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Sichuan Airlines

Chengdu's home airline, famous for its panda-themed service

  • ChinaCountry
  • 3UIATA Code
  • CSCICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines is one of China’s largest airlines outside the big three state groups, flying from Chengdu and Chongqing to Chinese cities and to Asia, Europe and Australia. Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and the airline is known for its Sichuan cuisine and panda-themed service. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Chengdu, giant panda trips and how it compares with Air China and China Eastern.

The airline was founded in 1986 in Chengdu and flies an all-Airbus fleet, including A350s and A330s on long-haul routes.

Sichuan Airlines flights to Chengdu
Photo: Xingchen Yan / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Sichuan 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 in Chengdu

Chengdu has two airports, Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU), and the airline uses both, so check your ticket carefully. Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. Chinese airports have thorough security, and counters close 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, so arrive at least two hours early for domestic and three hours for international flights.

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.

Giant Pandas and Sichuan Food

Chengdu is a popular stopover:

  • The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is about 10 km from the city centre.
  • Sichuan hot pot and spicy dishes are served on many flights and in the city.
  • Many travellers can use China’s visa-free transit policy for a short stay.

How to Find Cheap Sichuan Airlines Flights

Cheap Sichuan Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Check both Chengdu airports when comparing fares.
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
  • Book domestic flights a few weeks ahead.
  • Look for transit fares via Chengdu to Southeast Asia.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Air China, China Eastern and others.

Sichuan Airlines vs Air China vs China Eastern

Three airlines with large operations in western China.

Sichuan AirlinesAir ChinaChina Eastern
Main hubChengduBeijingShanghai
AllianceNoneStar AllianceSkyTeam
Domestic checked bag20 kg20 kg20 kg
LoyaltyGolden Panda ClubPhoenixMilesEastern Miles

See our Air China guide and China Eastern Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Chengdu

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is about 50 km southeast of the city, linked by Metro Line 18. Shuangliu Airport is closer, about 16 km away, with Metro Line 10.

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

Is Sichuan Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. It has a good safety record, friendly service and tasty local food, and it is a convenient way to reach western China.

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 codeshares with several Chinese and foreign airlines on domestic and international routes.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Chengdu (Tianfu TFU and Shuangliu CTU) is the main hub, with more flights from Chongqing, Kunming and Hangzhou.

Popular Sichuan Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Chengdu with Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, plus Bangkok and other Asian cities. 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.

Sichuan 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.

Sichuan Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals and drinks are served on most flights. Seats can be chosen online, with better seats on higher fares.

Business passengers get lounge access and priority services.

  • Meals Served on most flights.
  • Seats Choose online or at check-in.
  • Business Lounges and priority services.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Sichuan 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.

Golden Panda Club: Sichuan Airlines Loyalty Programme

Golden Panda Club is the airline's frequent flyer programme. Members earn points on flights and can spend them on award tickets and upgrades.

  • Programme Golden Panda Club.
  • Earn Points on flights.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Sichuan Airlines website

Sichuan Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Sichuan Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is 3U. It appears in flight numbers (for example 3U 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is CSC, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Sichuan 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 Sichuan Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Chengdu, China.

04When was Sichuan Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1986.

05What are Sichuan Airlines’ main hubs?

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

06What is the Sichuan Airlines baggage allowance?

Domestic Economy usually includes a 5–8 kg cabin bag and 20 kg of checked baggage; international allowances depend on the route and fare.

07Which airport does Sichuan Airlines use in Chengdu?

It flies from both Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU), so check your ticket.

08Can I use a power bank on Sichuan Airlines?

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

09Does Sichuan Airlines have panda planes?

Yes. Some aircraft have panda-themed liveries and cabins, reflecting Sichuan's famous giant pandas.

10What is Golden Panda Club?

Golden Panda Club is Sichuan Airlines' frequent flyer programme. Members earn points on flights and can spend them on award tickets.

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