Air China
China
Lucky Air
Yunnan's low-cost airline, flying from Kunming
-
ChinaCountry
- 8LIATA Code
- LKEICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Low-CostAirline Type
Guide reviewed
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About Lucky Air
Lucky Air is a low-cost airline in the Hainan Airlines group, based in Kunming and flying across China, especially to Yunnan’s Lijiang, Dali and Xishuangbanna. In 2026 it added Jakarta and Udon Thani, and power banks need a 3C mark on domestic flights. This guide covers routes, fares, baggage, power bank rules, visa-free transit and how Lucky Air compares with West Air and Air China.
Lucky Air is a low-cost airline based in Kunming, Yunnan, and part of the Hainan Airlines group. It started flying in 2006.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Lucky Air
Lucky Air 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 via Kunming
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.
How to Find Cheap Flights in China
- Avoid Chinese New Year, May Day and the October Golden Week.
- Book Yunnan trips early in peak seasons.
- Consider high-speed rail between Kunming and Dali or Lijiang.
- Pack layers: Lijiang and Shangri-La are cool even in summer.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Lucky Air next to West Air, Air China and others.
Lucky Air vs West Air vs Air China
Budget and full-service options in western China.
| Lucky Air | West Air | Air China | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Low-cost | Low-cost | Full-service |
| Base | Kunming | Chongqing | Beijing and Chengdu |
| Alliance | None (Hainan group) | None (Hainan group) | Star Alliance |
| Best for | Yunnan | Chongqing | Long-haul and Star Alliance |
See our West Air guide and Air China guide to compare.
Arriving in Kunming
Changshui Airport is about 25 km from Kunming. Metro Line 6, airport buses and taxis link it with the city.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Lucky Air a Good Airline?
Yes, as a budget way to reach Yunnan. Compare the total price after bags, and remember China’s 3C power bank rule.
For more options, see our Urumqi Air guide, airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against AeroRoutes on Kunming–Udon Thani, AeroRoutes on Kunming–Jakarta and China’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Lucky Air website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
Lucky Air is not a member of a global airline alliance. It is part of the HNA group, together with Hainan Airlines.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Lucky Air works with other HNA group airlines such as Hainan Airlines.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) is Lucky Air's main base, with further bases in Lijiang, Chengdu Tianfu and Zhengzhou.
Popular Lucky Air Routes
Most Lucky Air flights are domestic, linking Kunming with Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Shangri-La and big cities such as Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing. International flights include Kunming–Jakarta, scheduled from January 2026, and Kunming–Udon Thani (Thailand), twice weekly on the 737 from 8 September 2026, initially scheduled until late October. 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.
Lucky Air Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Lucky Air sells low-cost fares, from discounted tickets with the strictest rules to fuller fares with lower change fees. Fees usually rise closer to departure.
When you change, you pay any fare difference plus any fee for your fare type.
- Discounted fares Lowest prices and the highest change fees.
- Fuller fares Lower fees and more flexibility.
- Timing Fees usually rise closer to departure.
- How to change or cancel Through Lucky Air's website or app, or your travel agent.
Lucky Air Seat Selection & Additional Services
As a low-cost airline, Lucky Air sells extras such as seat selection, meals and extra baggage. They are usually cheaper when bought online before you fly.
- Seat selection Paid extra on cheaper fares.
- Meals Available to buy.
- Extra bags Cheaper when bought online.
- Special assistance Request help in advance.
Lucky Air Baggage Allowance
Lucky Air passengers can bring a small carry-on bag. The cheapest fares have the strictest rules and may include only a small cabin bag, while fuller fares include checked baggage and lower change fees.
Buy extra bags online before you fly, as they cost more at the airport. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.
- Carry-on 1 small bag.
- Checked baggage Depends on fare.
- Cheapest fares May not include a checked bag.
- Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.
Fortune Wings Club: Lucky Air Loyalty Programme
Fortune Wings Club is the loyalty programme of the HNA group, used by Hainan Airlines and Lucky Air. Members earn points on group flights and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.
- Programme Fortune Wings Club (HNA group).
- Earn Points on Lucky Air and Hainan Airlines flights.
- Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Lucky Air: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are Lucky Air’s IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is 8L. It appears in flight numbers (for example 8L 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is LKE, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is Lucky Air part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03When was Lucky Air founded?
The airline was founded in 2004.
04What are Lucky Air’s main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Kunming (KMG) – Main Base; Chengdu (TFU) – Base.
05What is Lucky Air’s frequent flyer programme called?
The frequent flyer programme is called Fortune Wings Club. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.
06Where is Lucky Air based?
Lucky Air is based at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Yunnan, China.
07Is Lucky Air part of Hainan Airlines?
Lucky Air is part of the HNA group, which also includes Hainan Airlines, and it uses the group's Fortune Wings Club programme.
08Does Lucky Air fly internationally?
Yes, on a few routes such as Kunming–Jakarta and Kunming–Udon Thani in Thailand. Most flights are domestic.
09Does Lucky Air include checked baggage?
Not always. The cheapest fares may include only a small cabin bag; fuller fares include checked baggage.
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Lucky Air, its logo and trademarks are the property of Yunnan Lucky Air Co., Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lucky Air unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.