Air China

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Baggage information

General rules of baggage
According to the transportation authorities, baggage carried by Air China can be classified as checked baggage and unchecked baggage.

Unchecked baggage (free carry-on articles)
Unchecked baggage should be suitable (weight and volume) for placing into the closed overhead compartment or under the seat in front of passengers.
A .First and business class passengers are allowed to carry-on bags that cannot exceed 5kg in weight.
B. Economy class passengers are allowed to carry-on bags that cannot exceed 5kg (11 lbs) in weight and should measure 55cm (21 inches) in length, 40cm (15 inches) in width and 20cm (7 inches) in height.
C. Baggage exceeding the above baggage allowance should be checked.
Articles that can not be transported in carry-on baggage
Passengers are not allowed to carry in their carry-on baggage any dangerous articles such as guns, knives, sharp or lethal weapons, or animals.
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Checked baggage

The checked baggage should be packed and fastened properly. It also should abide by the following conditions:
A. Travel box, travel bag and handbag should be locked to avoid theft.
B. More than two bags cannot be packed into one.
C. Additional articles should not be inserted in the baggage.
D. Bamboo baskets, net bags, ropes, straw bags, plastic bags cannot be wrapped around the baggage.
E. Passengers name, detailed address, and phone number should be written inside and outside the baggage.

Limitation of checked baggage weight and volume
- Maximum weight of each baggage should not exceed 45kg, and the maximum dimension should not exceed 100×60×40cm3. The baggage exceeding the above allowance should be transported as over cargo.
- Minimum weight of each baggage should not be less than 2kg, and the minimum dimension should not be less than 30×10×20cm3. The baggage that exceeds the above allowance can not be transported as checked baggage.

Articles that can not be transported as checked baggage.
Air China will not take the responsibility if a passenger inserts in his/her baggage not allowed items. Lost baggage will be only compensated (excluding not admitted items)

These items are:
Important or Commercial documents
Securities
Currency
Bank Draft
Jewelry
Valuable metal and metalwork
Curio, calligraphy and paintings
Fragile articles
Perishable articles
Samples

-Weight concept
Any passenger possessing an adult or child fare ticket can carry free baggage of 40kgs (88 lbs) for first class, 30kgs (66 lbs) for business class, and 20kgs (44 lbs) for economy class. One bag is allowed free of charge for infants with the maximum dimensions no more than 115cm (45 inches). In addition, a baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge.

-Piece concept
The free baggage allowance per piece applies to international routes between China and the US, China and Canada, Madrid and Sao Paulo. For first and business class passengers, two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 158cm (62 inches) and should not weigh more than 32kg (70 lbs). For adults and children in economy class, two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 158cm (62 inches) and should not weight more than 23kg (50 lbs). The maximum dimensions of two pieces should not exceed 273cm (107 inches). Infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare are allowed to check one bag free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 115cm (45 inches). In addition, a baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge. If any baggage exceeds the regulated weight or dimensions will be considered as an excess baggage charge.
Excess baggage charge (except routes between the US/Canada and China，Madrid and Sao Paulo) If the bags exceed the weight limit specified, the excess baggage charge per kilogram is 1.5% of the highest normal direct adult one way (Y class) fare.

Baggage compensation
On domestic flights if checked baggage is damaged or lost, the compensation should be less than RMB100 per one (1) kilogram (2.2 lbs). If the baggage is worth less than RMB100 per kilogram (2.2 lbs), it should be compensated according to actual value. If checked baggage is damaged, it should be compensated according to the depreciated value of the baggage or the repair cost of the baggage.
On international flights, baggage will be compensated in accordance with the international transportation policies of the Montreal Convention or Warsaw Convention. For more information please contact Air China


Checked Baggage
Routes between US/Canada and China，Sao Paulo and China,Madrid and Sao Paulo
General Rules
1. Economy Class Baggage Allowance
• Two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge
• Maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 158cm (62 inches)
• Maximum dimensions of two pieces should not exceed 273cm (107 inches)
• Weight allowance for each piece is 23kg (50 lbs)

2. Business and First Class Baggage Allowance
• Two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge
• Maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 158cm (62 inches)
• Weight allowance for each piece is 32kg (70 lbs)

3. As a Platinum Member, you’re entitled to more baggage allowance:
• On routes where the weight of baggage counts, a Platinum Member is entitled to 30 kg worth of free baggage allowance above the normal
• On routes (e.g. China-US, China-Canada) where the number of pieces of baggage counts, a Platinum Member is entitled to 1 more piece of checked-in baggage above the normal, and the limitations on the weight of baggage are as follows: 32 kg for the First Class and Business Class and 23 kg for the Economy Class, and the sum of the length, width and height mustn’t exceed 158 centimeters.
4. As a Gold Member, you are entitled to more baggage allowance:
• On routes where the weight of baggage counts, a Gold Member is entitled to 20 kg baggage allowance above the normal.
• On routes (e.g. China-US, China-Canada) where the number of pieces of baggage counts, a Gold Member is entitled to 1 more piece of checked-in baggage above the normal, and the limitations on the weight of baggage are as follows: 32 kg for the First Class and Business Class and 23 kg for the Economy Class, and the sum of the length, width and height mustn’t exceed 158 centimeters.
5. A Silver Member flies on Air China-operated and CA-coded flights
More Baggage Allowance
As a Silver Member, you’re entitled to more baggage allowance:
• On routes where the weight of baggage counts, a Silver Member is entitled to 20 kg worth of free baggage allowance above the normal.
• On routes (e.g. China-US, China-Canada) where the number of pieces of baggage counts, a Silver Member is entitled to 1 more piece of checked-in baggage above the normal, and the limitations on the weight of baggage are as follows:32 kg for the First Class and Business Class and 23 kg for the Economy Class, and the sum of the length, width and height mustn’t exceed 158 centimeters.
6. Infants paying 10% of adult fare Baggage Allowance
• One bag per passenger may be checked free of charge
• Maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 115cm (45 inches)
• Baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge
7. Items regarded as baggage if dimensions do not exceed 158cm (62 inches)
• Sleeping bag or bedroll
• Rucksack, knapsack, backpack
• Snowboard/Ski equipment – A ski bag containing one pair of skis/one snowboard and poles. A boot bag containing one pair of ski boots.
• Golf equipment - Golf bag containing golf clubs and one pair of golf shoes
• Duffle-type bag or a type 22 bag
• Bicycle - Single seat touring or racing bicycle, non-motorized packed properly with handlebars turned sideways and removed pedals.
• Standard water surfboard, wake board or pair of standard water skis
• Fishing equipment – Properly packed equipment containing not more than two fishing rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots and one tackle box
• Sporting firearms- one rifle case containing not more than 2 rifles, 5kg (11 lbs) of ammunition, one shooting mat, a noise suppressor and small rifle tools, or two shotguns and two shotgun cases, or one pistol case containing not more than 5 pistols, 5kg (11 lbs) of ammunition, noise suppressors, one pistol telescope and small pistol tools. Acceptability of such firearms shall be subject to the carrier’s conditions
• Musical instruments not exceeding 100cm (39 inches) in length
8. Handicapped passengers may take a wheelchair and/or walking aids
II. Oversized and excess baggage
• Economy class passengers (not including Platinum, Gold or Silver Card members) will be charged RMB 200 (or equivalent currency) for each piece of luggage that exceeds 23kg (50 lbs) up to 32kg (70 lbs) and one single unit* if the dimensions of one bag exceeds 158cm (62 inches) or if two bags exceed 273cm (107 inches).
• All classes and elite card members will be charged one single unit* for each additional bag exceeding the two piece limit (three piece limit for Platinum Card members).
• All classes and elite card members will be charged one single unit* for each bag with dimensions exceeding 158cm (62 inches) up to 203cm (80 inches), as long as piece and weight allowances are not exceeded.
• All classes and elite card members will be charged two single units* for each additional bag exceeding two pieces with dimensions exceeding 158cm (62 inches) up to 203cm (80 inches).
• All classes and elite card members will be charged three single units* for each bag with dimensions exceeding 203cm (80 inches) and/or the weight of 32kg (70 lbs) up to 45kg (99 lbs).
• Baggage weighing more than 45kg (99 lbs) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
III. Other Information
1. When passengers are connecting flights, the new baggage policy applies for any domestic segments that are in conjunction with international segments
2. If there are any problems with the baggage on a flight, any claims will be processed in accordance with the new baggage policy.
3. Passengers taking code-share flights with Air China and other carriers, please refer to the checked baggage policy of the operating carrier.
4. Passengers on China – Canada routes who have purchased their tickets before October 29, 2006 are entitled to the original free baggage allowance.

Children information

Accompanied Child / Infant Travelers

Age Limit
An accompanied child refers to children who are 2 years of age and under 12 years of age. An accompanied infant refers to an infant that is below 2 years of age. The adult traveling with the child or infant must be over 18 years old.

General Regulations
An adult should not travel with more than 2 infants, one infant and two children, or three children.
You should be given an approval by Air China to travel with an infant. The infant should be over 14 days old or over 90 days old.
The accompanied child/infant and the adult must be in the same cabin.

Ticket Price
Children between the ages of 2-12 years old can travel using the Children Fare. Infants under the age of 2 years old have a 90% discount of the published fare of first class, business class or economy class but will not have their own seat. If you would like your infant or infants to have an independent seat, please purchase Child Fare ticket for everyone of them.

Services
If you need a cradle for a baby you should reserve one 72 hours in advance. This can be done through the local business department of Air China.
Meals of children and infants are available. You can request these special meals when booking your ticket.
1.Child Meal (CHML) – This meal is prepared for child passengers. No salty or sweet foods are used.
2.Baby Meal (BBML) – This meal is prepared for infants. Two types of baby food are served, such as meat, vegetables or fruit.

Unaccompanied Minors
General Regulations
The unaccompanied minor service is for children who are above the age of 5 and under the age of 12 that will be traveling without an adult. You must request this service in advance. The unaccompanied minor service also is available for travelers over the age of 12 and under the age of 18.
To request the unaccompanied minor service, please fill out an application at the local business department at least 24 hours before departure.
As a parent or guardian, you will need to show child`s identification and valid travel documents. You will need to arrange for someone to pick up your child at the final destination.

Service Fees
For domestic and international flights, a one-way direct flight costs RMB 260 or $30.
Services
We assure you that your child will be looked after for the entire flight. If there are any irregularities with the flight, we will appoint someone to arrange for accommodation and transportation for your child.
For more information on the unaccompanied minor service, please contact the local business department.
Import Procedures for Moving Cats & Dogs to China. Pet Relocation and Transportation to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
General guidelines for importing pets into China, via Shanghai, are shown below. SCAA does not provide pet relocation services, but highly recommends our sponsor, WorldCare Pet Transport, to ensure the safe import and export of your pets via Shanghai. Local laws and procedures may change at any time regarding pet import and export so it is recommendable to contact WorldCare Pet Transport and/or your local embassy.
For more information on moving your pet to China, please contact:petimport@scaashanghai.org

Pets

General Pet Import Regulations

Owners of cats and dogs are allowed to import their pets into Shanghai by either excess baggage or cargo as long as it can be demonstrated that they are vaccinated and have good health. Rabbits, ferrets, snakes, rodents, fish and birds are not allowed to be imported into Shanghai. According to regulations, you need to possess a Z (Resident) Visa for one pet. If you bring in two pets, you need to carry two Z (Resident) Visa holder. A pet relocation company should be able to have this requirement waived. Unlike dogs that have to be registered with the Chinese authorities after arrival, cats do not require licensing in Shanghai. Dogs have to obtain a yearly license fee of RMB 2,000 in the city center and RMB 1,000 outside the Inner Ring Road.

Deciding if you should use a Pet Relocation Company:
SCAA believes that there is an advantage of using a pet relocation company, because they will ensure you have all the documents needed when you arrive at the airport. They know the airport officials well and you can better be assured a smooth arrival transition through the quarantine and import procedures .Certainly, the price is a little bit higher when an agent handle all the arrangements and in that way your chance of encountering a problem will decrease when you bring your pet in.

Upon Arrival
If you are handling the transport of your pet personally, upon arrival take your pet, fee (RMB 1,000/animal), and certificates to the Plant and Quarantine Office (You will be notified of the location in advance by the airlines you are using). In other cases you will be accompanied by an agent (if you opt for one), to the office. Make sure you have copies of health and rabies certificate because the officials will keep them (they do not keep the vaccination book).

Shanghai Quarantine
Please note that there is a 7-day mandatory quarantine regulation in Shanghai (if the animal is approved as healthy after seven days, home quarantine may be allowed for the remaining 23 days of total one month quarantine). If there is a transit via Hong Kong or Guangzhou, there is no quarantine in Shanghai (if via Hong Kong, the pet will be transported across border to Shenzhen or Guangzhou airport). There is usually a 3-4 hour layover while the necessary official papers are processed. Worldcare Pet Transport agents deliver your pet home after completing paperwork in Shanghai .They can handle this transit service, assist with arranging the transit flight to Shanghai too.

Pets Arriving as Excess Baggage
Pet owners can often handle this process on their own. According to Worldcare Pet Transport:
Carried as excess baggage (One passport for one pet only)
A Rabies Vaccination Record is required by local officials for pet importation into China (this should also include proof of vaccination against cat flu and feline encephalitis).Your veterinarian can probably provide you with this record. Rabies vaccination must be given not less than 30 days before your departure to China and no more than 1 year prior to entry to China. The rabies certificate should be separated from the vaccination book and will be retained by the Chinese officials.

You need to supply the Chinese government with an international health certificate when you arrive. There should be a general confirmation from your veterinarian that your pet is in good health. Chinese officials will verify and stamp aforementioned certificate. The health certificate must be dated less than 14 days before your arrival in China. The form should include name and type of pet (dog/cat and breed), age, weight (and height for dogs), gender, and an added statement that the pet is vaccinated and in good health.
There is no need to fax or e-mail the above two documents, the owner passport copy, arrival date and flight to the pet relocation in advance (originals must be carried no matter if being handled).

VERY IMPORTANT: The owner's name in the Vaccination Record and Health Certificate must coincide to his/her legal name in their passport.

Make sure to check what charge and rules your airlines have for the carriage of pets. You must use an airline-approved pet carrier. Some airlines allow small pets to travel with you in the cabin, some will only allow pet transport in their cargo area and some airlines do not transport pets at all. It is recommended to use a Western Airline if possible to ensure that the conditions in the cargo hold are suitable. Airlines rates for pet transport are different in each country.

It is NOT RECOMMENDED to transport your pet as excess baggage if its arrival is after 6.30. If this happens, additional fees will be applied and your pet will have to stay at the airport overnight as the latest Inspection and Quarantine Bureau shuttle bus to the quarantine facility leaves Shanghai airport at 7:30pm Monday to Friday. If the pet arrives on Saturday, Sunday or public holiday the transport from the airport to the quarantine facility can be handled by a pet relocation agent .In this case, clients must inform them three days before arrival and pay supplementary fees. Private individuals cannot transport the animal from the airport to the quarantine facility.

From 13 February 2006, there is a 7-day quarantine at the quarantine station. The pet will be released after this time if all tests show negative results. The pet will have a home quarantine for the remaining 23 days for a total quarantine period of 30 days.
Shipped as air cargo (one passport for one pet only)
Personally, you are not allowed to process the required paperwork in the customs department of Shanghai airport, a pet relocation agent is needed for the import procedure.
A Rabies Vaccination Record is required by local officials for pet importation into China. Rabies vaccination must be given not less than 30 days before your departure to China and no more than 1 year prior to entry to China.

An international health certificate is needed by the Chinese government when you arrive. This certificate must be issued by a government veterinarian with an official government stamp on it. The health certificate must be dated less than 14 days prior to arrival in China.

VERY IMPORTANT： THE ORIGINALS OF ALL CERTIFICATES AND THE VACCINATION BOOKLET MUST TRAVEL ALONG WITH THE PETS.

When shipping is as air cargo, a pet relocation copy (or agent) MUST be used. Private individuals cannot carry their pets through cargo customs. An Air Waybill is needed to pass through customs. Usually the airlines that transport the pet will require custom’s approval 3-4 days before the departure date. The pet owner should notify the pet relocation company about the Air Waybill No. as soon as the flight is booked.

VERY IMPORTANT： ONLY PERSONAL NAMES MUST BE USED! COMPANY NAMES CANNOT BE USED TO SHIP A PET.

The consignee must have a passport with a valid Chinese visa and an entry record within the proceeding 2 weeks from the country that the pets are departing from. The consignee must arrive into Shanghai airport before the pet’s arrival in order to provide the collection of his/her passport. The pet relocation company will collect the consignee’s passport one day before the pet arrives. The passport will be returned on the pet´s arrival date or the day after.

VERY IMPORTANT：THE OWNER’S NAME IN THE VACCINATION RECORD, HEALTH CERTIFICATE AND THE CONSIGNEE’S NAME IN THE AIR WAYBILL MSUT BE THE SAME AS HIS/HER LEGAL NAME IN THEIR PASSPORT.