China is big and one of the most convenient ways of travelling great distances is flying. China has approximately 1,000 domestic air routes that cover 140 cities with Beijing as a major hub. Furthermore there are also 130 international air routes, flying to about 60 cities in over 40 countries.
There are nine major Chinese airlines.
| Airline | Code |
| Air China | CA |
| China Eastern Airlines | MU |
| China Southern Airlines | CZ |
| Hainan Airlines | HU |
| Shandong Airlines | SC |
| Shanghai Airlines | FM |
| Shenzhen Airlines | 4G |
| Sichuan Airlines | 3U |
| Xiamen Airlines | MF |
These airlines have some of the world's newest aircraft fleets and all major Chinese airports are newly constructed and equipped with the world's best available facilities. Please also have a look at an overview of airports in Yunnan.
The following information on luggage allowance for travelers on Chinese domestic flights can help you to avoid paying over-weight penalties and to travel smoothly.
Free Baggage Allowance by Weight
First class ticket: 40 kilogram (88 pounds)
Business class ticket: 30 kilogram (66 pounds)
Economy class fare ticket: 20 kilogram (44 pounds)
No free baggage allowance is granted to infants paying 10% of the adult fare.
The weight of each piece must not exceed 32 kg.
Free Baggage Allowance by Pieces
According to the class of tickets, the free baggage allowance for first-class and business-class passenger is two pieces, for economy-class passenger is one piece. The sum of the length, width and height of each piece must not exceed 62 inch (158 cm). In addition, a collapsible infant carriage or stroller is allowed to be carried for free. If baggage exceeds the free baggage allowance in pieces, or the sum of the length, width and height of each piece exceeds the prescribed limits, an excess baggage fee may be charged before check-in.
Hand Baggage or Carry-On Baggage
In addition to the free baggage allowance in weight, each passenger may carry the following articles: a lady's handbag, an overcoat, a raincoat or a traveling blanket, a walking stick or an umbrella, a small amount of reading material for the trip, a small camera, a pair of small binoculars, infant's food for consumption in flight, an infant's carrying basket, a fully collapsible wheelchair, a pair of braces or artificial limbs. In addition to the free baggage allowance in pieces, the passenger may also carry hand baggage that can be placed under the passenger seat, and the sum of the length, width and height of all the pieces must not exceed 45 inch (115cm).
Packing of Baggage
The checked baggage should be able to withstand a certain amount of pressure, be completely sealed, well locked and firmly tied up. If baggage is not packed in accordance with these requirements, the carrier can refuse to accept it, and if they do will not be liable for any damage or breakage.
Further FAQ to Flying in China
Q: What is the flight cancellation policy?
A: Cancelled bookings will incur a cancellation fee. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking regardless of whether the service is used.
Q: What is the flight change policy?
A: Change of flights may result in a change of airfare because discounts could vary. Passengers are required to pay according to the changed flights. Cancellation of the original flights is required if the changes occur between flights that belong to different airlines.
Q: I am a member of a frequent flyer program in my home country. Can I accumulate points when booking flight tickets on Chinese airlines?
A: A couple of Chinese airlines belong to international frequent flyer programs and it is therefore possible to accumulate points for flights on these airlines. Please check this list for further information.
- 115 reads