If you’re a foreigner planning to travel within China by plane, you’re in for a unique experience. Domestic flying in China is efficient, affordable, and surprisingly well-organized—but there are also quirks that can trip up first-timers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you board your first domestic flight.
1. Booking Your Ticket
For foreigners, the easiest platforms are Trip.com and Skyscanner. These are available in English and accept international credit cards. Chinese platforms like Ctrip (also Trip.com) or Fliggy sometimes offer better prices, but may require a Chinese phone number and local payment options like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Keep your passport handy during the booking process—you’ll need to enter your exact name and passport number as shown on your travel document. Mismatches can cause issues at check-in.
2. What Documents You Need
You don’t need to show a visa every time, but your passport is your key ID for flying domestically. Chinese citizens use their national ID; you’ll use your passport at every step: check-in, security, and boarding.
No need to print your ticket—just show your passport at the airport, and you’ll receive a boarding pass.
3. Arriving at the Airport
Always arrive at least 2 hours early, especially in larger airports like Beijing or Guangzhou. Lines can be long, and security is stricter than in many Western countries.
Most airports have English signage, but don’t count on staff speaking fluent English. Translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate will be your best friends.
4. Airport Security in China
Chinese airport security is no joke. Expect to:
- Remove laptops and power banks from your bag
- Be asked to test liquids or throw them out
- Have your passport checked multiple times
You may also be asked to scan your boarding pass again at various checkpoints—keep it easily accessible.
5. Boarding the Flight
Listen closely for announcements. In smaller cities, they may be only in Chinese. Keep an eye on the departure screens too—gates can change without warning.
Boarding typically starts 30–40 minutes before departure, and can close 15 minutes prior. Don’t wait until the last minute.
6. In-Flight Experience
Most domestic flights are under 3 hours. Expect minimal in-flight entertainment. You might get a bottle of water or a snack, depending on the airline. Bring your own entertainment and maybe a neck pillow.
7. Luggage Tips
Carry-on is usually limited to 5–7 kg, and checked baggage varies (20–30 kg). Check your ticket class carefully—budget airlines may charge extra for bags, seat selection, or even printing your boarding pass at the airport.
8. Delays and Changes
China’s airspace is tightly controlled, which means delays are common—especially in the afternoons and during holidays. Use apps like Umetrip to track your flight status in real time.
Final Thoughts
Flying domestic in China as a foreigner is totally doable—just stay organized, arrive early, and be ready to show your passport a lot. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize it’s really not that hard.
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