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Tianjin Airlines

HNA group airline, flying from Tianjin across China

  • ChinaCountry
  • GSIATA Code
  • GCRICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Tianjin Airlines

Tianjin Airlines is a Chinese airline based in Tianjin, flying across China and to a few regional destinations. Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and flights earn Fortune Wings Club points with the HNA group. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Tianjin, using Tianjin as a Beijing alternative and how it compares with Hainan Airlines and Air China.

The airline was founded in 2004 as Grand China Express and is part of the HNA airline group. It flies Embraer regional jets and Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.

Tianjin Airlines flights to Tianjin
Photo: Zihan Wong / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Tianjin Airlines

China’s aviation regulator, the CAAC, applies strict rules:

  • Power banks cannot be used to charge devices during the flight.
  • Since June 2025, power banks without a clear 3C (CCC) mark are banned on domestic flights within mainland China.
  • Power banks must be in cabin baggage, never in checked bags; up to 100 Wh needs no approval and 100–160 Wh needs approval.

Check-In at Tianjin

Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. Chinese airports have thorough security, and counters close 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, so arrive at least two hours early for domestic and three hours for international flights.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and a folding stroller can be checked free. Children travelling alone can use the airline’s escort service, which must be booked in advance. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Tianjin as a Beijing Alternative

Tianjin is close to the capital:

  • High-speed trains link Tianjin and Beijing in about 30 minutes.
  • Fares from Tianjin can be lower than from Beijing’s airports.
  • Tianjin itself has European-style architecture along the Haihe River.

How to Find Cheap Tianjin Airlines Flights

Cheap Tianjin Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Tianjin with Beijing airports for domestic flights.
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
  • Book holiday routes to Sanya early.
  • Use Fortune Wings Club points for award flights.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Hainan Airlines, Air China and others.

Tianjin Airlines vs Hainan Airlines vs Air China

Three airlines on routes from northern China.

Tianjin AirlinesHainan AirlinesAir China
HubTianjinBeijing and HaikouBeijing
GroupHNAHNAAir China
Domestic checked bag20 kg20 kg20 kg
LoyaltyFortune Wings ClubFortune Wings ClubPhoenixMiles

See our Hainan Airlines guide and Air China guide to compare.

Arriving in Tianjin

Tianjin Binhai International Airport is about 15 km east of the city centre and is linked to the city by Metro Line 2. Taxis and DiDi are also available.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Tianjin Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes, for domestic trips. It offers fair prices and a convenient alternative to Beijing, though its international network is small.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Trip.com on China’s power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It is part of the HNA airline group with Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines, and its flights earn Fortune Wings Club points.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) is the main hub, with bases in Xi'an, Ürümqi and other Chinese cities.

Popular Tianjin Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Tianjin with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Sanya, plus regional flights to Asia. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Tianjin Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Domestic and international fares come with different change and refund rules, shown when you book. Cheaper fares have higher fees and fewer benefits.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference, and fees rise closer to departure.

  • Cheapest fares Highest change and refund fees.
  • Flexible fares Lower fees and more benefits.
  • Fees Usually rise closer to departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use the website, app or customer service.

Tianjin Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals and drinks are served on most flights. Seats can be chosen online, with better seats on higher fares.

Business passengers get lounge access and priority services.

  • Meals Served on most flights.
  • Seats Choose online or at check-in.
  • Business Lounges and priority services.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Tianjin Airlines Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers on domestic flights can usually bring one cabin bag of 5–8 kg (55 × 40 × 20 cm) plus a small personal item, and Business passengers more.

Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and Business 30 kg. International Economy usually includes one or two 23 kg bags, depending on the route and fare.

  • Economy cabin bag 1 piece, usually 5–8 kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm.
  • Personal item A small bag under the seat.
  • Domestic Economy Usually 20 kg checked.
  • Domestic Business Usually 30 kg checked.
  • International Economy 1–2 × 23 kg, by route and fare.
  • Infants A folding stroller is carried free.

Fortune Wings Club: Tianjin Airlines Loyalty Programme

Flights earn points in Fortune Wings Club, the loyalty programme of the HNA airline group. Points can be spent on group flights.

  • Programme Fortune Wings Club (HNA group).
  • Earn Flights on HNA group airlines.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Tianjin Airlines website

Tianjin Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Tianjin Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is GS. It appears in flight numbers (for example GS 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is GCR, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Tianjin Airlines part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Tianjin Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Tianjin, China.

04When was Tianjin Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 2004.

05What are Tianjin Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Tianjin (TSN) – Main Hub.

06What is the Tianjin Airlines baggage allowance?

Domestic Economy usually includes a 5–8 kg cabin bag and 20 kg of checked baggage.

07Is Tianjin Airlines part of Hainan Airlines?

It belongs to the same HNA airline group, and its flights earn Fortune Wings Club points.

08Can I use a power bank on Tianjin Airlines?

No. Chinese rules ban charging devices from power banks during flights, and power banks without a 3C mark are banned on domestic flights.

09How far is Tianjin from Beijing?

About 30 minutes by high-speed train, so Tianjin can be an alternative airport for Beijing.

10What is Fortune Wings Club?

The HNA group's frequent flyer programme. Tianjin Airlines flights earn points that can be spent on HNA group flights, including Hainan Airlines.

Tianjin Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Tianjin Airlines Co., Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Tianjin Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.