Hong Kong Airlines flies to over 25 destinations across the Asia-Pacific, and if you’re thinking about booking a flight, there’s one thing you’ll want to get clear on before you pack: HK airlines luggage allowance.
How much can you bring? How strict are they with carry-ons? What happens if your bag is just a little over the limit?
This post breaks it all down carry-on, checked bags, excess baggage, and even special items like scuba gear or fishing rods.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Hong Kong Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy?
Business Class Allowance:
All Hong Kong Airlines guests in Business Class are allowed TWO pieces of cabin baggage. Each piece must not exceed:
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) – total 45 inches
- Weight: 7kg / 15 lbs per piece
Economy Class Allowance:
Each guest is allowed ONE piece of cabin baggage, with the same size and weight limitations as above:
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56cm x 36cm x 23cm)
- Weight: 7kg / 15 lbs
Note: Duty-free items are included in your cabin baggage allowance.
All excessive or bulky hand baggage will be intercepted at the boarding gate and stowed in the aircraft hold.
Extra carry-on baggage is subject to a charge, regardless of whether your check-in baggage allowance is fully used.
Additionally, passengers are allowed to bring one small personal item on board, such as:
- Small handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
- Camera bag
- Briefcase
You will need to show. to the gate at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for any baggage arrangements.
How Strict Is Hong Kong Airlines with Its Carry-On Baggage?
Hong Kong Airlines is definitely not the type to turn a blind eye if your carry-on is pushing the limits.
Their policy is clear.
If your bag looks bulky or feels heavy, expect it to be weighed or measured, especially on busy flights or smaller aircraft.
If it’s over the limit, it’ll be tagged and sent to the hold and yes, you’ll probably be charged.
Also, don’t assume you can bring your carry-on plus a laptop bag, a backpack, and a shopping bag from the airport.
They count everything, and if it doesn’t fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it’s not coming onboard with you.
Hong Kong Airlines Liquid Rules
If you are familiar with the TSA liquid rules, these rules are wildly applied with the majority of airlines , so they restrict the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels you can take in carry-on baggage.
- Liquids must be in containers not exceeding 100 ml / 3.4 oz.
- Total combined volume must not exceed 1,000 ml / 34 oz.
- All liquids must fit in one quart sized bag.
- Applies to duty free items as well, even if sealed.
Security officials may conduct secondary screening of cabin baggage. Any prohibited items must be disposed of before boarding.
- Is Jeju Air Strict With Baggage?
- How Strict Is Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance?
- How Strict Is HK Express With Carry-on?
Hong Kong Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
On certain international flights (Hong Kong to / from Saipan, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand):
- Economy Class: 2 pieces, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm) each
- Business Class: 2 pieces, up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and 62 in (158 cm) each
Fortune Wings Club Members:
- Platinum, Gold, Silver: 1 extra piece within the above limits
For other routes:
- Economy Class: 20 kg total
- Business Class: 30 kg total
Extra Allowance for Members:
- Platinum & Gold: +30 kg
- Silver: +20 kg
Important: No single piece of checked baggage may exceed 32 kg or 158 cm (length + width + height).
Excess Baggage Fees
Carry-on baggage exceeding the limit will be charged HKD 500 and checked in at the gate.
For flights between Hong Kong and Saipan, Canada, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand, excess baggage fees are as follows:
- Up to 50 lbs & 62 in: USD 300
- Up to 70 lbs & 62 in: USD 400
- Up to 70 lbs & 80 in: USD 500
Special Baggage
Special baggage is treated as checked baggage. If it exceeds standard allowances, excess fees apply. Please inform the airline at least 24–48 hours in advance.
Archery Equipment
- One set per customer
- Includes: bow case, arrows, quiver, maintenance kit
- Must be properly encased
Scuba Diving Equipment
- Includes: empty scuba tank, regulator, harness, gauge, mask, fins, snorkel, vest
- Proper encasing required
Fishing Equipment
- Includes: tackle box, landing net, boots, reel, two rods
- Proper encasing required
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong Airlines might not be the strictest airline out there, but they definitely don’t mess around when it comes to baggage rules.
If your carry-on looks bulky or feels heavy, don’t be surprised if it gets tagged and sent to the hold especially if you show up late or try to sneak by with more than your allowance.
That extra laptop bag or camera case? It counts. And yes, your duty-free shopping is included in your carry-on limit, even if it came in a shiny sealed bag.
Basically, if it doesn’t fit under the seat or easily in the overhead bin without help, you’re probably pushing it. And no, the gate staff aren’t obligated to lift your bag or make exceptions because you “just have one extra item.”
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
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