China Eastern and Air China are China's two largest full-service carriers, and if you're flying domestically or into China, you'll likely end up on one of them. They're both reliable—but the experience has enough quirks for foreign travelers that knowing what to expect saves headaches.
This guide covers booking, check-in, in-flight experience, loyalty programs, and what to do when things go wrong.
The short version
Air China is the flag carrier, headquartered in Beijing, and tends to serve more international routes. It's a Star Alliance member.
China Eastern is headquartered in Shanghai and strong on domestic routes across eastern and central China. It's a SkyTeam member.
Both fly domestically throughout China. For pure domestic routes, China Eastern often has better schedules out of Shanghai, while Air China has stronger coverage from Beijing. If you're flexible, price is usually the tie-breaker.
Booking as a foreigner
Booking directly on their websites
Both airlines have English-language websites:
- Air China: en.airchina.com
- China Eastern: www.ceair.com (click "English" in the top corner)
Foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted on both sites, though occasional card declines happen. If your card is declined, try:
- Using a different browser or incognito mode
- Booking via a third-party platform (Trip.com, Ctrip, or your preferred international travel site)
Ctrip / Trip.com is often the most reliable booking path for foreign travelers—good English support, accepts international cards, and customer service that can handle airline-related changes.
Passport information
When booking, enter your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport—full name, passport number, nationality. This matters at Chinese airport security, where they cross-reference your ticket against your travel document.
Baggage
Standard domestic economy class on both airlines: 20kg checked allowance + 1 carry-on (5kg limit). International business class: 30-40kg checked depending on route. Always check your specific booking—low-fare tickets sometimes come with no checked baggage included.
Check-in
Self-service kiosks
Both Air China and China Eastern have self-service check-in kiosks at major airports. These accept foreign passports for check-in. You'll scan your passport, the system retrieves your booking, and it prints boarding passes.
This works reliably at Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA). At smaller airports, go to the counter.
Online check-in
Both airlines offer online check-in, but you'll need a Chinese account or booking number to access it. If you booked via Ctrip or a third-party site, use the booking reference from that platform. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
Counter check-in
Counter staff at major airports in Beijing and Shanghai typically have basic English ability. At smaller airports, have your booking confirmation and passport ready, and use Google Translate or point at your destination if needed.
At the airport
Security and boarding
Domestic Chinese airports require real-name verification at security. You'll need to show your passport (not just a boarding pass). Keep your passport accessible—you'll use it at:
- The security screening entrance (ID check)
- The boarding gate (another check before boarding)
Departure tax
Departure taxes and fuel surcharges are usually included in the ticket price when booking. If they're listed separately, they're automatically charged to your payment method at booking.
In-flight experience
Language
Safety announcements are in Mandarin first, then English. In-flight entertainment menus have English options on both carriers, though selection is China-focused (Chinese films, TV shows, music). English film options are available but limited on domestic routes.
Food
Domestic flights under 2 hours often don't serve meals—just a drink and a snack. For longer domestic routes and all international routes, a meal is included in economy class. Vegetarian or other dietary options need to be requested 24-48 hours in advance through the airline's service line or your booking platform.
WiFi
Air China offers in-flight WiFi on many long-haul international routes. Domestic flights generally don't have WiFi. Expect to be offline on domestic segments.
Flight delays
Chinese domestic aviation has a notoriously high delay rate—particularly in summer (June-September) when weather and air traffic congestion combine.
If your flight is delayed:
- Check the airline's app or the airport departure boards for real-time updates
- Go to the airline counter for vouchers if the delay exceeds a certain threshold (usually 2-3 hours for meals; 5+ hours for hotel accommodation on overnight delays)
- China's civil aviation rules do provide some passenger rights on delays, but enforcement is inconsistent and typically requires you to be proactive at the counter
On Air China and China Eastern apps: Both carriers have Chinese-language apps that show real-time flight status and allow rebooking. For English-language support on delays, calling the Ctrip or Trip.com customer service line (if you booked there) is often faster than the airline's own English help line.
Loyalty programs
Air China: PhoenixMiles — partners with Star Alliance (United, Lufthansa, ANA, etc.)
China Eastern: Eastern Miles — partners with SkyTeam (Delta, Air France, Korean Air, etc.)
Both programs are free to join. If you already collect miles with a Star Alliance or SkyTeam carrier, give the relevant partner your member number at booking to earn miles on China flights.
Earning rates for foreign bookings on Chinese domestic routes: typically 50-100% depending on fare class.
China Eastern vs Air China: quick comparison
| Factor | Air China | China Eastern | |---|---|---| | Hub | Beijing (PEK, PKX) | Shanghai (PVG, SHA) | | Alliance | Star Alliance | SkyTeam | | International routes | Strong | Strong | | Domestic coverage | Strong in north/west | Strong in east/south | | English website | Yes (en.airchina.com) | Yes (ceair.com) | | App language | Chinese + English | Chinese + English | | Foreign card acceptance | Yes (occasional declines) | Yes (occasional declines) |
What ChinaEasey covers
Getting to China and around China is one part of the picture. If you're traveling for medical reasons and need help coordinating flights with treatment schedules, hospital appointments, or recovery logistics, the Medical section is where we can add the most value.
For general China domestic travel questions, the Travel section has more on transport, accommodation, and payment.
Bottom line
Both Air China and China Eastern are functional, safe, and reasonably on-time for international standards (despite the domestic delay reputation). Book through Ctrip or directly on the English-language sites. Bring your passport to every security checkpoint. If a flight is significantly delayed, go to the counter early—you won't be the only one asking. Either airline will get you there.
Need more than the guide?
This guide covers the basics. If real-world friction shows up, you can compare the support options and choose the level of human backup that fits your trip.