The carriers that fly China's skies, what the journey on board feels like, and the airport routines worth knowing before you book.
Whether you are heading for a major city such as Beijing or Shanghai, or moving between destinations inside China, it helps to know what to expect. From service standards on board to baggage allowances on the ground, this guide covers the practical side of flying into, and around, China.
China's skies are busier than most visitors imagine, and the experience on board is often better than the price suggests.
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 is 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 such as 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 became the launch customer for China's COMAC C919 jet, reflecting its commitment to fleet modernisation.
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 favour of more efficient twin-jets such as 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 emphasises 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 within 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 on board, such as Sichuan cuisine and the ever-popular Lao Gan Ma chilli sauce.
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 the 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 with global carriers. Business travellers enjoy priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. On board, 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 fully lie-flat seats and sliding doors that create a private, suite-like experience on long flights. Air China also offers lie-flat seats, which recline to 170 degrees — refined comfort, though with less privacy than China Eastern's enclosed suites. Hainan Airlines provides fully flat beds in Business Class in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access, but without doors for complete privacy.
Flying Premium Economy. 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 than 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. Beverages include juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol such as beer and wine. Airlines such as 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 travellers to savour regional selections that complement the on-board meal.
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 library includes Hollywood films, 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, and you may need to register with your passport and seat number to activate it. Keep in mind that in-flight internet access is subject to China's internet restrictions, and using a VPN may not always be effective on the in-flight network.
Chinese airlines offer generous baggage allowances. On domestic flights, Economy passengers may check 20 kg of luggage, while Business Class passengers may check 30 kg.
On international flights, Economy Class passengers may check one piece weighing up to 23 kg, while Business Class passengers are permitted two pieces of up to 32 kg each. Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece (5–7 kg) in Economy and two pieces (8 kg each) in Business.
Navigating China's airports is straightforward, with modern facilities and bilingual signage making the process easy for travellers. For a smoother arrival, consider our VIP airport arrival service. Here is what you can expect.
Airport signage and English service. Signage at major airports is bilingual, with clear directions to Immigration, Baggage Claim and Transfers. Even at smaller airports you will 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. Many airport staff speak basic English, and assistance is available at most terminals.
Accessibility. Chinese airports are equipped to support passengers with mobility needs, offering ramps, elevators and designated seating. Wheelchairs are available on request, and accessible restrooms are provided throughout the terminals. To ensure a smooth journey, tell your airline or your ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS travel designer about any accessibility requirements in advance.
Immigration and customs. At immigration, follow the signs for "Foreigners". You may be asked to provide your photograph and fingerprints as part of the process. You will also need to complete an arrival card, typically handed out on the flight or available at the airport. Customs is easy to navigate, with green channels for those with nothing to declare and red channels for those who do.
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 specialities alongside international chains. At smaller airports the selection may be more limited, but you will still find local snacks and quick bites before your flight.
Lounges. Business Class passengers have access to exclusive lounges, such as 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 such as Didi have clearly marked pick-up points, and many airports offer express trains to the city centre or are connected to the metro system.
China's domestic flight network is extensive, connecting major cities and remote regions. Here is what you can expect.
Before you fly, check your visa requirements or confirm whether you qualify for visa-free transit, so that your documentation is in order for a smooth arrival in China.
For ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS travellers, we take care of all flight bookings, international and domestic, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.
We also offer a VIP airport arrival service at major airports such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. With this service you are fast-tracked through immigration and customs. An ORILIVANT CHINA JOURNEYS representative assists with your baggage and connects you to your driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey.
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