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Air China

China's national flag carrier, based in Beijing

  • ChinaCountry
  • CAIATA Code
  • CCAICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air China

Air China is China’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying from Beijing and Chengdu to more than 200 destinations worldwide. Economy allows only a 5 kg cabin bag, power banks need a 3C mark on domestic flights, and new 2026 routes link Beijing Daxing with Frankfurt and Milan. This guide covers baggage, power bank rules, visa-free transit, PhoenixMiles and how Air China compares with China Eastern and Cathay Pacific.

Air China was set up in its current form in 1988 and is the only Chinese airline that flies the national flag on its aircraft. It owns Shenzhen Airlines and Air Macau and a large stake in Cathay Pacific.

Air China flights to Beijing
Photo: Rafik Wahba / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Air China

Air China follows China’s rules plus the ICAO rules in force since 27 March 2026:

  • On flights within mainland China, power banks must show a clear 3C (CCC) mark, as well as their brand, model and capacity; unmarked units are confiscated at security.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100–160 Wh needs the airline’s approval; over 160 Wh is banned.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.

Visa-Free Transit in China

Citizens of more than 50 countries, including most of Europe, the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, can use China’s 240-hour visa-free transit when flying on to a third country with a confirmed onward ticket. Check the latest list before you book.

A stop in Beijing or Chengdu can turn a connection into a short city break.

How to Find Cheap Flights to China

Air China flights to Chengdu
Photo: Xingchen Yan / Unsplash
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week.
  • Compare Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai departures.
  • Use visa-free transit to add a free stopover.
  • Pick a fare with 2 bags on long trips if you pack heavily.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Air China next to China Eastern, Cathay Pacific and others.

Air China vs China Eastern vs Cathay Pacific

All three fly between China and the rest of the world.

Air ChinaChina EasternCathay Pacific
HubBeijing and ChengduShanghaiHong Kong
AllianceStar AllianceSkyTeamoneworld
Economy cabin bag5 kg8 kg7 kg
Best forBeijing, western China and Star AllianceShanghai and eastern ChinaHong Kong and premium service

See our China Eastern guide and Cathay Pacific guide to compare.

Arriving in Beijing

The Airport Express links Beijing Capital with the city, and Daxing has its own high-speed rail link. Taxis are available at both airports.

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

Is Air China a Good Airline?

Yes. Air China offers a huge network, Star Alliance connections and competitive long-haul fares, with newer A350s on many routes. Watch the 5 kg Economy cabin bag limit.

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

Facts checked in October 2026 against a 2026 Air China baggage summary, AeroRoutes on the Daxing routes, Trip.com on China’s power bank rules and Shanghai’s 240-hour transit page. Rules change, so check the official Air China website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Air China joined Star Alliance in 2007. You can connect from China onto partners such as Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines on one ticket and earn PhoenixMiles across the alliance.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Air China codeshares with many Star Alliance airlines and with its group airlines Shenzhen Airlines and Air Macau, and has a long partnership with Cathay Pacific.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Beijing (Capital and Daxing) and Chengdu (Tianfu and Shuangliu) are Air China's main hubs, while Shanghai Pudong is a secondary hub for routes to the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Popular Air China Routes

Air China's busiest routes link Beijing with Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, plus Hong Kong, Tokyo, Frankfurt and Los Angeles. New in 2026, Beijing Daxing–Frankfurt launched on 28 April and Beijing Daxing–Milan on 13 June, and the Chinese-built C919 began its first international route, Beijing–Ulaanbaatar, on 12 August. Beijing has two airports, Capital and Daxing, so check yours carefully. 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.

Air China Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Air China sells several fare levels in each cabin, from discounted Economy fares with strict conditions to fully flexible fares. The cheapest tickets often charge a fee for changes, may not allow refunds, and earn fewer PhoenixMiles, while higher fares let you change for free or for a small fee.

Rules differ between domestic Chinese flights and international routes, and fees often rise closer to departure. Always check the fare conditions shown when you book.

  • Discounted Economy fares Changes and refunds carry fees, and the cheapest may be non-refundable.
  • Flexible Economy fares Free or low-fee changes and refunds.
  • Business and First The most flexible conditions.
  • Timing Fees usually increase the closer you are to departure.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on airchina.com or the Air China app, or contact your travel agent.

Air China Seat Selection & Additional Services

Air China offers free standard seat selection on many fares, with paid options for preferred and extra-legroom seats on some routes. Online check-in is available through the website and app, and on many domestic routes you can choose your seat when you check in.

Long-haul flights include complimentary meals and entertainment, and Business and First passengers have access to Air China lounges in Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.

  • Seat selection Free standard seats on many fares; preferred seats may be paid.
  • Online check-in Available on airchina.com and in the Air China app.
  • Business and First Lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft and lounge access.
  • Meals Complimentary on international flights.
  • Extra bags Can be prepaid on many routes.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs, special meals and other help in advance.

Air China Baggage Allowance

Air China is strict about cabin bags in Economy: you can bring one bag of up to 5 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a small personal item. Premium Economy allows 8 kg, and Business and First two bags of 8 kg each.

Checked baggage depends on your route. On domestic flights in China, allowances are by weight. On long-haul international routes to Europe and the Americas, Economy usually includes two bags of 23 kg. Your exact allowance is shown on your ticket.

  • Cabin bag (Economy) 1 bag up to 5 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a personal item.
  • Cabin bag (Premium Economy) 1 bag up to 8 kg.
  • Cabin bag (Business and First) 2 bags up to 8 kg each.
  • Domestic China (Economy) Weight allowance, typically 20 kg.
  • Domestic China (Business and First) Typically 30 kg and 40 kg.
  • Long-haul to Europe and the Americas (Economy) Usually 2 bags of 23 kg.
  • Long-haul Business 2 bags of 32 kg; First: 3 bags of 32 kg.
  • Intra-Asia routes Allowance depends on route and fare; check your ticket.

PhoenixMiles: Air China Loyalty Programme

PhoenixMiles is the loyalty programme of Air China and Shenzhen Airlines. Joining is free, and you earn miles on Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Star Alliance and other partners, then redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

Frequent flyers can reach Silver, Gold and Platinum status, with Gold and Platinum recognised as Star Alliance Gold.

  • Standard Entry level for all members.
  • Silver Priority services and Star Alliance Silver status.
  • Gold Lounge access, extra baggage and Star Alliance Gold status.
  • Platinum The top tier, with the highest priority and benefits.
  • Shared programme Also used by Shenzhen Airlines.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem miles across Star Alliance.
Join or log in on the Air China website

Air China: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Air China’s IATA and ICAO codes?

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

02Which airline alliance is Air China part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Air China headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Beijing, China.

04When was Air China founded?

The airline was founded in 1988.

05What are Air China’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Beijing (PEK) – Main Hub; Chengdu (TFU) – Hub; Shanghai (PVG) – Secondary Hub.

06What is Air China’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called PhoenixMiles. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Does Air China offer online check-in?

Yes. Online check-in is available through the airline's official website. Check-in opening and closing times depend on the route and airport, so confirm them for your flight before you travel.

08How much cabin baggage does Air China allow in Economy?

One cabin bag of up to 5 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a small personal item. Premium Economy allows 8 kg, and Business and First two 8 kg bags.

09What is Air China's checked baggage allowance?

On domestic Chinese flights it's weight-based, typically 20 kg in Economy. On long-haul flights to Europe and the Americas, Economy usually includes two 23 kg bags.

10Are Air China and Shenzhen Airlines the same?

No, but they are closely linked. Air China owns a controlling stake in Shenzhen Airlines, both are in Star Alliance, and they share the PhoenixMiles loyalty programme.

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