Cabin Baggage
For your safety and comfort in flight and during boarding, the amount, the size and the weight of your cabin baggage are limited to the followings:
Allowance for Business class passenger:
Each passenger is allowed to carry TWO pieces of cabin baggage, which must not exceed 45 inches ( 22" x 14" x 9" or 56cm x 36cm x 23cm) in size and 7kg/15Ibs in weight for each cabin baggage
Allowance for Economy class passenger:
Each passenger is allowed to carry ONE piece of cabin baggage, which must not exceed 45 inches ( 22" x 14" x 9" or 56cm x 36cm x 23cm) in size and 7kg/15Ibs in weight.
Duty-free items are included in your cabin baggage allowance.
All excess or bulky hand baggage, exceeding the limitations, will be intercepted and stowed in the aircraft hold. The excess carry-on baggage will be subject to a charge (regardless of whether the check-in baggage allowance is used or not).
In addition to the checked and unchecked baggage allowance, passengers are entitled to bring 1 more small item aboard the aircraft in addition to their cabin luggage. These items include:
- Small handbags
- Laptop bags
- Small backpacks
- Camera bags
- Briefcases
At the boarding gate, all the excessive or bulky hand baggage, exceeding the limitations, will be intercepted and stowed in the aircraft hold. As part of the Company’s safety regulations, our cabin crew are not obligated to carry guests’ baggage. Passengers are required to lift their hand-carry luggage to the overhead compartment.
Please proceed to boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure time in order to allow ample time to make arrangement for your excessive hand baggage. To maintain on time departure, Hong Kong Airlines reserves the right to refuse acceptance of late show passengers. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
The restriction on carrying Liquid, Aerosols and Gels items is the same for all normal journey. However, passengers are reminded that they are not allowed to board the plane if they are carrying any forms of liquid, aerosols or gels over 100ml per bottle and 1,000 ml in total (including Duty Free products regardless of sealed or not). Airport Security Officials will conduct a secondary security check on all passengers’ cabin baggage before boarding. All these prohibited items must be disposed immediately before boarding.
For Australian bound passengers without any connecting flight, they can purchased liquidm aerosols and gels items through inflight dutyfree sales of their last flying sector.
Awareness towards the Carriage of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods are articles and substances which are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or which are classified according to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The regulations prohibit the carriage of dangerous goods in passenger baggage. However, certain items may be carried in hand or checked baggage provided they are limited in quantity and for personal use only.
Many types of dangerous goods may be carried as cargo provided the applicable conditions for their carriage have been met according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations in terms of classification, limitations, packing, and declaration.
The transport of dangerous goods by air within Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department. These rules apply to all passengers, crew members and airline staff. It is against the law to carry or accept dangerous good for air travel without fully complying with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Definition of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods are articles and substances which are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or which are classified according to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Hazard Classes
Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes (in addition to several subcategories) on the basis of the specific chemical characteristics producing the risk. Some hazard classes are further subdivided into hazard division due to the wide scope of the class. Items labeled and accepted as dangerous goods cannot travel as checked or carry-on baggage except otherwise allowed in accordance with CSM (Common Safety Method) or DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations). The nine hazard classes and their divisions are listed below,
CLASS 1 - EXPLOSIVES |
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SUB - DIVISION EXAMPLE |
EXAMPLE |
Division 1.1 - Articles and substances having a mass explosion hazard Division 1.2- Articles and substances having a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard Division 1.3 - Articles and substances having a fire hazard, a minor blast hazard and/or a minor projection hazard but a mass explosion hazard Division 1.4 - Articles and substances presenting no significant hazard Division 1.5 - Very insensitive substances having a mass explosion hazard Division 1.6 - Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard |
Munitions, fireworks, flares,TNT, dynamite or torpedoes |
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CLASS 2 - GASES |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
Division 2.1 - Flammable gas Division 2.2 - Non-flammable, non-toxic gas Division 2.3 - Toxic gas |
Division 2.1 - Butane, propane, acetylene and lighters Division 2.2 - Fire extinguishers, liquefied nitrogen or helium Division 2.3 - Most toxic gases are forbidden for carriage by air |
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CLASS 3 - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
This class has no sub-division |
Lighter fuels, thinners, paints, alcohol, acetone and petrol |
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CLASS 4 - FLAMMABLE SOLIDS; SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION; SUBSTANCES WHICH, IN CONTACT WITH WATER, EMIT FLAMMABLE GASES |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
Division 4.1 - Flammable solids, self-reactive substances and solid desensitized explosives Division 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion Division 4.3 - Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases |
Division 4.1 -Celluloid, matches or sulphur Division 4.2 - Phosphorus Division 4.3 - Calcium carbide and sodium |
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CLASS 5 - OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES AND ORGANIC PEROXIDES |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
Division 5.1 - Oxidizer Division 5.2 - Organic peroxides |
Division 5.1 - Calcium chlorate, ammonium nitrate fertilizer and bleaches Division 5.2 - Hydrogen peroxide |
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CLASS 6 - TOXIC AND INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
Division 6.1 - Toxic substances Division 6.2 - Infectious substances |
Division 6.1 - Arsenic, nicotine, cyanide, pesticides and strychnine Division 6.2 - Bacteria, virus, biological products, and medical waste |
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CLASS 7 - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
This class has no sub-division |
Instrument containing radioactive source radioisotopes for research |
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CLASS 8 - CORROSIVES |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
This class has no sub-division |
Mercury contained in thermometers, acids, alkalis and wet-cell batteries |
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CLASS 9 - MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUS GOODS |
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SUB - DIVISION |
EXAMPLE |
This class has no sub-division Articles and substances, which during air transport, present a danger not covered by other classes |
Asbestos; Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice); Life saving appliances; Engine, internal combustion |
Dangerous Goods Notice
Typical examples of items that may contain or indicate the presence of dangerous goods are:
Type of Baggage |
Possible Contents |
Breathing apparatus |
Compressed air or oxygen |
Camping equipment |
Flammable gases, liquids or solids |
Cylinders |
Compressed or liquefied gases |
Dental Apparatus |
Flammable resins or solvents, compressed or liquefied gas, mercury and radioactive materials |
Diving Equipment |
Compressed air or a special gas mixture. Emptied cylinders are acceptable. Diving lamps may contain rechargeable lead acid batteries and generate extremely high heat when operated in air. In order to be carried safely, the bulb or battery must be discounted |
Household Cleanser |
Stain removers and detergents may contain ammonia |
Photographic Equipment |
May contain Hazardous Chemicals |
Frozen Food |
May be packed in dry ice |
Electrical Equipment |
Magnetized materials or mercury in switch gear and electron tubes or wet batteries in uninterrupted power supplies |
Electrically Powered Apparatus (wheelchairs) |
May contain wet cell or lithium batteries |
Expeditionary Equipment |
Explosives (flares), flammable liquids (gasoline), flammable gas (camping gas) |
Film Crew or Media Equipment |
Explosive pyrotechnic devices, generators incorporating internal combustion engines, wet cell batteries |
Fuels, Fuel Control Unit |
Flammable liquids, flammable solids or flammable gases |
Household Goods |
Flammable liquids such as solvent based paint, bleach, drain cleaners, etc |
Instruments |
Barometers, mercury switches, etc. containing mercury |
Photographic Supplies |
Flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, organic peroxides, toxic or corrosive substances |
Notice of Carriage of SPARE Lithium Batteries and Portable Battery Charger
NO Spare Lithium Batteries and Portable Battery Chargers in Check-in Baggage; ONLY allowable in Carry-
on Baggage
Powerbanks are strictly prohibited to be used and shall always be turned off during the flight.
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#Spare Lithium Batteries in carry-on baggage |
Lithium Batteries Installed in Equipments in carry-on baggage |
≤ 100 Watt-hour |
20 pieces per passenger |
10 pieces in total per passenger * |
>100 to ≤ 160 Watt-hour |
2 pieces per passenger |
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>160 Watt-hour |
Not Allowed |
Not Allowed |
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* |
the maximum number of equipment/electronic devices containing lithium batteries (each within 160Wh or 2g) for carriage in check-in baggage is 10 pieces per passenger, and up to 10 pieces in bag. For example:
- 10 pieces per passenger in total (e.g. one passenger checks in two bags)
- 10 pieces maximum in one bag (e.g. two passengers check in one bag only)
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# |
Battery terminals (usually the ends) must be protected from short circuit (i.e terminals must not come in contact with other metal). Methods include: leaving the batteries in their retail packaging, covering battery terminals with tape or putting them snugly in a plastic bag or protective pouch. |
** Please contact our Airport Services Staff if you have any enquiry
Smart Bag with Integrated Lithium Batteries
Smart bags are both check-in and carry-on bags with integrated lithium batteries, motors, power banks, GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, RFID or Wi-Fi technology. Smart bags will not be considered as a portable electronic device (PED); their batteries will be handled as a power bank or spare lithium battery.
With effective from 01 January 2018, smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries will not be accepted as cabin or check-in baggage.
When travelling with your SMART Bags, always declare this to our check-in staff.
You can travel with your lithium battery powered smart bag, provided that:
For check-in baggage
- The installed lithium battery and power bank can and will be removed by you and packed individually ensuring it is protected from possible short-circuit. You must carry this battery and power bank in your carry-on baggage or as a personal item on board and will be treated in accordance with existing spare lithium battery requirement. It cannot be packed in your checked baggage.
For Carry-on baggage
- When you wish to use your smart bag as carry-on cabin baggage, it must fit within the allowed cabin baggage limit - both by weight and by dimensions.
- The device must be switched off.
- The battery must be removable. Passenger will be able to remain the battery installed or protected the battery from possible short-circuit inside the bag.
- You will not be allowed to use your smart bag as a charging device or charge your bag during the flight.
Please note that your smart baggage will NOT be accepted if it is powered by a lithium battery with a watt hour rating of more than 160Wh.
If the battery cannot be removed, the smart bag will not be permitted for carriage as check-in or cabin baggage.
Ban on Power Motorized Scooters (or named as airwheel, solowheel, hoverboard, mini-segway, other balance wheel) .
Due to the possibility of fire risk, Hong Kong Airlines has imposed a total ban on transporting such devices (Power Motorized Scooters or named as airwheel, solowheel, hoverboard, mini-segway, other balance wheel and related accessories) as checked-in baggage and hand carry baggage on all Hong Kong Airlines flights. The above handling will apply to interline transit passengers who bring small vehicles running on lithium ion batteries with connection on HX.
According to baggage rules, Hong Kong Airlines passengers are not allowed to bring small vehicles running on lithium ion batteries onto the aircraft. If these items are brought to the airport, item will be rejected at check-in and it will be the passenger's responsibility to arrange disposal of such banned items prior to boarding. As the items have a flammable risk, Hong Kong Airlines will not store these items.
Please note:
Effective 7th December, 2015, small vehicles powered by lithium ion batteries are forbidden in passenger checked and cabin baggage.
Important Notice: Policy on portable electronic devices in checked baggage
If you are travelling together with your portable electronic devices in your checked baggage, passengers have to ensure that the below safety measures are taken place.
(1) Completed switched off
(2) To ensure the PEDs will not be accidentally powered on and induce explosive danger, passengers shall use soft materials (e.g. clothes) to wrap up the PEDs before checking in.
DO NOT TRANSPORT ILLEGAL ITEMS
According to the Hong Kong Law, Hong Kong Residents, visitors or passengers transit via Hong Kong International Airport are not required to own or possess the below illegal items within Hong Kong territory, no matter containing in cabin or checked baggage. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a fine of HK$100,000, and imprisonment for 14 years. For further information please refer to the Hong Kong Police department website ( https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/cpa/cpa_at_01.html ).
Firearms and Ammunition
Prohibited Weapons
According to Cap 217 《Weapons Ordinance》, prohibited weapon included:
- Chinese-style throwing dart
- Gravity knife
- Gravity-operated steel baton
- Knuckleduster whether spiked or not and with or without blade
- Chinese-style fighting iron
- Spring-loaded steel baton
- Any knife the blade of which is exposed by a spring or other mechanical or electric device
- Any bladed or pointed weapon designed to be used in a fashion whereby the handle is held in a clenched fist and the blade or point protrudes between the fingers of the fist
Alcohol Based Disinfection products
Liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with volume not exceeding 100ML. The items should be packed in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag with a total capacity of less than 1L/1KG per passenger.
Items exceeding stated amount should be stored in your check-in baggage. The capacity/weight of each container must not exceed 0.5L/0.5KG and the total net quantity should be less than 2L/2KG per passenger.
Disnfection products containing corrosive liquid
Products containing corrosive substance, such as Chlorine Dioxide and Sodium Chlorite, are classified as Dangerous Goods Class 8 – Corrosive Materials, and are not allowed to be carried on board or for check in.
Cabin Baggage Restrictions on Liquids, Aerosols &Gels
Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with the new guidelines laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The restrictions are as follows:
- All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100ml are not to be accepted, even if the container is only partially-filled;
- Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely sealed;
- The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted
Examples of LAGs include:
- Drinks, including water and juices
- Soups and sauces
- Perfumes and deodorants (liquid or liquid-solid mixture)
- Creams, balms, lotions and oil
- Cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss
- Pastes, including toothpaste
- Pressurized foams and sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- Gels, including hair and shower gels
- Contact lens solution
- Any other items of similar consistency
Exemption from the above restrictions on LAGs will apply to:
- Medications in quantities reasonably sufficient for the flight's duration. Doctors' prescription is not mandatory but passengers are encouraged to provide for expedient screening.
- Baby food (e.g. milk, juice, sterilized water) in quantities reasonably sufficient for the flight's duration and when a baby or child is travelling along with the passenger.
- Special dietary items without which the passenger's health will be threatened. Such items should also be in quantities reasonably sufficient for the flight's duration.
- Flight crew in uniform and on duty on the day(s) of journey.
- Tools of trade for airport staff (e.g. detergent used by cleaners) entering the sterile area and on board aircraft.
- LAGs items in quantities more than 100ml, such as liquor and perfumes, purchased at Hong Kong International Airport or at other airports, shall be placed in sealed tamper-evident bags, with the receipt clearly displayed in the sealed bags.
The following countries/cities have imposed the above restrictions on departing flights.
Country/City |
Details and Website |
Mainland China |
General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (in Simplified Chinese only) |
Hong Kong SAR |
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Japan |
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Korea |
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The Philippines |
All liquid, aerosols and gels are banned from cabin baggage. |
Vietnam |
(refer to above restrictions) |
For flights operated by our partner
When travelling on a flight operated by our partner, the operating carrier's baggage policy applies. For details, please visit the operating carrier's website.
Security Notice to Passengers Boarding Aircraft
Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department
Passengers are prohibited from carrying the following items aboard aircraft:
Knife and knife-like object of any length and description; or bladed items, including but not limited to household cutlery, cutters, scissors or razor blades.
For full details of all restricted items, please visit the website of Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.
General Administration of Civil Aviation of China
From 7 April 2008 onwards, passengers travelling from any destinations in Mainland China are prohibited from carrying cigarette lighters and matches aboard civil aircraft.
For details of the announcement (in Simplified Chinese only), please visit the website of General Administration of Civil Aviation of China