Luggage Service of Tibet Flights
Most visitors fly to Lhasa from a city in China, so Chinese baggage rules apply. Here is what you can take and what you can’t.
General Luggage Allowance
Flights within China follow the rules of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and of each airline. The usual free allowance on domestic flights is:
| Bag | First Class | Business | Economy | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 2 × 5 kg | 1 × 5 kg | 1 × 5 kg | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Checked baggage | 40 kg | 30 kg | 20 kg | 100 × 60 × 40 cm |
Some airlines and cheaper fares have different allowances, so check your ticket.
Carry-on Baggage Rules
You can take one cabin bag of up to 5 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm. First class passengers can take two.
Power banks and lithium batteries: power banks and spare batteries must be in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage. On flights within China, power banks must carry the Chinese “3C” safety mark and a clear capacity label, and you may not use them during the flight. A power bank without the 3C mark can be taken from you at security, so it may be easier to buy one in China.
Checked Baggage Rules
Larger bags must be checked in. A single bag can weigh up to 50 kg and measure up to 100 × 60 × 40 cm.
Overweight Baggage Fee
Each airline sets its own fee. On domestic flights it is often about 1.5% of the full economy fare for every extra kilo. Your cabin bag and checked bags may be weighed together.
Prohibited Items
- explosives, fireworks, gas canisters, flammable liquids and solids
- poisonous, infectious, radioactive or corrosive substances
- power banks and lithium batteries in checked bags (they must go in the cabin)
- guns, replica guns and gun-shaped lighters
- knives and other weapons
- live animals (except some small pets and assistance dogs, by arrangement)
Lighters and matches are not allowed on flights in China at all.
Lost or Damaged Luggage
If your bag doesn’t arrive or is damaged, go to the baggage service desk in the arrivals hall before you leave the airport and fill in a report. Then contact the airline to claim compensation within their time limit. Tell your guide too, so they can follow up for you in Lhasa.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.