CHINA will enforce a 5kg weight limit on hand luggage on domestic flights from May 1 after earlier banning liquids and cigarette lighters.

Beijing News said the 5kg weight limit and size of hand luggage to exceed no more than 20 cm by 40 cm by 55 cm was reiterated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Thursday.

Economy and business class passengers can take only one piece of hand luggage while first class passengers are allowed two pieces but still not more than five kilograms, the daily said.

The ruling is not new but has not been largely enforced and it is common to see passengers carrying extra luggage apart from backpacks and laptops.

Defining one piece of hand luggage is still controversial. CAAC hasn’t provided specific implemental instructions and different airports have different implemental criteria.

But sources with the Shanghai airport group said one piece of hand luggage refers to one bag within the weight and size limit. This means a handbag and a laptop are two pieces of hand luggage, even though their combined size and weight are both within the limits.

(SD-Xinhua)