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China Airlines

Taiwan's flag carrier, flying from Taipei Taoyuan

  • TaiwanCountry
  • CIIATA Code
  • CALICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About China Airlines

China Airlines is Taiwan’s flag carrier and a SkyTeam member, flying from Taipei across Asia and to North America, Europe and Australia. Economy allows a 7 kg cabin bag, extra-bag fees rose in January 2026, and since 31 March 2026 you may carry only two power banks and cannot use them in flight. This guide covers check-in, power bank rules, families, cheap flights and how China Airlines compares with EVA Air and Cathay Pacific.

China Airlines was founded in 1959 and is Taiwan’s flag carrier. Despite the name, it has no link with Air China. Its group includes Mandarin Airlines and the low-cost Tigerair Taiwan, and it runs one of Asia’s largest cargo operations.

China Airlines flights to Taipei
Photo: Timo Volz / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on China Airlines

Taiwan’s airlines, including China Airlines, tightened their rules on 31 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Using a power bank to charge devices during the flight is not allowed.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100–160 Wh needs approval; never pack power banks in checked bags.

Check-In at Taoyuan

Online check-in is available on the website and app. Taoyuan has two terminals, so check yours, and allow two and a half hours for international flights. The Airport MRT links both terminals with Taipei Main Station in about 35 minutes.

Families and Special Assistance

Bassinets are available on long-haul flights and children’s meals can be ordered in advance. Request special assistance before you fly. Pets usually travel in the hold under Taiwan’s strict import rules.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Taiwan

Cheap China Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Avoid Lunar New Year and summer holidays.
  • Pre-pay extra bags online; airport fees are higher.
  • Try Tigerair Taiwan for short regional trips.
  • Use Taipei as a connection between North America and Southeast Asia.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see China Airlines next to EVA Air, Cathay Pacific and others.

China Airlines vs EVA Air vs Cathay Pacific

Three popular choices for Asia–North America trips.

China AirlinesEVA AirCathay Pacific
HubTaipeiTaipeiHong Kong
AllianceSkyTeamStar Allianceoneworld
Economy cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
LoyaltyDynasty FlyerInfinity MileageLandsAsia Miles

See our EVA Air guide and Cathay Pacific guide to compare.

Is China Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. China Airlines offers a modern long-haul fleet, comfortable premium cabins and SkyTeam connections through Taipei. Check your fare’s baggage, as extra bags now cost more.

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

Facts checked in October 2026 against TVBS on the January 2026 baggage fee rise and Focus Taiwan on the 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official China Airlines website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

China Airlines has been a SkyTeam member since 2011. You can connect in Taipei onto partners such as Delta, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and KLM on one ticket and earn Dynasty Flyer miles across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

China Airlines codeshares with SkyTeam and other partners, including Delta on flights to the United States, and works with its group airlines Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), near Taipei, is China Airlines' hub. Kaohsiung (KHH) in southern Taiwan has some international flights.

Popular China Airlines Routes

China Airlines' busiest routes link Taipei with Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok and Singapore, and long-haul with Los Angeles and San Francisco. 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.

China Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

China Airlines sells Economy in several fare types, from Basic, the cheapest with the strictest rules, to Standard and Flex fares with more flexibility. Premium Economy and Premium Business have more flexible conditions.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee for your fare type. For flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour cancellation rule applies.

  • Basic Economy fares Lowest price and the strictest change and refund rules.
  • Standard and Flex Economy More flexibility for changes.
  • Premium Economy and Premium Business More flexible conditions.
  • 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 china-airlines.com or the China Airlines app.

China Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking or in Manage booking; some fares include free seat selection and others charge for it. Premium Economy has wider seats on long-haul aircraft, and Premium Business has lie-flat seats on the A350, Boeing 777 and 787.

Premium Business passengers can use China Airlines lounges at Taoyuan.

  • Seat selection Free on some fares; paid on the cheapest.
  • Premium Economy Wider seats on long-haul flights.
  • Premium Business Lie-flat seats and lounge access.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when bought online before travel.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

China Airlines Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small personal item. Premium Business passengers can bring two carry-on bags.

Checked baggage depends on your route and fare. Flights to and from the Americas use a piece system, with Economy usually allowing two 23 kg bags; other routes use a weight system. Extra-bag fees rose for tickets issued from 26 January 2026, so prepay online where you can.

  • Carry-on (Economy and Premium Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a personal item.
  • Carry-on (Premium Business) 2 bags of 7 kg each.
  • Flights to/from the Americas Piece system; Economy usually 2 bags of 23 kg.
  • Other routes Weight system; allowance depends on fare.
  • Cheapest fares May include less checked baggage.
  • Extra-bag fees Higher for tickets issued from 26 January 2026; a prepaid extra piece in Zone 1 (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore) rose from about US$99 to US$126.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Dynasty Flyer: China Airlines Loyalty Programme

Dynasty Flyer is China Airlines' free loyalty programme. You earn miles on China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines and SkyTeam flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

Frequent flyers can reach Gold, Emerald and Paragon tiers, recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus.

  • Member Free entry level for all members.
  • Gold Priority services and SkyTeam Elite status.
  • Emerald Lounge access and SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
  • Paragon The top tier with the most benefits.
  • SkyTeam Earn and redeem miles across SkyTeam airlines.
Join or log in on the China Airlines website

China Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are China Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

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

02Which airline alliance is China Airlines part of?

It is a member of SkyTeam. 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 China Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

04When was China Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1959.

05What are China Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Taipei (TPE) – Main Hub.

06What is China Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

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

07Is China Airlines the same as Air China?

No. China Airlines is Taiwan's flag carrier and is based in Taipei. Air China is the flag carrier of mainland China and is based in Beijing.

08What is China Airlines' carry-on allowance?

In Economy, one carry-on bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm plus a small personal item. Premium Business passengers can bring two carry-on bags.

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