu), South America, and Canada: 2 checked bags.
If traveling with multiple airlines, check their specific baggage policies.
Checked Baggage Weight
- Each checked bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs) before excess fees apply.
- You can pay an excess baggage fee at the airport to check a bag up to 32 kg (70 lbs) if space is available.
Air New Zealand Excess Baggage Fees (USD)
| Flight Type | 1st Extra Bag | 2nd Extra Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic NZ flights | $30 | $45 |
| NZ to Australia/Pacific Islands (except Perth, Honolulu, Bali) | $50 | $80 |
| Long-haul flights | $80 | $135 |
Overweight & Oversized Bags
Checked baggage can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs) before extra charges apply. If your bag exceeds this weight, you have these options:
- Buy an Extra Bag to check an additional bag.
- Pay excess baggage fees at the airport for bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) must be sent as unaccompanied baggage.
If you’re bringing sporting equipment or large items, check the overweight and oversized baggage policy.
Checked Baggage Dimensions
A checked bag’s total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
- If your bag is larger, you may be able to pay an oversize charge at the airport.
- Alternatively, pack two smaller bags or buy a Prepaid Extra Bag before your flight.
How to Add Extra Baggage on Air NZ
If you need more luggage:
- Upgrade to a Seat + Bag fare if you’re on a Seat Only fare.
- Retrieve your booking and add a bag online.
- Buy Prepaid Extra Bags before your flight to save money.
Traveling With Technology
- Smart baggage with lithium batteries must follow safety guidelines.
- If the battery is non-removable, it must contain no more than 0.3g of lithium or 2.7 Wh.
- Removable batteries must be taken out and carried in the cabin.
- Bluesmart baggage is not allowed on Air New Zealand regional (turbo-prop) aircraft due to overhead storage limitations.
Air NZ Restricted Baggage
Prohibited Items in Checked Luggage
For safety reasons, the following items must not be placed in checked baggage:
- Laptops, cameras, and electronic devices
- Jewelry, money, and valuable documents
- Fragile or delicate items
- Business documents, passports, and travel papers
For a full list, you can find more on this post about wha what items are not allowed in checked luggage.
Final Thoughts
To avoid last-minute surprises and extra baggage fees, make sure to stick to Air New Zealand’s size and weight limits.
Using a standard carry-on suitcase (22″ x 14″ x 9″) will help ensure it fits most airlines’ regulations, not just Air New Zealand’s.
This way, you’ll avoid scrambling for alternative baggage solutions at the airport.
Additionally, consider buying Prepaid Extra Bags in advance to save on excess baggage fees.
It’s an easy way to manage your luggage without the stress of paying extra charges last minute.
Travel light, plan ahead, and enjoy a smooth journey.
I hope this guide helps
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