Air New Zealand Airlines Baggage Rules and Allowance 2025

When you fly with Air New Zealand, packing isn’t just a chore, but it’s part of your travel journey. The airline is known for its warm Kiwi hospitality and reliable service, connecting millions of travelers every year across New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia, and North America.

Whether you’re flying for business, study, or a holiday, understanding the Air New Zealand Airlines baggage allowance can save you time, stress, and unexpected costs. From carry-on limits to checked bag sizes, Air New Zealand keeps its baggage rules simple and easy to follow.

Checked-In Baggage Allowance

Your checked baggage allowance with Air New Zealand depends on your fare type, travel route, and Airpoints™ membership status.

Domestic Flights (Within New Zealand)

For short-haul routes across Aotearoa, here’s what’s included:

• Seat + Bag and FlexiChange fares: 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg).

• FlexiRefund fares: 2 checked bags (up to 23 kg each).

International Flights

For flights beyond New Zealand, the allowance increases with your cabin class:

• Economy, The Works, Works Flexi: 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg).

• Premium Economy: 2 checked bags (up to 23 kg each).

• Business Premier™ or Business Premier Luxe™: 3 checked bags (up to 23 kg each).

If you’re flying from New Zealand or Australia to Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Honolulu, or North America, Economy passengers enjoy a special allowance of two checked bags, a generous perk for long trips.

Koru Club members and those with elite Airpoints™ or Star Alliance Gold status enjoy one additional checked bag on most fares.

Tip: Each checked bag can measure up to 158 cm (62 inches) in total (length + width + height) and weigh a maximum of 23 kg (50 lb).

Also read Air New Zealand Seat Selection

Carry-On Baggage

Air New Zealand’s carry-on baggage allowance makes traveling easy by letting you keep your essentials close at hand. Whether it’s your laptop, travel documents, or a few comfort items, the airline’s policy is designed for convenience and comfort.

Carry-On Allowance by Fare Type:

• Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (up to 7 kg) + 1 small personal item such as a handbag, laptop, or duty-free purchase.

• Premium Economy, Business Premier, Elite, Gold, and Star Alliance Gold members: 2 carry-on bags with a combined weight of 14 kg, provided no single item exceeds 10 kg.

New Zealand Airline Baggage Size for Carry-On

• Maximum dimensions: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (total linear dimensions up to 118 cm).

• For smaller regional aircraft like the Q300, the bag’s depth must not exceed 22 cm.

Good to know: Small extras like coats, umbrellas, or a small shopping bag don’t count toward your main carry-on allowance. It’s a small but useful detail that makes your journey smoother.

Weight, Oversized Bags, and Excess Charges

Every checked bag on Air New Zealand has a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lb). But if your luggage goes a little over, there are flexible options available.

• Overweight bags (23–32 kg): Accepted for an excess baggage fee at the airport.

• Over 32 kg: Must be repacked or sent as cargo for safety reasons.

• Oversized bags (over 158 cm total dimensions): May be accepted for an additional charge, depending on available space on the aircraft.

Sports Equipment and Special Items:

If you’re traveling for a sporting event or adventure holiday, Air New Zealand makes it easy to bring your gear along. Most sporting items like surfboards, skis, snowboards, golf clubs, or bicycles count as part of your standard checked baggage allowance, as long as they meet the size and weight rules.

Musical instruments: These are also welcome as checked baggage. Smaller instruments can travel in the cabin if they fit within the carry-on size and weight limits.

Tip: To save money and avoid airport fees, consider prepaying for extra baggage online before your flight. It’s cheaper and ensures your extra items are confirmed in advance.

New Zealand Airlines Baggage Restrictions

Air New Zealand strictly follows international aviation safety regulations, which means certain items are restricted or prohibited from both checked and carry-on baggage. Knowing what not to pack helps keep your journey safe and hassle-free.

Dangerous or Prohibited Items:

The following items are not allowed on board or in checked baggage:

• Explosives, flammable liquids, and compressed gases

• Corrosive substances such as bleach, acid, or cleaning agents

• Weapons or imitation firearms

• Lithium batteries exceeding the airline’s permitted watt-hour limits

Smart bags are allowed only if their lithium batteries meet safety standards and can be removed when required.

Valuable or Fragile Items:

Avoid packing valuable or delicate belongings in your checked luggage. This includes:

• Jewelry, electronics, or cameras,

• Passports, money, or important travel documents,

• Fragile or perishable items.

Tip: Always remove power banks or spare lithium batteries from checked baggage; these must be carried with you in the cabin for safety.

Air New Zealand Airlines Extra Baggage: Add More When You Need

Sometimes one bag just isn’t enough, and that’s okay. Air New Zealand makes it simple and affordable to add extra baggage before you fly.

How to Add Extra Bags:

• You can pre-purchase “Extra Bags” through Manage My Booking on the Air New Zealand website.

• Extra bags can be added up to 90 minutes before international flights or 30 minutes before domestic flights.

• Buying online is much cheaper than paying excess baggage fees at the airport.

• Most travelers can check a maximum of three bags per person (including prepaid ones).

• Extra baggage options apply only to flights operated and ticketed by Air New Zealand. If your trip includes other airlines, their baggage rules will apply.

Pro Tip: Frequent flyers and members of Airpoints™ or the Koru Club often receive bonus baggage benefits automatically, a great reason to join if you travel regularly.

Traveling with Children, Infants, and Pets

Air New Zealand is known for its family-friendly travel experience, making it easy for parents, children, and even pets to fly comfortably.

• Children’s fares come with the same baggage allowance as adult fares, depending on the ticket type.

• Infants (under 2 years) who do not occupy their own seat do not receive checked baggage, but parents can bring up to two baby items such as a stroller, car seat, booster seat, or portacot at no extra charge.

Traveling with Pets:

Air New Zealand allows domestic pets, including cats, dogs, and small caged birds, to travel as checked-in baggage on most domestic routes, provided they are not being transported for commercial purposes. The airline provides clear guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of your furry friends throughout the journey.

Tip: Always check the latest pet travel requirements and book in advance to ensure there’s space available for your animal companion.

Connecting Flights and Partner Airlines

If your journey includes connecting flights or multiple airlines, your baggage rules might differ depending on how your tickets are booked.

• For single-ticket itineraries involving more than one airline, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC), as defined by IATA rules, determines your overall baggage allowance and fees.

• If you’re traveling on separate tickets, each airline’s baggage policy applies independently, which means you may need to collect and recheck your bags between flights. Always double-check your booking details before departure to avoid confusion.

Delayed or Lost Baggage

Although Air New Zealand has a strong record for reliability, occasional baggage delays can happen. The airline provides a simple and efficient process to track and recover your bags quickly.

If your bag doesn’t arrive:

1. Report it immediately at the Air New Zealand baggage service desk before leaving the airport.

2. You’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and a reference number to track your bag.

3. Most delayed bags are located and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

4. For damaged baggage, report the issue within 7 days of arrival. Claims can also be submitted online through Air New Zealand’s official support page.

Tip: Keep your bag tags, boarding passes, and travel receipts until your luggage is safely returned.

Smart Packing Tips Before You Fly

A few small steps can make a big difference in keeping your journey smooth:

• Weigh your bags at home to avoid excess charges at the airport.

• Label your luggage both inside and outside with your contact details.

• Pack essentials like travel documents, chargers, and medication in your carry-on.

• Check baggage size limits if you’re flying on smaller regional aircraft; space may be limited, especially on Q300 planes.

By following these simple tips, you’ll breeze through check-in and enjoy a more relaxed start to your trip.

FAQs About New Zealand Airlines Baggage

Q.1: What is the Air New Zealand Airlines baggage allowance for Economy class?

• Economy passengers can bring one checked bag (up to 23 kg). Some long-haul routes allow two.

Q.2: What is the maximum New Zealand airline baggage size?

• Each checked bag can measure up to 158 cm in total dimensions and weigh 23 kg.

Q.3: Can I carry sports equipment on Air New Zealand?

• Yes. Most sports gear is accepted as checked baggage if it meets standard size and weight limits.

Q.4: How can I purchase extra baggage?

• You can pre-purchase New Zealand Airlines extra baggage online through “Manage My Booking.” It’s cheaper than buying at the airport.

Q.5: What happens if my bag is overweight?

• Bags weighing 23–32 kg incur an excess fee. Anything over 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.

Q.6: Are smart bags allowed?

• Yes, but the lithium battery must be removable and within specified watt-hour limits.

Q.7: What should I do if my baggage is delayed?

• Report it immediately at the airport. Air New Zealand tracks most delayed bags and delivers them within 24–48 hours.

Pack Smart and Fly Confidently

Traveling with Air New Zealand Airlines is simple and stress-free when you know your Air New Zealand Airlines baggage allowance. With clear New Zealand airline baggage size rules, safe New Zealand Airlines baggage restrictions, and easy options for New Zealand Airlines extra baggage, packing becomes effortless.

Plus, the Air New Zealand 24-hour cancellation and flexible Air New Zealand flight cancellation policy give you peace of mind if plans change.

So before you head to the airport, double-check your New Zealand airline baggage size and weight, pack wisely, and book your Air New Zealand flight confidently through Flightsquest, your trusted travel partner for the best flight deals, worldwide destinations, and stress-free journeys. Travel smart, pack light, and fly with ease only with Flightsquest.