Find cheap Air China flights

Air China (CA) won’t win awards for service, but I’ve found them extremely useful for domestic travel within China and affordable connections to Southeast Asia via Beijing. As the national carrier of the People’s Republic of China and one of its largest airlines, they operate their primary hub at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), with additional services from Beijing Daxing (PKX).

They maintain a major presence in Chengdu through their Southwest Branch operating at both CTU and TFU airports, plus significant domestic operations from branches across China including Zhejiang, Chongqing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hubei, Xinjiang, Guangdong, Guizhou, Xizang and Wenzhou.

Cabin class, seats & legroom

Air China offers business and economy class on its flights, with first class and extra-legroom economy seats available on select aircraft.

Business class

With some exceptions, Air China’s business class is uncompetitive. Many of their aircraft feature a dated 2-2-2 configuration.

The exception is the Airbus A350-900. When I need to fly Air China between China and the US or Europe, I always try to select a route flown by one of these planes.

Service-wise, I’ve never quite found Air China’s business class up to par. The Chinese meal option is always a bit tastier than the Western offerings, but neither the presentation nor flavor has ever wowed me. Moreover, while cabin crew are always kind, I find that they don’t often execute as well as their counterparts on other Asian airlines.

First class

First class is available on select Air China aircraft. The seats are large, lie-flat and have direct aisle access. They don’t have the privacy doors that have become standard on most other international carriers.

While the food in first class is similar to what you’ll find in business, premium extras help make up for it.

Domestic/regional business class

Onboard Air China’s narrowbody planes like the Airbus A319, Boeing 737 and the Chinese-built Comac C919 (Air China has placed a firm order for 100 C919 extended-range aircraft, with deliveries scheduled over the coming years), business class typically means recliner seats. It’s a solid step up from economy for shorter flights.

In-flight service on these routes varies. Longer flights typically include full meal service, while shorter domestic flights might offer lighter options.

Keep in mind that widebody planes may sometimes operate domestic routes. In these cases, you’ll get a much bigger seat, but the service won’t be the same full-on international experience.

Extra legroom economy

Air China doesn’t offer a dedicated premium economy cabin. Instead, economy passengers can purchase extra legroom seats in the bulkhead and exit rows - though you’ll receive the same service as regular economy passengers. You might simply be able to get off the plane sooner, which is a worthwhile perk in my book.

Economy

Surprisingly, economy class on Air China is pretty competitive, especially given the airline’s shortcomings up front. You get above-average legroom, a choice between a Chinese and Western meal and free alcohol, even on domestic flights. Considering the affordable fares Air China often has for connections to Southeast Asia via Beijing, it’s a good value choice.

Pre-flight experience

Baggage policy and fees

Air China’s baggage policies are generous, even when flying domestically. On domestic routes, Air China uses the weight concept with Economy passengers allowed 20 kg, Business 30 kg, and First 40 kg of checked baggage.

For international and regional routes, the airline uses the piece concept with allowances varying by route and cabin class - many economy itineraries include one bag up to 23 kg, though this isn’t universal.

For carry-on baggage, international First and Business Class passengers can bring two pieces (each up to 8 kg), while Economy passengers can bring one piece (up to 5 kg). On domestic flights, First Class passengers can carry two pieces (each up to 5 kg), while Business and Economy passengers can carry one piece (up to 5 kg).

All carry-on dimensions must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, and passengers may also bring a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag. In my experience, Air China will often check a second bag for free.

Although I don’t usually check bags if I can avoid it, I do when flying with Air China. Airport security checks in China are extremely stringent, so putting all my liquids in a checked bag saves me a lot of stress and hassle - even though I never exceed the limit.

Check-in

Air China is one of the few airlines where I regularly still need to check in at the airport. This is first and foremost because Air China’s website is buggy. Online check-in is available to eligible adult passengers with Air China e-tickets, and PhoenixMiles membership is not required according to their FAQ.

There’s also the fact that most Chinese airports don’t accept home-printed or mobile boarding passes. A lot of travel involving Air China requires document verification at the counter.

Inbound to China, you’ll need valid travel documents. Within China, certain regions like Tibet require special permits.

Lounges

Air China offers lounges at major airports in China. While I find the domestic lounges hit-or-miss, the international ones are surprisingly competitive - and you can access them with a first or business class ticket, or using your Star Alliance Gold status.

I feel this way primarily because of the food buffet, which often features local Chinese classics.

The lounges at Beijing-Capital (PEK) also offer great views of the tarmac, as well as planes taking off and landing. Not a bad way to kill some time before a flight if you’re into plane watching.

Onboard experience

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Air China’s Wi-Fi service is confounding. In practice, I’ve found the service often doesn’t work reliably.

Regarding the entertainment system, however, regardless of how you access it, I’d suggest lowering your expectations. In my experience, you should never expect more than a few English-language movies and scattered single episodes of TV shows.

Amenities

In first and business class, you’ll get an amenities kit with basic toiletries. They’re not especially stylish or created with a fancy brand, but they get the job done.

Where Air China really shines is with amenities for economy passengers on long-haul flights. You’ll typically find a blanket and pillow at your seat – a nice touch for a long journey.

Loyalty programs, miles & credit cards

Air China’s Phoenix Miles program is popular within China, but for a US-based traveler, I don’t think it’s worth signing up for.

Air China Phoenix Miles

Air China’s Phoenix Miles program is popular within China and useful for travelers based in the PRC, especially those fluent in Chinese. As a US-based traveler, however, I don’t think it’s worth the time even to sign up.

The Phoenix Miles program has its challenges, including website IT issues that plague the program. The latter is slightly less obvious if you use the Chinese version of the website, but even that isn’t foolproof.

Credit cards

Co-branded Air China credit cards have limited availability for international travelers. That’s the bad news. The good news? The cards aren’t that useful anyway, especially compared to their US counterparts.

The best strategy for using miles on Air China is through one of its partners. Since cash prices for domestic Chinese flights can be shockingly high, using partner miles is often a much better value.