In a recent announcement, Air China has introduced a new baggage policy affecting its Madrid to Havana route. Starting at 11:59 PM on October 30, passengers on flights scheduled after November 14, 2026, will be limited to purchasing only one additional suitcase.
This policy, shared by Cuban travel agencies like Online Tours and Viajes On Time on social media, imposes a weight limit of 23 kg for economy class and 32 kg for business class or higher, in addition to the baggage included with the base ticket.
Extended Restrictions at the Airport
A particularly stringent aspect of this new policy is that the restriction is not limited to online bookings. The limitation extends to the airport as well, where passengers cannot add a second extra suitcase at the check-in counter.
Air China is not the first airline to make such a decision on the Spain-Cuba route. Since July, Air Europa has similarly restricted passengers to one additional bag on flights to Havana, leaving numerous travelers with luggage stranded at Madrid-Barajas and Tenerife Norte airports.
Limited Airline Options Drive Up Prices
Currently, Air China and Air Europa are the only direct flight options between Spain and Cuba, following the withdrawal of Iberia, World2Fly, Cubana de Aviación, and Plus Ultra in the first half of 2026. This limited choice has resulted in soaring ticket prices, with round trips exceeding 1,200 euros in July.
The underlying cause of these baggage restrictions is the persistent shortage of Jet A-1 fuel at Cuban airports. To address this, Air China has been making a technical stop in Nassau (Bahamas) on return flights to Madrid since March, necessitating a reduction in carried weight to maximize fuel load. Notices of Jet A-1 unavailability have been maintained at ten Cuban airports, including Havana's José Martí, until November 1.
Impact on Cuban Residents and Travelers
This policy change is particularly challenging for Cubans living in Spain, who often use these flights to bring essential goods like food and medicine to their families back home, where such items are scarce. It also affects those traveling as "mules," transporting packages for shipping agencies, a common practice given Cuba's chronic shortages.
Moreover, this new restriction coincides with operational instability for Air China on this route. In October, the cancellation of flights CA865/CA866 left hundreds of Cuban travelers stranded, with luggage held up in Madrid for up to eight days and families in Cuba waiting for undelivered medicines and food.
"My family in Cuba was waiting hopefully to receive medicine and food, items so necessary and hard to get there," commented one affected traveler, encapsulating the impact of this new baggage limitation on countless Cuban families on both sides of the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air China's Baggage Policy
Why has Air China imposed these new baggage restrictions?
The restrictions are mainly due to the ongoing shortage of Jet A-1 fuel at Cuban airports, necessitating weight reductions on flights to accommodate fuel needs.
How does the baggage policy affect travelers at the airport?
The policy extends to the airport, meaning passengers cannot purchase a second additional suitcase at check-in.
What has been the response of passengers to these changes?
Passengers, particularly Cubans residing in Spain, have expressed frustration as the restrictions limit their ability to transport essential goods to family in Cuba.