China Airlines and Airport Guide: Air China, Shanghai Airlines and major airports

Flying Through China: A Guide to Air China, Shanghai Airlines, and Key Airports

Navigating China’s aviation network can be the most efficient way to cover its vast and diverse landscapes. For international travelers planning China day tours or multi-city itineraries, understanding the major airlines and airports is essential for a smooth journey.

This guide focuses on two of China’s key carriers—Air China and Shanghai Airlines—and the airports you’ll most likely encounter. Use this information to plan your connections and make the most of your time in the country.

Air China: The Flagship Carrier

Air China is the country’s flag carrier and a member of the Star Alliance. It operates an extensive domestic network alongside its international routes, with its primary hub at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and a major hub at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

Key Points for Travelers:

• Connectivity: Air China is your best bet for flying into and out of Beijing, as well as for reaching cities like Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Urumqi. It also flies to many secondary cities hard to reach by train.
• Service: The airline offers a full-service experience, including meals and checked baggage on most domestic flights. English announcements are standard on major routes.
• Onboard Experience: For longer domestic flights (e.g., Beijing to Urumqi), Air China offers a comfortable economy class. Business class is available on wide-body aircraft on trunk routes.

When to Choose Air China:

• You are flying into or out of Beijing.
• You want a full-service airline with a robust domestic route map.
• You are a Star Alliance member looking to earn miles.

Shanghai Airlines: The Regional Specialist

Shanghai Airlines is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines and is focused on serving the Yangtze River Delta region, with its primary hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). It is a strong choice for travelers starting or ending their trip in Shanghai.

Key Points for Travelers:

• Route Focus: While it flies to major cities across China, its strength lies in connecting Shanghai to secondary cities and regional destinations within the eastern part of the country.
• Efficiency: As a regional carrier, Shanghai Airlines often operates on shorter routes with high frequency, making it convenient for day trips or tight schedules.
• Service: It operates as a full-service carrier, offering meals and baggage on most flights.

When to Choose Shanghai Airlines:

• Your itinerary starts or ends in Shanghai.
• You need a quick connection from Shanghai to a nearby city like Qingdao, Fuzhou, or Xiamen.
• You are flying on a budget-friendly ticket that still includes checked luggage.

Major Airports: Your Gateway to Cities

Here’s a practical overview of the primary airports you’ll encounter on a China day tours itinerary.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) & Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing is served by two main airports. PEK is the older, larger hub for Air China and is located about 25 km northeast of the city center. PKX, the newer mega-airport, is located 46 km south of the city center and is served primarily by China Southern and China Eastern.

Travel Tip: Check which airport your flight arrives at. PEK is closer to central Beijing and the Forbidden City, while PKX is excellent for high-speed rail connections to southern China. Both have direct subway links to the city center (Subway Line 10 & Airport Express for PEK, and Line 19 & Daxing Airport Express for PKX).

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) & Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Shanghai also has two major airports. PVG handles almost all international flights and is located about 30 km east of the city center. SHA is closer to the city center (13 km west) and handles mostly domestic flights, including Shanghai Airlines’ regional network.

Travel Tip: For a typical China day tour that includes Shanghai, you’ll most likely arrive at PVG. If you are connecting to a domestic flight within China, a stop at SHA can be more convenient. The Shanghai Maglev train connects PVG to Longyang Road station in just 7 minutes, while Metro Line 2 connects both airports.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

As a major gateway for southern China, CAN is a hub for China Southern Airlines. It is located about 28 km north of Guangzhou city center. The airport is modern, well-signposted in English, and connected to the city via Metro Line 3.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

This is the main international hub for Chengdu, replacing the older Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. It’s located about 50 km southeast of the city center. Air China uses TFU as a major hub, making it a key point for trips further west into Tibet or Sichuan province.

Practical Advice for Air Travel in China

• Booking: Book flights on China day tours or longer trips as early as possible, especially for domestic routes during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day).
• Check-in: Most Chinese airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before departure. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.
• Luggage: Domestic flights typically include 20 kg of checked baggage in economy class. Baggage allowances can vary, so check your ticket.
• Transfers: If you have a connecting flight, factor in the time needed to transfer between airports (e.g., PEK to PKX or PVG to SHA). This can take 1-2 hours by taxi or public transport.
• Etiquette: Be mindful that Chinese airlines often have strict rules on using mobile phones and electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use my phone on a domestic flight in China? A: Yes, you can use your phone in airplane mode. However, making calls, sending SMS, or using mobile data is prohibited during the flight. Some airlines offer onboard Wi-Fi for a fee.

Q: Is it better to fly or take the high-speed train for a day tour? A: For cities within 5 hours of each other by train (e.g., Beijing to Xi’an, Shanghai to Nanjing), high-speed rail is often more convenient due to central city stations and less security hassle. For longer distances (e.g., Shanghai to Guilin, Beijing to Chengdu), flying is faster.

Q: Do I need a visa if I am transiting through China? A: Many nationalities are eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit at major airports like PEK, PVG, and CAN. Longer transit stays (e.g., 144 hours) are available for certain nationalities in select cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Check the latest regulations before you travel.

Q: What if my flight is delayed? A: Delays are common, especially during peak season. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a flexible itinerary. Download the airline’s app for real-time updates.

Conclusion

Choosing between Air China and Shanghai Airlines largely depends on your primary destination. For a journey centered on Beijing, Air China is indispensable. For a trip focused on Shanghai and the eastern coast, Shanghai Airlines is a reliable partner. By understanding the hub airports and their connections, you can design a seamless China day tours itinerary that maximizes your time and minimizes travel headaches. Remember to double-check your airport of arrival and departure, and always plan for potential delays.