Baggage fees soar at Taiwan’s biggest airline before holiday

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China Airlines (中華航空), Taiwan's largest carrier, implements new baggage fee adjustments starting Monday (Jan. 26), increasing excess baggage fees by up to US$30 (around NT$942) per piece while doubling oversized baggage fees. These changes affect tickets issued on or after Monday, with excess baggage fees varying by region and distance. The adjustments come ahead of the busy Lunar New Year travel season.

Travelers flying between Taiwan and Zone 1, which includes Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries, will see excess baggage fees rise from US$110 (around NT$3,454) to US$140 (around NT$4,396) per piece. Zone 2, covering Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of Asia, will see fees increase from US$150 (around NT$4,710) to US$170 (around NT$5,338). Zone 3 flights to some U.S. and European cities and the Middle East will rise from US$180 (around NT$5,652) to US$200 (around NT$6,280).

Fees for Zone 4, which includes parts of North America, Europe, and Africa not in Zone 3, will increase from US$200 (around NT$6,280) to US$230 (around NT$7,222). Travelers to and from Zone 5, covering Myanmar and Central and South America, will face a fee hike from US$230 (around NT$7,222) to US$260 (around NT$8,164). These adjustments reflect China Airlines' strategy to manage costs and streamline operations.

Pre-purchased additional baggage fees will also change, allowing travelers to buy extra baggage up to four hours before departure. Zone 1 costs will rise from US$99 (around NT$3,109) to US$126 (around NT$3,956). Zone 2 will see an increase from US$135 (around NT$4,239) to US$153 (around NT$4,804), while flights to major U.S. and European cities will rise from US$162 (around NT$5,087) to US$180 (around NT$5,652). These changes aim to provide flexibility and clarity for passengers.

Oversized baggage fees will vary by size, with significant increases for larger items. Baggage between 158 and 203 centimeters (62 to 80 inches) will now incur a fee equivalent to one excess baggage piece, rather than 0.5. Baggage between 203 and 292 centimeters (80 to 115 inches) will see fees rise from the equivalent of one piece to two. You should consult the airline's website for detailed baggage dimensions and regulations.

Starlux Airlines (星宇航空) and Tigerair Taiwan (虎航) have not yet followed China Airlines' lead on baggage fee adjustments. These airlines remind travelers to verify baggage policies before departure and watch for new policies before the Lunar New Year holidays, which begin Feb. 14. You should stay informed to manage your travel budgets effectively as airlines adapt to changing travel dynamics. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.4)