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China Express Airlines

China's largest regional airline, linking smaller cities

  • ChinaCountry
  • G5IATA Code
  • HXAICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About China Express Airlines

China Express Airlines is China’s largest regional airline, linking smaller cities in western and northern China with major hubs. Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and its regional jets reach airports that larger airlines don’t serve. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, travelling to smaller Chinese cities and how it compares with Chongqing Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.

The airline was founded in 2006 and is based in Chongqing. It flies regional jets, including the Chinese-built C909 (formerly ARJ21), and a small number of Airbus A320s.

China Express Airlines flights to Chongqing
Photo: Jerry Wang / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on China Express 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 Regional Airports

Smaller Chinese airports are usually quick, but flights may be infrequent, so don’t miss yours. Counters close 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available on the airline’s app and on popular Chinese travel apps.

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.

Flying to Smaller Chinese Cities

Regional flights open up less-visited parts of China:

  • Many routes serve mountain and minority regions in Guizhou, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.
  • Flights save long journeys by road or rail.
  • Schedules can change with the seasons, so check before booking.

How to Find Cheap China Express Airlines Flights

Cheap China Express Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book a few weeks ahead, as regional flights have few seats.
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
  • Pack light for small overhead lockers.
  • Compare with high-speed rail on shorter routes.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Chongqing Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and others.

China Express vs Chongqing Airlines vs Sichuan Airlines

Three airlines based in western China.

China ExpressChongqing AirlinesSichuan Airlines
BaseChongqingChongqingChengdu
TypeRegionalFull-serviceFull-service
AircraftRegional jets and A320sAirbus A320 familyAirbus
Domestic checked bag20 kg20 kg20 kg

See our Chongqing Airlines guide and Sichuan Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Chongqing

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is about 20 km north of the city centre. Metro Lines 3 and 10 serve the airport, and taxis and DiDi are widely used.

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

Is China Express Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes, for reaching smaller cities. It connects places with few other flights, though its regional jets are small and schedules are limited.

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 connects smaller Chinese cities with larger hubs, and some flights connect with major Chinese airlines.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Chongqing (CKG) is the main base, with bases in Guiyang, Harbin, Hohhot and other cities.

Popular China Express Airlines Routes

The airline flies many short routes between regional Chinese cities and major hubs such as Chongqing and Guiyang. 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 Express 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.

China Express Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Drinks and snacks are served on most flights. Seats are usually assigned at check-in.

Regional aircraft have small overhead lockers, so larger cabin bags may go in the hold.

  • Snacks Served on most flights.
  • Seats Assigned at check-in.
  • Cabin bags May go in the hold on small aircraft.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

China Express 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.

China Express Airlines Loyalty Programme

China Express does not promote a points programme for international travellers. Check its Chinese website or app for member offers before you book.

  • Programme Not promoted in English.
  • Offers Check the Chinese website or app.

China Express Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

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

The airline's two-character IATA code is G5. It appears in flight numbers (for example G5 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is HXA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is China Express 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 China Express Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Chongqing, China.

04When was China Express Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 2006.

05What are China Express Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Chongqing (CKG) – Main Hub.

06What is the China Express Airlines baggage allowance?

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

07Where does China Express Airlines fly?

Mainly between smaller Chinese cities and hubs such as Chongqing, Guiyang and Harbin.

08Can I use a power bank on China Express Airlines?

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

09What aircraft does China Express fly?

Regional jets, including Chinese-built C909s, and some Airbus A320s.

10How early should I arrive for a China Express flight?

Arrive early: counters at Chinese airports close 45 minutes before domestic flights, and security checks are thorough.

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