What Are the Best Airlines in China? (Skytrax Guide)

Traveling across China by air is often the most efficient way to cover the country's vast distances. With dozens of airlines operating domestically and internationally, choosing the right carrier can significantly impact your journey. This guide breaks down the best Chinese airlines based on Skytrax ratings, service quality, and practical advice for international travelers.

Skytrax-Rated Chinese Airlines: The Top Contenders

Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization, ranks airlines based on passenger reviews and audits. Several Chinese carriers consistently appear in global and regional rankings.

Hainan Airlines: The Five-Star Leader

Hainan Airlines is the only Chinese carrier to hold a Skytrax 5-Star rating. Based in Haikou, it is known for:

• Excellent service standards with attentive cabin crew.
• Modern, well-maintained fleets on both domestic and international routes.
• Comfortable seating in business and economy class, especially on long-haul flights.
• Strong connections to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific destinations.

If you are flying internationally to or from China, Hainan Airlines is often a top recommendation for comfort and reliability.

Air China: The Flag Carrier

As China's national flag carrier, Air China operates a vast network from its Beijing hub. Key points for travelers:

• Extensive domestic coverage to almost every major Chinese city.
• Star Alliance membership allows mileage earning and lounge access with partners like United, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
• Consistent service on long-haul routes to Europe, North America, and Australia.
• While not five-star, its business class on flagship routes offers lie-flat seats.

China Southern Airlines: Large Network from Guangzhou

China Southern is one of the world's largest airlines by fleet size and passenger numbers. It is a good option for:

• Travelers entering or exiting southern China, particularly through Guangzhou (CAN).
• Flights to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has strong route networks.
• SkyTeam membership, meaning you can use Delta, KLM, and other partner benefits.
• Budget-friendly options with its subsidiary, Xiamen Airlines (also SkyTeam).

China Eastern Airlines: Shanghai's Major Carrier

Based at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), China Eastern is ideal for:

• Travelers connecting through Shanghai to domestic or international destinations.
• SkyTeam membership like its southern counterpart.
• Modern aircraft on busiest routes, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
• Good service on premium economy seats for a balance of comfort and cost.

Sichuan Airlines: A Regional Favorite

While not as globally recognized, Sichuan Airlines is a popular choice for domestic routes, especially to western China. It is known for:

• Delicious in-flight meals, often featuring Sichuan cuisine.
• Good legroom in economy class compared to some competitors.
• Reliable service on routes to Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, and Tibet.
• Competitive pricing for domestic travelers.

How to Choose the Best Airline for Your China Trip

Your choice depends on your itinerary, budget, and comfort preferences.

For Long-Haul International Flights

Tip: If you have status with Star Alliance or SkyTeam, choose the corresponding Chinese airline to enjoy lounge access and priority boarding.

For Domestic Travel Across China

• Short hops (1-2 hours): All major airlines offer similar economy class service. Focus on schedule and price.
• Long domestic flights (3-5 hours, e.g., Beijing to Urumqi): Consider Hainan Airlines or Sichuan Airlines for better meal service and seat comfort.
• To remote destinations (Tibet, Xinjiang): Use Air China or China Southern, which have more frequency to regional hubs.

Practical Tips for Booking Flights in China

Use Aggregators and Official Sites

• Skyscanner or Trip.com are useful for comparing prices and schedules across Chinese airlines.
• Direct booking on the airline's website or app often gives better change/cancellation flexibility than third-party sites.

Check Baggage Allowance Carefully

• On most domestic flights, economy class includes 20 kg (44 lbs) checked baggage and one carry-on.
• Some low-cost domestic carriers (like Spring Airlines) charge extra for checked luggage or meals.
• International routes usually have higher allowances (2 pieces of 23 kg each for economy).

Consider the Type of Aircraft

• Wide-body aircraft (Airbus A330/A350, Boeing 787/777) are used on long domestic routes (e.g., Beijing to Guangzhou). These offer more comfortable seats and better cabin pressure.
• Narrow-body aircraft (Airbus A320, Boeing 737) are common on short-haul routes. Seat pitch is tighter.

Know Your Hub Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hainan Airlines really five-star? A: Yes, Skytrax has awarded Hainan Airlines a 5-Star rating since 2011, placing it alongside carriers like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. It excels in cabin service, seat comfort, and overall passenger experience.

Q: Are Chinese airlines safe? A: Absolutely. All major Chinese airlines meet international safety standards and are regulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. They have modern fleets and rigorous maintenance programs.

Q: Which Chinese airline has the best food? A: Many travelers praise Sichuan Airlines for its flavorful meals (often spicy options with rice). Hainan Airlines and China Southern also offer excellent meal service on international flights.

Q: Can I use airline miles earned in the U.S. or Europe on Chinese airlines? A: Yes, through alliances. United MileagePlus (Star Alliance) works with Air China. Delta SkyMiles (SkyTeam) works with China Southern and China Eastern. Hainan Airlines is not in a global alliance, but it has partnerships with several carriers.

Q: Do Chinese airlines have good English service? A: On international routes, cabin crew speak English. On domestic flights, English proficiency varies, but major airlines have English-speaking staff on key routes. It is helpful to have your flight details and destination written in Chinese characters.

Conclusion

For international travelers flying to or within China, the best airline depends on your route and priorities. Hainan Airlines offers the highest overall service quality, while Air China provides the most extensive network from Beijing. China Southern and China Eastern are excellent choices for southern and eastern entry points. For domestic trips, Sichuan Airlines is a reliable and tasty option. Regardless of your choice, all major Chinese airlines offer safe, modern travel experiences that will get you comfortably across this vast and fascinating country.

When planning your China itinerary, consider combining air travel with other modes like high-speed trains for shorter distances. And remember to book early for the best prices, especially during Chinese holidays. Safe travels!