At the end of 2025 China had 65 commercial airlines and 270 commercial airports, and 261 domestic cities had scheduled flights.[1] The Air China, China Eastern and China Southern groups together carried about two thirds of the transport turnover of Chinese airlines in 2025, and other carriers include Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Xiamen Air and Spring Airlines.[2]
Large cities can have more than one airport, so check which one your ticket uses. Beijing has Capital and Daxing airports,[3] and Shanghai has Pudong and Hongqiao.[4]
Classes and Comfort Levels
Cabin classes vary by airline and aircraft. Most domestic flights sell economy and business class, and some airlines add premium economy. Check the fare conditions for baggage, changes and seat selection before you book, because budget fares can charge extra for checked baggage and seat selection.
Booking and Tickets
All civil passenger flights in China use real-name ticketing. Foreign travelers book and fly with their own valid passport, and airlines and airports may refuse transport if ticket, person and document do not match.[5] You can compare routes, airlines and departure times on GoAsia.cc. Fares change with demand and season, so booking in advance is usually the safer choice, especially at peak travel times.
What to Expect on Board
Expect security screening with individual checks of power banks. Since 28 June 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) prohibits power banks without a CCC mark, with an unclear CCC mark or from recalled models on domestic flights.[6] China Southern Airlines adds that power banks are not allowed in checked baggage, that each passenger may carry up to two, that up to 100 Wh needs no approval, that 100 to 160 Wh needs airline approval, that anything above 160 Wh is prohibited, and that power banks must not be used or charged on board.[7]
Tips for Flight Travel in China
Manage Your Time: Chinese airports are large. Allow generous time for security and long walks to the gate, and check your airline's check-in cut-off. At Guangzhou Baiyun Terminal 3, for example, domestic check-in closes 40 minutes before departure.[8]
Expect Delays: In 2025 the regularity rate of domestic passenger flights was 91.09% with an average delay of 7 minutes.[1] Check your flight status on the day of travel.
Carry Your Passport: You need the passport used for the booking for check-in and identity checks.
Power Bank Rules: Keep power banks in your carry-on and make sure the CCC mark is legible.
Language: Having your destination written in Chinese characters can be helpful for ground transport after landing.
Peak Seasons: Avoid flying during the Lunar New Year or the October Golden Week if possible, as airports are crowded and fares are higher.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
