Overweight and oversized items

If you're travelling on an Air New Zealand flight and your baggage includes an overweight, oversize or sporting item, your options are below.

If you don't know whether your baggage is overweight or oversize, see checked-in baggage. For flights operated by other airlines, even if they have an Air New Zealand flight number, please contact the operating airline.

If your bag weighs more than 23kg

When you can't get your bag under 23kg (50lb), here are your options:

Pay an overweight charge. If your overweight bag is less than 32kg and there is space on the flight, you can pay an overweight charge at the airport. If it's possible to repack your bag and buy a prepaid extra bag it will be cheaper than paying at the airport. 

Send it as cargo. If you can't repack your baggage item to less than 32kg, it can't travel as checked-in baggage. We recommend contacting Air New Zealand National or International Cargo or a local freight company at least five days before your flight.

If your bag's dimensions add up to more than 158cm (62")

When the length, width and height of your bag add up to more than 158cm (62"), here are your options:

Repack into two smaller bags. Even if you have to pay for an extra bag, this is nearly always the best option. Apart from seat only and infant fares, each person gets a standard baggage allowance. Some fares will include an allowance of more than one bag, so check your booking first. If you're Airpoints™ Gold, Elite, Star Alliance Gold or Koru member you may be entitled to additional baggage at no charge. See membership benefits. To purchase extra baggage allowance, the cheapest option is a prepaid extra bag.

Pay an excess baggage charge. If there is room on your flight, you may be able to take your oversize bag by paying an Excess Baggage Charge at the airport. However if any of the three dimensions is more than one metre, we recommend you contact us with the length, width and height, to check it can fit on the aircraft.

Send it as cargo. If your bag is too big to fit in the baggage area of the aircraft, contact Air New Zealand National or International Cargo or a local freight company to discuss your options at least five days before your flight.

Transporting sports equipment

Sporting items less than 2m (78.7") long and weighing up to 23kg count as a standard bag. Otherwise, excess baggage charges apply. The maximum allowed weight is 32kg and the maximum oversize length on jet aircraft is 2.5m (98.4").

If you're travelling on our Regional Domestic services and your item dimensions exceed length 1.8m (70.9") x width 0.8m (31.5") x height 1.20m (47.2"), please contact us for assistance. Due to their small volume, some items up to 2.2m (86.6") long - such as fishing rods, skis and poles - may be accepted.

Sports bags can contain more than one piece of related equipment. They're assessed on their overall weight and length.

Here are some examples of sporting equipment that can be packed or bagged as single items:

  • Bike (see packing instructions below)
  • Windsurfer
  • Hang glider
  • Surfboard(s)
  • Snow skis + boots + poles
  • Snowboard + boots + bindings
  • Water skis
  • Golf bag containing golf clubs and one pair of shoes

If you wish to travel with an item that exceeds the maximum weight or dimensions, contact Air New Zealand National or International Cargo or a local freight company to discuss your options at least five days before your flight.

Packing bikes

Apart from children's bikes with no chain, all bicycles must be correctly packed in a bike box or bike bag. Bike boxes are sold at New Zealand airports for NZD $25.00, subject to availability. The dimensions for the bike box are height 0.80m x length 1.44m x width 0.31m (80cm x 144cm x 31cm).

You don't have to deflate the tyres, but packed bicycles can only be accepted as checked-in luggage if:

  • Handle bars are removed or turned sideways
  • Pedals are removed or turned in
  • The pressure of any nitrogen gas in mountain bike struts is no more than 200kPa (kilopascal) or 29PSI (pounds per square inch)
  • Any cartridges for inflating tyres are small (less than 50 ml) and contain a non-flammable gas

Remember to:

  • Place any loose accessories into a bag then place in the box
  • Seal the box and label with your name and phone number
  • Ensure no part of the bike is protruding from the box

Musical instruments

Musical instruments up to one metre long and weighing less than 7 kgs count as a standard bag. Otherwise overweight or oversized charges and restrictions apply.

Cellos may travel in the cabin with you if an extra seat is purchased to accommodate it. Onboard, our crew will safely secure the instrument in the seat next to you. To book a seat for a cello, please call our Contact Centre or speak with your travel agent.