CAAC guidance warns against placing fragile items in checked baggage and notes that oversized cabin bags may be checked at the gate. Confirm the operating airline's size, weight and special-baggage rules before flying with ceramics.

Divide items by value and size

A small, fully fired and securely packed ordinary piece may be assessed against cabin limits. For a large, matched-set or valuable work, contact the operating airline after booking about special baggage, an extra seat, air cargo or professional logistics. Damp, unfired or slender work should not be packed in a hurry.

CAAC advises passengers not to place fragile items inside checked baggage. Even when a counter accepts an item, liability, declared value and compensation follow the airline's conditions; a fragile label is not a complete compensation promise.

Pack for the possibility of checking

Protect the surface, immobilize cavities and moving parts, and place the piece in a rigid inner box. Cushion that box inside an outer carton. Separate multiple items, protect lids, handles, narrow necks and projections, mark orientation and keep the package dry. Before payment, record who packs, who tenders the item and who handles breakage.

Do not design a package that only just meets a cabin limit. CAAC says oversized or excess cabin bags, or bags on a full flight, may be checked at the gate and may not travel on the same aircraft. Pack for that possibility from the start.

Make three airport checks

Before departure, confirm dimensions, weight, pieces and prohibited or restricted contents with the airline. At check-in, declare fragile ceramics and ask for the handling method. After security, inspect seals and labels. Keep cabin pieces from being crushed and inspect the outer carton before leaving baggage claim.

If damage or loss is visible, report it to the carrier at the airport, photograph the carton and contents, and retain the baggage tag and receipt. Valuable art, antiques or suspected cultural relics are not ordinary souvenirs and require separate airline, customs and professional checks.