Air New Zealand's baggage allowance policy has brought a few changes in 2025. Though minors, it’s worth noting, especially if you plan on squeezing some extra grams into your carry-ons.

Our guide is here to help you find you ways through Air NZ baggage rules and limits like a pro. If you’re looking to plan even one step further, we also include tips to avoid excess baggage costs and when to get cheaper tickets to make your trip even more affordable!

Overview of Air New Zealand

Based out of Auckland airport, Air New Zealand is the flag carrier airline for New Zealand. They offer flights over 80 destinations globally, with the main focus on routes across New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, North America, and Europe. 

You’ve probably heard that people sometimes call the airline “a monopoly”. While there might be an ounce of truth in that, Air NZ does offer a lot of flexible options to customise the flying experience for a wide range of budgets. 

For example, if you purchase an Economy ticket for short-haul flight, you can have the option to opt out of other long-haul amenities like checked baggage, in-flight meals, and entertainment.

Love some extra leg space but don’t fancy a business fare? In Economy, Air NZ has Skycouch rows that allow seats to be converted into couch-like space, which is perfect for budget-friendly family trips.

Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance For Carry-Ons 

Everything you need to know about Air New Zealand carry on rules and limits.

Air New Zealand baggage allowance for hand luggage is similar to the majority of other airlines. 

For Economy, each passenger is allowed 1 carry-on bag/suitcase and 1 small personal item. A carry-on item must weigh no more than 7kg (15lb) and measure no larger than 118cm (46.5 inches) in linear dimension.

Higher fares include more baggage and larger size and weight limits. Smaller aircraft also have a tighter allowance: your carry-on’s depth must be within 22 cm (8.7 inches) if you fly their smaller Q300 aeroplanes.

Here are the differences between Economy and other cabins in hand luggage allowance in terms of piece, weight, and dimensions.

Does 7kg Carry-On Include Handbag?

According to Air New Zealand baggage allowance for carry ons, Economy passengers are allowed 1 carry-on bag weighing no more than 7 kg (15 lbs) and 1 small personal item.

While they do not state specifically how heavy your personal item should be, a small handbag should probably pass as a personal item and can be carried onboard alongside your 7-kg bag. 

Other items that are also typically considered as personal items include:

• A slim laptop

• A coat or blanket

• A compact  umbrella

• A camera

• Infant food and items

• Duty-free goods

There is no clear dimension policy for personal items included in carry-on luggage. Each passenger is permitted one small personal item as long as the overall weight does not exceed the aforementioned regulation. If not, you may have to get them checked.

Is Air New Zealand Strict With Carry-On?

Air New Zealand's carry-on allowance is pretty standard. It’s the type you will most likely encounter with most airlines, full-service and low-cost ones included. Their approach is largely in place to ensure smooth boarding and space availability, especially on busy or smaller flights.

You can search for the same question with any airline and will likely receive the same answer. A golden rule of thumb is to stay within the limits. After all, it’s your trip that is at risk.

The best way to ensure all your bags perfectly adhere to Air New Zealand baggage allowance is to stick to cabin-sized backpacks, like CabinZero’s 28L Underseat Backpacks.

They’re compact yet spacious, with plenty of compartments. You can save a lot of time figuring out how your hand luggage should fit. Also, save your money on exceeding baggage fees.

Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance For Checked Bags

Seat Only tickets allow only carry-on baggage. Other than that, Air New Zealand baggage allowance for other fare types all includes checked bags. 

Weight Limit

Each checked bag can weigh up to 23 kilograms (50 lbs). Bags heavier than that are subject to exceeding baggage fees, but the maximum weight your bag can be put in the hold is 32 kilograms (70 lbs). 

Size Limit

Each checked bag can be a total of 158 centimetres (62 inches) in linear dimensions (width + length + height). 

The number of checked bags changes as you upgrade your fares. However, the weight and size limits are the same for each bag. There’s also a difference between domestic and international routes. Here’s a summary.

Air New Zealand Excess Baggage Policy

According to Air New Zealand baggage allowance in 2024, extra baggage that incurs fees is:

• Exceeding the quantity of bags

• Exceeding the weight and size limit of 23 kg (50 lbs) but still below 32 kg (70 lbs) and 158 cm (62 inches)

Your bag can be either of these types of exceeding baggage or both. 

For routes to Australia and the Pacific Islands from New Zealand, you can expect to pay NZD $115 (53.48 GBP) for an extra bag and NZD $80 (37.20 GBP) for an overweight/oversized bag. 

For routes to and from the United Kingdom, an extra bag costs 90 GBP, and an overweight/oversized bag costs 55 GBP. Similarly, for European routes, the fees are 110 euros and 65 euros, respectively.

To avoid excess baggage fees, stick to essential packing lists and don’t overpack. 

Sporting Equipment on Air New Zealand Flights

Sporting equipment is excess baggage when it’s over 2 metres and 23 kg (50 lbs). Otherwise, 1 sporting equipment is considered 1 standard checked bag.

Neatly packed sports equipment can be checked in as regular bags. Photo by Nadzeya on Adobe Stock. 

Smaller equipment like a table tennis set should fit in your hand luggage or checked bag without problems.

This means that if you’re flying Economy on an international long-haul flight with a golf club set, then your baggage is: 1 carry-on bag, 1 small personal item, and 1 checked golf club set.

However, if you’re flying on some of their smaller aircrafts, dimensions and weight may be more limited. Check with Air NZ first if you’re concerned. 

If your item weighs more than 32kg, you must send it as cargo, which is pretty much a cheaper option. However, keep in mind that your luggage will not travel on the same flight as you, and you should check your destination's luggage restrictions before choosing this option.

Booking And Checking-in With Air New Zealand

To smoothly plan your bookings with Air New Zealand, it’s essential to understand what cabin and fare types they have.

A screenshot of Air New Zealand’s booking page.

Air New Zealand has 3 cabin types: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. 

Their fare types include:

• Seat Only: like the name, you only get carry-on allowance and no other amenities

• Seat + Bag: like Seat Only but with 1 checked bag

• FlexiChange & FlexiRefund: typically allow free seat selection, plan changes, and refunds

• The Works: full-service fare for Trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands flights without the need to upgrade to premium prices 

You can book either on their website or via their mobile app. Fare comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights may help you find exclusive deals or the lowest fares available at the moment of searching.

Not all routes will have the same fare types available. 

For example, on long-haul routes such as London-Auckland (24+ hours), you can only choose between cabin types and additional amenities, not fare types.  

How far in advance can I book Air New Zealand flights?

For group travel, you can make bookings as early as 350 days (11 months). 

You can also check on their booking site manually. Just enter your route and see how many months in advance their calendar displays. It should be shown in the “Leave On” section.

After you book your flights, you can manage your bookings up until the check-in window opens.

Check In

For online check-in, you can do it as early as 24 hours before departure. You can prepay any baggage.

For counter check-in, you should arrive at the airport at least 1.5 - 2 hours. Extra baggage at this stage is usually subject to exceeding baggage fees, which can be more expensive than prepaid baggage.

Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance FAQs

Don’t overlook these questions about Air New Zealand baggage allowance. Some things might come up as a surprise at the last minute! 

1. How Much Carry-On Luggage Is Allowed On Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand's carry-on baggage policy varies by travel class and membership status.

Economy passengers are permitted one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg (15 lbs) and one small personal item, such as a handbag or thin laptop.

Premium Economy, Business Premier™, connecting Business Premier, Airpoints™ Gold, Elite, and Star Alliance Gold members are allowed two carry-on bags with a combined weight of up to 14 kg (30 lbs), ensuring no single bag exceeds 10 kg (22 lbs), along with one small personal item.

Each carry-on bag's dimensions must not surpass a total of 118 cm (46.5 inches) when adding length, width, and height. Exceeding these allowances may result in additional charges or the need to check the bag into the aircraft's hold.

2. Can I add a bag to my Seat Only fare?

Yes. For international flights, you can add extra baggage to your bookings no later than 90 minutes before departure. For domestic flights, it’s 30 minutes. The maximum number of bags you can add is 3, and the same weight and size limits apply to each bag.

Is it a checked bag or a carry-on bag that I can add? A checked bag. The Seat Only fare originally includes only carry-on baggage, so any added baggage is an additional checked bag.

Adding baggage online is usually cheaper than at the airport. To get the picture, prepaid checked baggage online usually costs NZD 20–30 per bag. At the airport, it can rise to NZD 50 or more.

3. Does Air New Zealand fly to the UK?

Yes, but as of 2024, there are no direct flights. Most common stopovers are typically Singapore and LA upon returning to Auckland. 

Air New Zealand baggage allowance is usually applied throughout your journey if you book every leg on one ticket. It saves you the troubles of having to recheck your bags.

However, some travellers note that if you have a stopover at a US port, prepaid baggage is not available online to pay in advance. In that case, you’ll need to handle those fees at the airport. 

Hassle-free Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance With CabinZero

In 2024, Air New Zealand baggage allowance offers easy planning and budgeting with flexible fares. Overall, all passengers are allowed 1 carry-on + personal item. Checked baggage allowance varies between fares, and Seat Only only allows hand luggage.

Since many aircrafts have limited space, to avoid extra baggage costs, having a cabin-sized lightweight bag like CabinZero's 28L underseat backpack is a wise move.

For more travel tips, airline guides, and destination discovery, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media!

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh