1. Baggage Policy

Checked Baggage Allowance

China Southern Airlines employs both the weight and piece concept depending on route and ticket class:

• Domestic Flights (Weight Concept):
  • Economy Class: 20 kg
  • Premium Economy: 23 kg
  • Business Class: 30 kg
  • First Class: 40 kg
• International Flights (Piece Concept):
  • Economy Class: 1 or 2 pieces (23 kg each) depending on destination
  • Premium Economy: 2 pieces (23 kg each)
  • Business/First Class: 2 pieces (32 kg each)

Cabin Baggage (Carry-On)

• Economy: 1 piece (5 kg, maximum size 55x40x20 cm)
• Business and First Class: 2 pieces (5 kg each)

Excess baggage is charged per kilogram or per piece depending on the flight. Passengers are advised to prepay for extra baggage online to receive discounted rates.

2. Extra Baggage Policy

Passengers can purchase additional baggage online, at the airport, or through authorized agents. Charges depend on the destination and weight/piece:

• Domestic Flights: Extra baggage is charged per kg
• International Flights: Based on piece concept and destination zones

Discounts are often available for advance online purchase, particularly for long-haul flights.

3. Items Allowed Onboard

Carry-On Allowances:

• Passengers may carry essential items such as handbags, laptops, umbrellas, cameras, and reading material.
• Duty-free items purchased at the airport are permitted as part of the carry-on allowance.

Prohibited Items:

• Sharp objects, flammable materials, liquids over 100ml (unless duty-free), and any items listed in aviation security regulations are not permitted.

4. Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Age Guidelines:

• Mandatory service for children aged 5–12 years flying alone
• Optional for ages 12–16 years, though recommended

Service Requirements:

• Advance booking (at least 24–48 hours before departure)
• Guardian details at departure and arrival locations
• Documents: Application form, ID/passport copy, ticket, consent form

Benefits Include:

• Ground assistance at both ends
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Inflight care and supervision

5. Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

Online Check-In:

• Available 24 hours before departure until 1 hour before takeoff
• Boarding pass can be printed or saved on mobile

Airport Check-In:

• Recommended arrival time:
  • Domestic: 2 hours before departure
  • International: 3 hours before departure
• Check-in counters usually close 45–60 minutes before flight time

Mobile & Kiosk Check-In:

• Available at major airports for faster processing

6. Visa Requirements and Travel Documentation

While China Southern does not issue visas, they do provide guidelines for passengers:

• Ensure that passports are valid for at least six months beyond travel date
• Check entry visa requirements for transit and destination countries
• For flights transiting through Guangzhou, Beijing, or Shanghai, eligible passengers may use the 72-hour or 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

7. Major Routes and Hubs

Primary Hub:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Major Domestic Routes:

• Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Kunming, Chongqing

Major International Routes:

• Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur
• Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
• Europe: London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt
• North America: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver
• Africa: Nairobi

8. Pet Policy

In-Cabin Pet Travel:

• Not permitted except for service animals

Checked Baggage/Cargo:

• Pets must be transported via China Southern Cargo
• Requires prior reservation and compliance with all health documentation, vaccination, and crate requirements
• Breeds considered dangerous may be restricted

Guidelines:

• Pet crate size and ventilation must meet IATA standards
• Pets must be checked in at least 3 hours before departure

9. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Refund Eligibility:

• Varies based on fare class:
  • Refundable: Generally allowed with a cancellation fee
  • Non-Refundable: Only taxes may be returned

Cancellation Charges:

• Charges depend on timing (early vs. last-minute) and class of ticket
• Flight no-show incurs additional fees

Process:

• Request refunds via the website, call center, or travel agent
• Refunds processed to the original form of payment within 7–20 business days

10. Date Change / Rebooking Policy

Changes Allowed:

• Subject to fare class rules
• Flex fares allow changes with minimal or no fee
• Basic economy fares may not allow changes

Process:

• Changes can be made online, via app, or customer support
• Any fare difference must be paid

11. In-Flight Experience and Special Services

Meal Services:

• Complimentary meals and beverages on long-haul routes
• Meal preference options include vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, and child meals (pre-request at least 24 hours prior)

Entertainment:

• Inflight entertainment systems on most wide-body aircrafts
• Touchscreen displays with movies, music, games, and more

Wi-Fi:

• Wi-Fi available on select international long-haul flights

Special Assistance:

• Wheelchair support
• Priority boarding
• Medical oxygen (advance booking required)

12. Travel Insurance

• Offered during ticket purchase
• Covers:
  • Trip interruption/cancellation
  • Lost baggage
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Flight delays or missed connections

13. Frequent Flyer Program: Sky Pearl Club

• Earn miles on flights and partner airlines
• Elite tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum
• Benefits:
  • Bonus mileage
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Extra baggage allowance
  • Lounge access (Gold & Platinum)

14. Involuntary Changes and Compensation

In case of flight cancellations, delays, or involuntary downgrades:

• China Southern offers rebooking, full refunds, or compensation as per aviation regulations
• Hotel accommodations and meals may be provided for long delays

15. COVID-19 Policies and Health Measures

• Mask mandates may apply depending on current regulations
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation onboard and at check-in counters
• Temperature checks and health declarations may be required
• Flexible ticket changes or cancellations offered during pandemic-related disruptions

Conclusion

China Southern Airlines provides a balanced combination of affordability, efficiency, and wide connectivity. Whether you’re flying domestically within China or internationally across continents, knowing the airline’s policies on baggage, refunds, check-ins, and special services ensures a seamless journey. For the most current updates and offers, passengers should always refer to China Southern’s official website or contact their customer service.