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China Eastern Airlines

One of China's largest airlines, based in Shanghai

  • ChinaCountry
  • MUIATA Code
  • CESICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s three biggest airlines and a SkyTeam member, flying from Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao across China and to Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. International passengers can take one 8 kg cabin bag, and power banks must stay switched off in flight. This guide covers baggage, power bank rules, visa-free transit via Shanghai, Eastern Miles and how China Eastern compares with Air China and Korean Air.

China Eastern was formed in 1988 and, with its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines, runs one of China’s largest networks. In 2023 it became the first airline in the world to fly the Chinese-built COMAC C919.

China Eastern Airlines flights to Shanghai
Photo: Edward He / Unsplash

Pudong or Hongqiao?

Most international flights use Pudong, while Hongqiao handles mainly domestic and some regional flights and sits next to the high-speed rail station. Transferring between them takes over an hour by metro or taxi, so avoid self-connections across the two.

Power Bank Rules on China Eastern

China Eastern 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. China Eastern also asks passengers to keep power banks switched off throughout the flight.

Visa-Free Transit via Shanghai

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.

Shanghai is one of the most popular places to use it, with the Maglev and metro linking Pudong with the city.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Shanghai

Cheap China Eastern Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week.
  • Check the airport (Pudong or Hongqiao) before booking connections.
  • Use visa-free transit for a Shanghai stopover.
  • Compare Basic Economy with standard fares after adding bags.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see China Eastern next to Air China, Korean Air and others.

China Eastern vs Air China vs Korean Air

Three big North Asian airlines with different alliances.

China EasternAir ChinaKorean Air
HubShanghaiBeijing and ChengduSeoul Incheon
AllianceSkyTeamStar AllianceSkyTeam
Economy cabin bag8 kg5 kg10 kg
Best forShanghai and eastern ChinaBeijing and western ChinaKorea and Asia–US

See our Air China guide and Korean Air guide to compare.

Arriving in Shanghai

From Pudong, the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes, connecting with Metro Line 2. Hongqiao is on the metro and next to the high-speed rail station.

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

Is China Eastern a Good Airline?

Yes. China Eastern offers a huge network, competitive long-haul fares and SkyTeam connections, making it a practical choice for Shanghai and eastern China.

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

Facts checked in October 2026 against China Eastern’s baggage regulations, a 2026 summary of China’s power bank rules and Shanghai’s 240-hour transit page. Rules change, so check the official China Eastern website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

China Eastern has been a SkyTeam member since 2011. You can connect in Shanghai onto partners such as Delta, Air France, KLM and Korean Air on one ticket and earn Eastern Miles across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

China Eastern codeshares with SkyTeam partners and others, and works with its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines across China and Asia.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is China Eastern's main international hub and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) its domestic base. Beijing Daxing (PKX), Kunming (KMG) and Xi'an (XIY) are also major bases.

Popular China Eastern Airlines Routes

China Eastern's busiest routes link Shanghai with Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and Shanghai Pudong with Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Paris. 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 Eastern Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

China Eastern sells several Economy fare types, from discounted fares with the strictest rules to full-fare and flexible tickets. Change and cancellation fees depend on the fare type and on how close to departure you change.

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

  • Discounted Economy Lowest prices and the highest change and refund fees.
  • Full-fare and flexible Economy Lower or no fees.
  • Business and First The most flexible conditions.
  • Timing Fees usually rise closer 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 the China Eastern website or app.

China Eastern Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat for free on many fares when booking or during online check-in, and buy seats with extra legroom on some flights. Business Class on long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 has lie-flat seats.

Extra baggage can be bought online before you fly, which is usually cheaper than at the airport.

  • Seat selection Free on many fares when booking or at check-in.
  • Extra-legroom seats Available to buy on some flights.
  • Business Class Lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when bought online in advance.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

China Eastern Airlines Baggage Allowance

In Economy, Premium Economy and Business on international flights you can bring one cabin bag of up to 8 kg (56 × 45 × 25 cm). First Class allows two cabin bags of up to 10 kg each.

International routes use the piece concept, with each Economy bag limited to 23 kg and 158 cm. Most Economy fares include one or two 23 kg bags depending on the route, with more on flights to and from the Americas, while Basic Economy fares on some routes include no free checked bag. Domestic flights in China use a weight system. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.

  • Cabin bag (Economy to Business, international) 1 piece, 8 kg, 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
  • Cabin bag (First) 2 pieces, 10 kg each.
  • Economy checked (international) Usually 1–2 bags of 23 kg each, by route.
  • Basic Economy No free checked bag on some routes.
  • Flights to/from the Americas Generally a higher allowance.
  • Domestic China Weight system for checked bags.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Eastern Miles: China Eastern Airlines Loyalty Programme

Eastern Miles is China Eastern's free loyalty programme, shared with Shanghai Airlines. You earn points on China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines and SkyTeam flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

Frequent flyers can reach elite tiers recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus, with priority services and lounge access at the top levels.

  • Entry level Free for all members.
  • Elite tiers Recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus.
  • Benefits Priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage and lounge access at higher tiers.
  • Shanghai Airlines Shares the same programme.
  • SkyTeam Earn and redeem across SkyTeam airlines.
Join or log in on the China Eastern Airlines website

China Eastern Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are China Eastern Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

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

02Where is China Eastern Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

03When was China Eastern Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1988.

04What are China Eastern Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Shanghai (PVG) – Main Hub.

05What is China Eastern Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

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

06Which Shanghai airport does China Eastern use?

Both. Most international flights use Shanghai Pudong (PVG), while many domestic flights use Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), which is closer to the city centre.

07How much baggage does China Eastern allow?

On international flights, one 8 kg cabin bag in Economy, Premium Economy and Business, and usually one or two 23 kg checked bags in Economy depending on the route. Basic Economy fares on some routes include no checked bag. Domestic flights use a weight system.

08Is China Eastern in an alliance?

Yes. China Eastern has been a SkyTeam member since 2011, so you can earn and redeem Eastern Miles on partners such as Delta, Air France, KLM and Korean Air.

09Can I cancel a China Eastern flight booked to or from the USA?

Yes. On US routes you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.

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