Chinese airlines: major and regional carriers
China’s skies are served by a number of full-service airlines, including four major carriers and several regional ones that feed into the big hubs. Here’s an overview:
Air China
As China’s flag carrier, Air China is based in Beijing with hubs at Capital and Daxing airports. A Star Alliance member, it operates an extensive international and domestic network with modern jets like the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350.
China Eastern Airlines
Based in Shanghai with hubs at Pudong and Hongqiao airports, China Eastern is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. It operates a wide range of international and domestic routes, and in 2023, it became the launch customer for China’s COMAC C919 jet, reflecting its commitment to fleet modernization.
China Southern Airlines
The largest airline in China by fleet size, China Southern is based in Guangzhou with a major hub at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. It operates international routes to Europe, North America, and Oceania, and retired its Airbus A380s in 2022 in favor of more efficient twin-jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
Hainan Airlines
A private airline with hubs in Haikou and Beijing, Hainan Airlines is known for excellent service and operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s on international routes. It emphasizes Chinese hospitality with bilingual crews and authentic cuisine.
Shenzhen Airlines
A regional carrier based in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airlines serves domestic routes and some regional flights in Asia. A Star Alliance member, it offers full-service flights, including checked baggage and meals.
XiamenAir
Based in Xiamen, XiamenAir is affiliated with China Southern and operates domestic and select international routes. Known for its reliable service, the airline maintains an all-Boeing fleet.
Sichuan Airlines
Based in Chengdu, Sichuan Airlines serves many domestic routes and a few international destinations, including Vancouver and Tokyo. The airline incorporates Chinese cultural elements, such as Sichuan cuisine and the ever-popular Lao Gan Ma chili sauce, onboard.
International flights to and from China: what to expect
When flying internationally to or from China, you can expect a service that aligns with what major carriers typically offer. Most long-haul flights operated by major carriers feature a three-class layout: Business, Premium Economy (on select aircraft) and Economy.
Flying Business Class
Flying Business Class on Chinese airlines offers a spacious and often more affordable experience compared to global carriers. Business travelers enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Onboard, the cabin is well-appointed with plush duvets, pillows, amenity kits, headphones, and in-flight Wi-Fi. Service includes welcome drinks, hot towels, and meals served on china with metal cutlery.
China Eastern stands out for its Business Class experience with its fully lie-flat seats and sliding doors, creating a private suite-like experience on long flights. Air China also offers lie-flat seats which recline to 170 degrees, offering refined comfort but with less privacy compared to China Eastern’s enclosed suites. Hainan Airlines provides fully flat beds in Business Class with a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access, but without the doors for complete privacy.
Flying Premium Economy (on select airlines)
Premium Economy is available on select long-haul international flights operated by Chinese airlines, though not all routes offer this class. When available, it provides more space and comfort compared to Economy, including extra legroom, wider seats, enhanced recline and priority boarding.
In-flight dining
Chinese airlines offer a taste of China in the skies. Economy class typically includes two full meals and snacks, with options that feature both Chinese-style and Western dishes. Beverage options encompass juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine. Airlines like Hainan also serve a lighter meal about two hours before landing.
Business class elevates the dining experience with multiple courses, often paired with wines. Air China and China Eastern serve Chinese wines, allowing travelers to savor regional selections that complement the onboard dining experience.
Special dietary requests, including vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options, can be accommodated with advance notice to the airline.
In-flight entertainment
Major long-haul Chinese carriers provide personal seat-back entertainment screens. Available in both English and Chinese (with subtitles), the entertainment library includes Hollywood movies, Chinese films, and sometimes other Asian or European selections. For better sound quality, we recommend bringing your own headphones.
Wi-Fi on international flights
Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern offer free Wi-Fi on certain aircraft (you may need to register with your passport and seat number to activate it). Keep in mind that internet access in-flight will be subject to China’s internet restrictions, and using a VPN may not always be effective on the in-flight network.
Baggage allowance (domestic and international)
Chinese airlines offer generous baggage allowances. For domestic flights, Economy passengers are allowed 20 kg of checked luggage, while Business Class passengers can check 30 kg.
On international flights, Economy Class passengers can check one piece weighing up to 23 kg, while Business Class passengers are permitted to take two pieces, each weighing up to 32 kg. Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece (5–7 kg) in Economy and two pieces (8 kg each) in Business.
For information on prohibited items in your luggage, check here.
At the airport in China
Navigating China’s airports is straightforward, with modern facilities and bilingual signage making the process easy for travelers. For a more seamless arrival experience, consider WildChina’s VIP airport arrival service. Here’s what you can expect:
Airport signage and English service
Airport signage at major airports is bilingual, with clear directions to Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Transfers. Even at smaller airports, you’ll find essential signs in both Chinese and English. At major airports, boarding announcements are also made in both languages, around 40-50 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Additionally, many airport staff members speak basic English, and assistance is available at most terminals to help with anything you might need.
Accessibility
Chinese airports are equipped to support passengers with mobility needs, offering features such as ramps, elevators, and designated seating. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and accessible restrooms are provided throughout the terminals. To ensure a smooth journey, notify your airline or WildChina travel designer in advance of any specific accessibility requirements.
Immigration and customs
At immigration, simply follow the signs for “Foreigners.” You may be asked to provide your photo and fingerprints as part of the process. You’ll also need to complete an arrival card, which is typically handed out on the flight or available at the airport. Customs is easy to navigate, with clear green channels for those with nothing to declare and red channels for those who need to declare items.
Shopping and dining
Major airports in China offer a mix of international brands, luxury boutiques, and local Chinese retailers. Dining options are equally diverse, with Chinese eateries serving regional specialties alongside international chains to cater to various tastes. At smaller airports, the selection may be more limited, but you’ll still find a variety of local snacks and quick bites to enjoy before your flight.
Lounges
Business Class passengers have access to exclusive lounges, like Air China’s Business Class Lounge at Beijing Capital Airport, where buffet meals, local beverages, and free Wi-Fi are provided.
Transport from the airport
Taxi and ride-sharing services (like Didi) have clearly marked pick-up points at the airport, and many airports offer express trains to the city center or are connected to the metro system. You can find more information about transport in China here.
Domestic flights within China: what to expect
China’s domestic flight network is extensive, connecting major cities and remote regions. Here’s what you can expect:
- Short-haul flights (1–3 hours): Operated by narrow-body single-aisle aircraft, these flights typically feature a 3-3 seating arrangement. In-flight service includes a free meal or snack, with limited entertainment options, such as overhead screens.
- Longer domestic flights (4–6 hours): Flights on wide-body aircraft offer a similar level of comfort to long-haul flights, with two meal services and amenities like pillows and blankets. However, Business Class on domestic flights may differ from long-haul Business Class.
Before you fly
Before you fly, be sure to check your visa requirements or confirm if you qualify for a transit visa. This will ensure that all your documentation is in order for a smooth entry into China.
For WildChina travelers, we’ll take care of all your flight bookings for both international and domestic travel, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.
We also offer a VIP airport arrival service at major airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. With this service, you’ll be fast-tracked through immigration and customs. A WildChina representative will assist with your baggage and connect you to your driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey.
Ready to start planning your trip? Find out more about how to visit China in 2025 and get in touch with us to begin mapping out your route and securing your flights.