Originally Posted by mshaikun
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on air carriers in China, checked luggage must not exceed 44 pounds, per person. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges, which can result in a considerable extra expense.
HOW IMPORTANT IS HARD SIDED LUGGAGE? We don't own any.
The Chinese government has strict regulations regarding hand-carry luggage as well. The maximum weight is 10 pounds, and the MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS are 9" x 22" x14" (including all wheels, handles, etc.)
10 POUNDS? THE CASE EMPTY WEIGHES HALF THAT!! DO THEY REALLY WEIGH CARRY ONS? I CARRY A CPAP MACHINE. IN US IT IS ALLOWED AS AN ADDITIONAL CARRY ON PIECE. WHAT ABOUT IN CHINA?
I'll take your questions in reverse order.
I don't know what a "CPAP" machine is, but I would expect no mercy from any airline, especially in China. Something like a newspaper or a clutch purse, or bag of cookies that you carry in your free hand does not count as a carry-on. A gym bag, medicine kit, or camera bag does count, and if you have two of these, then one must be checked.
Yes, they do weight carry-ons.
Hard side lugguage is a poor choice. I prefer to use a soft-sided wheelie with add-on straps to covert to a back-pack. I also NEVER put delicates like glass items in checked luggage. Use softside luggage to save weight, but assume someone will be dropping or throwing the luggage around violently (because they will!)
Here are the actual Chinese govt regulations which are written in metric.
One kg = 2.2 pounds.
"Free Luggage Allowance by Weight : The free luggage allowance by weight for every passenger holding a ticket with full fare or half fare for an international or regional flight is 40 kg for a first-class ticket, 30kg for a business class ticket, and 20kg for an economy class ticket. No free luggage allowance is granted to babies who pay 10 percent of the adult fare.
Carry-on Baggage : 2 pieces for a passenger holding a first-class ticket; and 1 piece for a passenger with a business or an economy-class ticket. The dimensions for each piece of luggage allowed should not exceed 20×40×55cm, and the maximum weight shall not exceed 5kg. You'll have to pay if you bring more luggage aboard than is allowed in terms of piece or weight."
I'm sorry but if 11 pounds carry-on plus 44 pound checked are insufficient for a package tour in China, then you are not packing correctly, and taking too much junk. (If you have special medical needs and stuff for that, I apologize, but then maybe you need to consult with your tour vendor about buying first-class tickets to accomodate your needs.)
I can travel weeks through asia using only carry-on luggage. If I buy a load of gifts (unbreakable stuff like silk), I just buy a cheap gym bag and check it for the trip home.
Bowgie