Air Chathams Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

3C / CAA · New Zealand

Air Chathams sells extra 23 kg checked bags online at a discount versus airport rates, with higher prices on Chatham Islands routes, plus per-kilo excess and per-item bulky handling fees. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Updated Oct 8, 2026

Air Chathams Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

Economy

Free checked allowance depends on fare family.

LabelAmountNotes
Thrifty fareSee official pricing
  • Thrifty fares include carry-on only; no free checked baggage.
  • A 23 kg checked bag can be added for a fee (see extra checked bag prices).
Saver fare1 x 23 kg
  • One checked bag up to 23 kg included in the fare.
Full Economy fare2 x 23 kg
  • Two checked bags up to 23 kg each included in the fare.

Carry-on baggage

All cabins

  • All passengers1 item under 7 kg
    • Carry-on must weigh less than 7 kilograms.
    • Total linear dimensions must not exceed 115 cm.
    • Different aircraft have different baggage configurations; oversized carry-on may need to be checked.

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on Air Chathams

Buy Baggage
  1. Go to airchathams.co.nz and select MANAGE BOOKING, or open CUSTOMER LOGIN on the Air Chathams booking portal.
  2. Log in with your Login and Password (or create a new profile) to access your booking.
  3. Add an extra 23 kg checked bag to your booking, or include it under step 5 Additional Services when making a new online booking, to secure the online pre-book rate.
  4. Pay online with Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
  5. If you did not pre-book online, add and pay for the extra bag at the airport check-in desk, where the higher airport rate applies.

Prices

Extra 23 kg pieces cost less pre-booked online than at the airport, with higher prices on Chatham Islands routes.

LabelAmountNotes
Mainland New Zealand routes$35 online / $55 airport
  • Per additional piece up to 23 kg.
  • Online rate applies when pre-booked online; airport rate applies when added at the airport check-in desk.
Chatham Islands routes$70 online / $90 airport
  • Per additional piece up to 23 kg.
  • Online rate applies when pre-booked online; airport rate applies when added at the airport check-in desk.

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?

Yes. Extra checked baggage up to 23 kg per piece can be pre-booked online after booking, or added and paid for at the airport check-in desk.

Where do I buy extra baggage?

Pre-book extra bags online through Manage Booking / Customer Login on the Air Chathams booking portal, or pay at the airport check-in desk on the day of travel.

How many extra bags can I buy, and what are the bag limits?

Each checked piece must not exceed 32 kg. Carry-on is limited to one item under 7 kg within 115 cm total linear dimensions. The airline publishes no fixed cap on the number of extra pieces; the binding limits are the 32 kg per-piece maximum and available aircraft payload capacity.

How does the airline calculate extra baggage charges?

Extra bags are charged per 23 kg piece with two route bands: mainland New Zealand routes and Chatham Islands routes. Online pre-booking is cheaper than paying at the airport in both bands. Weight above 23 kg in any piece is charged per kilo, and bulky items attract a flat handling fee per item.

Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online in advance vs at the airport?

Yes. A mainland extra bag costs $35 pre-booked online versus $55 at the airport check-in desk; a Chatham Islands extra bag costs $70 online versus $90 at the airport.

What are the overweight or oversized baggage rules?

Any checked piece over 23 kg incurs $3.50 per extra kilo up to a 32 kg maximum per piece. Bulky or oversized items (e.g. golf bags, surfboards, fishing rods, firearms, instruments, bicycles) incur a $50 handling fee per item on all flights; if the bulky item is the only checked bag, weight over 23 kg is charged at $3.50 per kilo, and if it is an additional piece, the standard extra-piece charge applies on top.

Can I pay for extra baggage with cards, loyalty points, or miles?

Online travel purchases accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. EFTPOS is accepted at airport locations in Auckland, Whakatane, Whanganui, Kapiti Coast, Wellington, Christchurch and the Chatham Islands.

Are there any important exceptions or restrictions I should know?

Excess baggage is not guaranteed for same-day travel and depends on aircraft payload capacity; bulky or oversized items that cannot be carried due to space restrictions are flown on the next available flight. Infants (7 days to under 24 months) get 5 kg extra allowance plus two free infant-equipment items (e.g. stroller, car seat, bassinet), subject to space. Prohibited in checked baggage: flammable or poisonous compressed gases, lithium batteries, corrosives, explosives, magnets, oxidising, poisonous or infectious substances, and radioactive materials.

Related airlines

Explore more airline baggage pages to compare rules, fees, and official service links.