Air China is the national flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, with its headquarters in the Shunyi District, Beijing. The Chinese airline's primary hub airport is Beijing Capital International Airport, a major domestic and international hub in China. Air China operates 322 routes, including 82 international, 15 regional and 225 domestic routes.
Air China began operations in July 1988, as a result of the Chinese government's decision to split China's operating divisions into six separate airlines; Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, China Northern, China Southwest and China Northwest. As China's only national airline, it is committed to social responsibility and plays an important role in facilitating the implementation of key national strategies, such as the "Going Global Strategy", which encourages Chinese enterprises to invest overseas.
The airline has codeshare agreements with many airlines including Air Canada, Air Macau, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, South African Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Tibet Airlines and United Airlines amongst many others. Air China joined the Sky Alliance - the world's largest global airline alliance.
Please note that the following baggage information is a guide, and is subject to change (by the airline) based on the applicable fare tariff and route. Free baggage allowance will be confirmed during the booking process when it is also possible to add more bags to your booking if required.
The hand baggage allowance for First class and Business class Air China passengers is two pieces, weighing no more than 8kg each. The baggage allowance for Economy Class passengers is one piece, weighing no more than 5kg.
Carry-on baggage must not exceed dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Any luggage that does not fit in the overhead cabin or seat in front of you will have to be checked into the hold.
Domestic flights: The baggage allowance is 40 kg (88 lb) for First Class, 30 kg (66 lb) for Business Class and 20 kg (44 lb) for Economy Class. The length, width and height of each piece of baggage shall not exceed 100 cm (40 in), 60 cm (24 in) and 40 cm (16 in).
International flights: First/Business Class passengers may check in two pieces of baggage for free, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lb). Premium Economy Class passengers are entitled to check two pieces of ordinary baggage for free, each piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb). Economy Class passengers travelling on the following routes may check in two items of baggage for free, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb).
Air China's customers can choose to fly in Economy, Business or First Class.
Economy Class will serve you with a smile and comfort and treat you like a First Class passenger.
Pillows and blankets are provided in Economy Class, giving you comfort and a peaceful journey. Power outlets are available to help charge devices. Headphones and in-flight entertainment are available for your journey, with a range of music, films and games. Translation services from Mandarin to English are available. Drinks services come through and can take your selection or a cart of a range of beverages to choose from. White and red wine, beer and soft drinks can be chosen. Meals are included in Economy Class, with a mixture of cakes and snacks. Hot meals are served depending on the length of your journey and the time.
Air China's Economy Class seating consists of 261 seats and is arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat is 32 inches wide and reclines.
Air China is yet to offer Premium Economy. If you wish to upgrade, please see the airline's Business Class fare.
Travel in style with Air China Business Class. Enjoy a relaxing flight and excellent customer service from check-in to landing.
Air China passengers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the Business Class lounge, where they will have access to a buffet and an exceptional selection of Chinese beers and wines to choose from.
Air China passengers are provided with a fully-flat bed to make sure they get the best sleep possible and arrive revitalised for the next leg of their journey. Passengers can adjust the seat to upright and relaxed positions for maximum comfort while sitting or reclining. With thick duvets and medium-size pillows as well as signature Air China red slippers, you will enjoy a relaxing night's sleep onboard your Air China flight.
Air China's First Class service provides you with the comfort and privacy you need to enjoy your flight. Sit back and relax in intimate and cosy suites.
Entertain yourself with a range of in-flight entertainment options. As well as additional space and privacy on board, First Class passengers will be offered complimentary drinks and provided with slippers, a L'Occitane amenity kit and high-quality pyjamas. You'll also have an exquisite choice of in-flight meals with a range of dishes inspired by Chinese cuisine and heritage.
Air China's First Class lounge in Beijing can be accessed with the airline's Priority Pass. Pass the time before your flight in Air China's entertainment space, with comfortable seating and a wide-screen TV. Enjoy a wide selection of complimentary food drinks and snacks and even choose Chinese delicacies from the airline's buffet selection.
Passengers are provided with in-flight magazines, newspapers, TV channels and movies on board their widebody jets.
Air China offers eight classic movies by world-renowned directors such as John Woo, Jia Zhangke and Xie Fe. Aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art AVOD systems featuring bilingual classic movies as well as a large collection of games.
Air China offers a variety of food and beverages onboard. The menu will depend on the cabin class you fly in.
Economy passengers can enjoy healthy gourmet meals made with carefully selected ingredients on board their flight. Depending on the duration and time of your flight, passengers will be provided with breakfast, lunches, dinner and snacks. For shorter flights, passengers may receive sandwiches, hamburgers or snacks such as Chinese cake.
Passengers in business and first class can enjoy western or Chinese-style food at any mealtime, with lunch and dinner offering at least 3 main meal options which are served with a starter, bread, salad, cheese, fruit and a dessert. Snacks will also be available between meals, with healthy options such as seasonal fruits and yoghurt.
Air China has also recently invested in a new ‘Forbidden Pavilion First Class’ and ‘Capital Pavilion Business Class’, wherein passengers can enjoy tailor-made menus consisting of 18 dishes which can be pre-ordered and reserved. The available dishes include seafood, beef, pork, chicken, duck, vegetables or noodle soup, but may vary on the route travelling.
Passengers can request special meals for their flights at the time of booking, up until 24 hours before flying (except Kosher meals which must be requested 48 hours before departure). The types of meals available are as follows:
Child Meal
Children’s Meal
Health Meal
Diabetic Meal
Fruit Platter Meal
Seafood Meal
Low fat/low cholesterol Meal
Low salt Meal
Low lactose Meal
Vegetarian Raw Meal
Vegetarian Meal
Vegetarian vegan Meal
Religious Meal
Vegetarian Jain Meal
Passengers can enjoy a selection of teas, coffee and soft drinks onboard Air China flights. In addition, there is a ‘Cellar in the Sky’ service where passengers can try a range of different wines, champagnes, cognac, spirits and beer.
Air China offers online check-in for its passengers. If you're unable to check in online, you can check in at the airport.
Online check-in is available on the Air China website.
Customers must arrive at the airport before the check-in desk closes. Check-in closing time will vary according to the flight's departure. In general, for domestic flights passengers must arrive 45 minutes prior to departure and 60 minutes prior for international flights.
PhoenixMiles is the frequent flyer program of Air China, along with its subsidiary, Shenzhen Airlines, and Shandong Airlines, Tibet Airlines and Dalian Airlines. PhoenixMiles was the first frequent flyer program launched in mainland China and was designed to reward frequent flyers travelling internationally and domestically with both Air China and its partner airlines.
When you make an Air China booking through Alternative Airlines, simply select ‘PhoenixMiles’ from the drop-down list of frequent flyer options during the flight booking process. You can then add your personal membership number, and collect your points when you fly!
Air China is a member of the Star Alliance.
In 2006, Air China signed an agreement to join the Star Alliance, and became a member of the alliance in December 2007, alongside its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines.
Special service requests can include mobility assistance, requesting an extra seat or requesting permission to fly with special service animals or medical equipment. Whatever your need, Alternative Airlines is here to help. Requests for special services can be made at the time of booking, by completing the special request form - we then pass this information on to the airline. You can also contact our customer service team after making your booking, or to find out more.
Some of the airline's most popular destinations include Bangkok (Thailand), Barcelona (Spain), Berlin (Germany), Cairo (Egypt), Changzhou (China), Chaoyang (China), Dandong (China), Haikou (China), Hanoi (Vietnam), Honolulu (Hawaii), Houston (USA), London (UK). Mianyang (China), Munich (Germany), New York (USA), Rome (Italy), Shanghai (China), Shenzhen (China), Tokyo (Japan), Qinghai (China, Yangzhou (China) and Zhengzhou (China). The airline flies to the following destinations within China:
The following airlines operate similar routes to Air China:
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Air China is based at Beijing Capital International Airport which is the main international airport in Beijing. The Chinese airport is located 32km (20 miles) from the city centre. In 2016 it welcomed over 95 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. Other airlines flying similar routes include China Express Airlines.
The airline operates an extensive fleet (397 aircraft in total!) consisting of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. This includes 105 x Boeing 737-800 (+50 on order), 18 x Boeing 737-700, 33 x Airbus A319-100 and 44 x Airbus A320-200 (+11 ordered).
Alternative Airlines customers can now pre-book Air China seats when they purchase their flight. Whether you love to have a window seat or you prefer the aisle, you'll find your favourite place to sit on the plane with Alternative Airlines.
With Alternative Airlines you can book your Air China flights in English! Avoid misunderstandings and count on us to provide you with a safe and secure booking service in English. You can also contact our excellent customer service team with any of your queries.
If you're looking to buy Air China flights and pay using PayPal, then you'll be pleased to hear that you've come to the right place. PayPal is a safe and secure payment option that can be used to pay for your Air China flights. PayPal is available as a payment option for Air China flights as well as ANY of the 600+ other airlines we ticket on our site.
Use the search form at the top of the page to begin looking for Air China flights. Choose the Air China flight that's perfect for you. After that, pick PayPal as your preferred payment option at checkout, fill out your PayPal account information, and your reservation will be confirmed! See our step-by-step instructions below for more information on how to book Air China flights using PayPal.
Absolutely! PayPal is available as a payment option for ANY Air China flight(s) as well as any of the 600+ airlines we ticket on our site. Many of our customers love PayPal because it's a simple and secure payment method. To use PayPal at checkout to pay for your Air China flights you must ensure that you have an existing PayPal account!
If you'd rather spread the cost of your Air China flights, you can do so with the help of PayPal Credit! PayPal Credit is a Buy Now Pay Later option that you can use to buy Air China flights today. When you book through Alternative Airlines you can secure Air China flights today and pay in easy and manageable instalments. Flights on finance are the perfect way of booking your next trip away without breaking the bank. PayPal Credit will carry out a quick eligibility check. Once you've been approved, you'll receive your e-tickets via email.
If you can't see PayPal Credit at checkout, you can select an alternative payment option to pay for your Air China flights. Check out our guide on buying flights on finance for more information.
Alternative Airlines takes pride in being one of the few online travel agencies that offer PayPal as a payment option for flight(s) tickets. PayPal is one of the most popular payment options at Alternative Airlines as it's safe and secure to use! PayPal can be used to pay for flights with ANY of the 600+ airlines we ticket on our site, including Air China
We also offer PayPal Credit on our site if you wish to spread the cost of your Air China flight in small instalments instead of paying the full price at once. Flights on finance are perfect for those who wish to grab onto today's amazing deals without having to pay for the full cost of your ticket.
Air China doesn't offer its customers PayPal and PayPal Credit as a payment option on their site directly. However, when you book through Alternative Airlines you can buy ANY Air China flight and pay using PayPal - all you need is an existing PayPal account.
If PayPal or PayPal Credit isn't the right payment option for you, don't panic! Alternative Airlines offers 40+ payment options including Buy Now Pay Later methods that let you spread the cost of your flight ticket in easy-to-pay instalments, as well as cryptocurrencies (so you can pay for flights with Bitcoin and Ethereum). Did you know you can even pay for your Air China flights using Apple Pay or Google Pay? Discover all of the 40+ ways to pay for flights at Alternative Airlines.