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The China Navigator
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Domestic Flights

How to book and fly domestic flights in China: airline apps, passport check-in, baggage limits, airport transfers and when rail beats flying.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · policies change — confirm the official sources before travel

Domestic flights in China are affordable and efficient. Major airlines include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and budget carriers.

Key points

Book via airline apps or travel websites
ID required for booking and check-in
Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights
Most flights under 2 hours
E-tickets standard
Luggage allowances vary by airline

What works in practice

1

Compare prices across multiple apps

2

Check baggage allowance before booking

3

Book morning flights for better weather

4

Keep digital boarding pass as backup

5

Download airline apps for real-time updates

Mistakes to avoid

Not checking baggage allowances

Arriving late for check-in

Not having correct ID

Booking wrong airport

Frequently asked

Need to print boarding passes?

No, digital passes via app or kiosks sufficient.

Use foreign credit cards?

Yes, most booking platforms accept international cards.

Questions about your trip?

If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.