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About Air China

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. Although the airlines also has two other main hubs in Chengdu and Shanghai. Air China operates 322 routes, including 82 international, 15 regional and 225 domestic routes.

Some of the airline's most popular destinations include Bangkok (Thailiand), 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).

Air China began operations in julio 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, Shenzehn Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Tibet Airlines, United Airlines amongst many others. Air China joined the Sky Alliance - the world's largest global airline alliance.

Book Air China Flights in English

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.

Air China Baggage

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.

Equipaje de Mano

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. 

Checked Baggage

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 traveling on the following routes may check in two items of baggage for free, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb).

Check-In Information

Web Check-in

Online check-in is available on the Air China website.

Airport Check-In

Customers must arrive at the airport before the check-in desk closes. Cirheck-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.

Air China Seat Selection

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.

Air China First Class

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.

First Class Facilities

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, 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 the Chinese cuisine and heritage.

Does Air China have a First Class lounge?

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.

Air China Business Class

Travel in style with Air China Business Class. Enjoy a relaxing flight and excellent customer service from check-in to landing.

Air China Business Class Facilities

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.

What are Air China Business Class Seats Like?

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 sleep onboard your Air China flight.

Premium Economy Class

Air China is yet to offer Premium Economy. If you wish to upgrade, please see the airline's Business Class fare.

Air China Economy Class

Air China Economy Class will serve you with a smile, comfort and treat you like a First Class passenger.

Economy Class Facilities

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 is available for your journey, with a range of music, films and games. Translation services from Mandarin to English is 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.

What are Economy Class Seats Like?

Air China's Economy Class seating consists of 261 seats and arranged in 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat is 32 inches wide and reclines.

Air China In-flight Entertainment

Passengers are provided with in-flight magazines, newspapers, TV channels and movies on board their widebody jets.

Air China Movies

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 Food

Meal Options

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 is 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 yogurt.

Air China have 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.

Special Dietary Requirements

Passengers can request special meals for their flights at the time of booking, up until 24 hours before flying (escept Kosher meals which must be requested 48 hours before departure). The types of meals available are as follows:

Drinks & Alcohol

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.

Frequent Flyer Program

PhoenixMiles

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 traveling internationally and domestically with both Air China and its partner airlines.

Collecting PhoenixMiles points

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 you personal membership number, and collect your points when you fly!

Airline Alliance

Star Alliance

In 2006, Air China signed an agreement to join the Star Alliance, and became a member of the alliance in diciembre 2007, alongside its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines.

Air China Hub Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport

Air China is based at Beijing Capital International Airport which is the main international airport in Beijing. The Chinese airport is located 32km (20mi) 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.

Photo credit: 颐园新居

Fleet

The airline operates an extensive fleet (397 aircraft in total!) comprising 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, x44 Airbus A320-200 (+11 ordered).

Air China's Destinations

Domestic Destinations

The airline flies to the following destinations within China:

International Destinations

Alternative Airlines

The following airlines operate similar routes to Air China: