Frenchman Brings AC from China to Paris for 93-Year-Old Mother Amid Heatwave

A French business traveler has successfully checked an air conditioner onto a flight from Shanghai to Europe for his 93-year-old mother in Paris, after colleagues discussed the heat wave sweeping parts of the continent.

The unusual trip was described in a social media post on July 12 and later confirmed by the poster, identified as Lili, who works at a Shanghai-based foreign company with headquarters in Denmark. Lili said the French colleague was among a group of European coworkers visiting Shanghai on business.

During a conversation about high temperatures in Europe, the man said his mother in Paris had been struggling in the heat. Colleagues suggested he take back an air conditioner from China, where portable units were easier to find. After checking models sold by Midea, Lili helped identify one that met checked-baggage size limits.

The colleague, who is based in Spain, flew from Shanghai to Barcelona on a China Eastern Airlines flight early Saturday and planned to take the unit onward to France. His mother had been using an ice-cooled fan, but the Frenchman said it did not cool the room well and raised indoor humidity, making it uncomfortable for his mother. An air conditioner would also help dehumidify the room.

Lili said she called the airline before the trip. Staff asked mainly whether the unit contained a lithium battery. She had initially worried that the refrigerant or compressor might affect check-in, but found examples online of similar items being carried as baggage. The unit passed airport baggage screening smoothly.

The total cost was 1,412 yuan (US$197), including 1,260 yuan for the machine, 130 yuan for airport packing and 22 yuan for an adapter. The traveler was flying business class and had enough baggage allowance, so the air conditioner did not incur extra checked-baggage fees.

China Eastern customer service told Jimu News that appliances can be checked if they contain no lithium batteries, flammable or explosive chemicals, meet size requirements and are properly packed. Final clearance also depends on customs and other relevant regulations, the airline said.

The man has arrived in Barcelona with the air conditioner, Lili said.