Air China Flights
Search and compare cheap Air China tickets across mainland China and international destinations worldwide. Find the best CA fares for your journey — only on FareOptic.
About Air China
Air China (IATA: CA) is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, established in 1988 and headquartered in Beijing. As one of China's "Big Three" airlines alongside China Eastern and China Southern, Air China operates an extensive domestic network across mainland China feeding a substantial international long-haul operation. Air China joined Star Alliance in 2007, giving passengers access to one of the world's largest airline alliance networks.
Air China's primary hub is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), complemented by the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and significant operations from Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) and Shanghai. From these hubs, Air China connects mainland Chinese cities with major destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, operating a modern widebody fleet including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350 on its flagship long-haul routes. FareOptic compares Air China fares across its network to help you find the best CA ticket price.
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Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Popular Air China Routes
Most searched Air China domestic and international flights
International Routes
Domestic Routes
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Air China Hub Airports
Air China operates through 4 major hubs, anchoring an extensive domestic Chinese network that feeds its international long-haul operations.
Air China Cabin Classes
Find the right Air China cabin for your journey and budget — from affordable Economy to premium Business and First Class on flagship long-haul routes.
Economy
- ✓Complimentary Chinese & international meals
- ✓Seatback entertainment on long-haul widebody aircraft
- ✓23kg checked baggage included
- ✓USB and power at most seats
- ✓Earn PhoenixMiles on every flight
Premium Economy
- ✓Available on select 777 and A350 long-haul aircraft
- ✓Wider seat with extra recline and legroom
- ✓Enhanced meal service
- ✓Priority check-in and boarding
- ✓2 × 23kg checked baggage
Business
- ✓Fully lie-flat seating on long-haul widebody jets
- ✓Direct aisle access on newer cabin configurations
- ✓Multi-course Chinese and Western dining
- ✓Air China lounge access at PEK and PVG
- ✓32kg checked baggage allowance
First Class
- ✓Offered on select flagship long-haul routes
- ✓Private suite-style seating
- ✓Dedicated cabin crew and premium dining
- ✓Priority baggage handling and lounge access
- ✓40kg checked baggage allowance
Air China PhoenixMiles Program
PhoenixMiles is Air China's frequent flyer program. Members earn miles on Air China flights and across the Star Alliance network, redeemable for award flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits, with elite tiers unlocking additional perks.
Star Alliance Network
PhoenixMiles can be earned and redeemed across 25+ Star Alliance partner airlines, including United, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
Elite Tiers
Card, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers unlock priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access, and bonus mileage earning on Air China and partner flights.
Lounge Access
Business and First Class passengers, along with qualifying PhoenixMiles elite members, can access Air China and Star Alliance lounges at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing.
Earn on Partners
In addition to flights, members can earn PhoenixMiles through select hotel, credit card, and retail partners across China and internationally.
Air China Baggage Policy
Fees and allowances vary by route and fare type. Always verify at time of booking.
| Bag / Policy | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 5 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| 1st checked bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 40 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | Fee | Fee | 32 kg | 40 kg |
| 3rd checked bag | Fee | Fee | Fee | 40 kg |
| Weight limit per bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
Air China baggage allowances vary by route and fare type. PhoenixMiles Gold and Platinum members may receive additional allowances. Always verify at airchina.com for your specific itinerary.
Check-In Options & Boarding
Online Check-In
Opens 48 hours before departure for most Air China international flights via airchina.com. Web check-in typically closes 90 minutes before departure.
Mobile App Check-In
Download the Air China app on iOS or Android to check in, access your mobile boarding pass, and receive real-time flight notifications.
Airport Check-In
Self-service kiosks and staffed counters are available at Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), and other Air China airports. Domestic gates typically close 20–30 minutes and international gates 45–60 minutes before departure.
Cancellation & Change Policy
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
All FaresMost Air China tickets can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided the booking was made at least 7 days before departure.
Change Policy
Fare DependentFlexible fares allow free or low-cost changes; standard and discounted fares carry change fees that vary by route and how close to departure the change is made.
Non-Refundable Ticket Credit
Non-RefundableCancelling a non-refundable Air China ticket after the risk-free window typically results in a travel credit or refund minus a service fee, valid for future travel.
Refundable Fares
Flex FaresFully refundable fare types are available at a premium across Economy and Business Class, offering maximum flexibility for changing itineraries.
In-Flight Experience on Air China
Chinese & International Dining
Air China serves complimentary meals featuring both Chinese and international cuisine on all flights, with enhanced multi-course dining in Business and First Class.
Seatback Entertainment
Long-haul widebody aircraft (777, 787, A350) feature seatback entertainment systems with a mix of Chinese and international films, TV, and music.
Inflight Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available on a growing portion of Air China's long-haul fleet — check availability for your specific aircraft at booking.
Star Alliance Lounge Access
Business and First Class passengers, along with PhoenixMiles and Star Alliance elite members, can access lounges at Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, and partner airports worldwide.
Tips to Book Cheap Air China Flights
- 1.Air China PEK–LAX and PEK–JFK fares are typically most competitive when booked 8–14 weeks ahead of departure.
- 2.Star Alliance Gold status on Air China unlocks lounge access across 25+ partner airlines — useful for travelers connecting through Beijing.
- 3.Air China's domestic network (PEK–CAN, PEK–SHA, PEK–CTU) is a cost-effective way to combine an international trip with multiple Chinese cities.
- 4.Business Class on Air China's Beijing long-haul routes is often priced below comparable US and European carrier business fares for the same city pairs.
- 5.Book around Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays well in advance, as both domestic and international demand spikes sharply.
- 6.Consider connecting via Beijing Daxing (PKX) as Air China expands operations there — fares can differ from PEK-routed itineraries.
- 7.PhoenixMiles members can often find reasonable redemption rates for Star Alliance partner awards out of Beijing.
- 8.Use FareOptic to compare Air China against China Eastern and China Southern for the same domestic and international routes.
Most Popular Airlines
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking Air China flights on FareOptic
Is Air China a Star Alliance member?
Yes. Air China joined Star Alliance in December 2007, giving passengers access to one of the world's largest airline alliances, with shared mileage earning and lounge benefits across 25+ member airlines.
What cabin classes does Air China offer?
Air China offers Economy and Business Class on most routes, with Premium Economy available on select long-haul widebody aircraft (Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A350), and First Class offered on select flagship long-haul routes from Beijing.
What is PhoenixMiles?
PhoenixMiles is Air China's frequent flyer program. Members earn miles on Air China and Star Alliance partner flights, redeemable for award flights, upgrades, and other benefits, with elite tiers unlocking lounge access and priority services.
What are Air China's main international routes?
Air China operates long-haul flights from its Beijing hubs (PEK and PKX) to major international cities including Los Angeles, New York JFK, London Heathrow, Paris, and Frankfurt, alongside a large domestic network connecting Beijing with Chinese cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
How is Air China different from China Eastern and China Southern?
Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern make up China's 'Big Three' airlines. Air China is based in Beijing and is the only one of the three in Star Alliance, while China Eastern belongs to SkyTeam and China Southern currently operates independently of a global alliance.
What is Air China's baggage policy?
Air China Economy passengers typically receive 23kg checked baggage, Business passengers up to 32kg, and First Class passengers up to 40kg, with carry-on limits of around 5kg in Economy and 10kg in Business/First. Allowances vary by route and fare, so always confirm at booking.