Passengers report being stopped at boarding gates and required to pay to bring 20‑inch carry‑on suitcases aboard, with enforcement standards varying by airline. Complaints are concentrated at Spring Airlines, Lucky Air and Capital Airlines. Industry sources note Chinese carriers are broadly split between full‑service airlines — which include larger free baggage allowances, complimentary in‑flight meals and delay accommodations in the fare — and low‑cost carriers, which offer lower base fares but

Passengers report being stopped at boarding gates and required to pay to bring 20‑inch carry‑on suitcases aboard, with enforcement standards varying by airline. Complaints are concentrated at Spring Airlines, Lucky Air and Capital Airlines. Industry sources note Chinese carriers are broadly split between full‑service airlines — which include larger free baggage allowances, complimentary in‑flight meals and delay accommodations in the fare — and low‑cost carriers, which offer lower base fares but charge separately for baggage, meals and other services.