Domestic Air Travel

At present, air travel has become a very affordable and popular way of travel in China. While many foreigners wish to travel by trains and buses to see the picturesque countryside, these forms of transportation often prove too inconvenient because of overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. For convenient and hustle-free traveling, air travel is still the best way to get around the country.

There are more than ten major airlines in China, and they collectively serve all the major cities in the country. Wherever you wish to go, there is bound to be an airline that will take you there or at least somewhere close to your final destination. Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Northwest and China Eastern are some of the established names in domestic air travel. In general, the fares are rather reasonable by foreigners’ standards and some airlines even offer concessions for group travel consisting of ten or more passengers. Below is a list of average prices of one-way air tickets for several major cities in China (prices in US$):

	Beijing	Shanghai	Guangzhou	Xian	Hong Hong
Beijing	-	130	196	121	348
Shanghai	130	-	147	146	246
Guangzhou	196	147	-	172	84
Xian	121	146	172	-	295
Hong Kong	348	246	84	295	-

Take note that these are only estimated prices, and they may vary according to ticket class, airlines and seasons of travel. For most airlines, if you purchase tickets without a tour package, you will be charged $10 extra. Ticket holders are also entitled to a refund but usually, a fee amounting to 10% of the ticket price must be paid. Some airlines just charge a flat rate of $30 for all refunds. Tickets for children between the ages of 2-12 are priced at 50% of the adult rate, and for infants below 2 years old who do not require individual seating a 10% fare will apply.

Check-in for domestic flights are mostly closed 30 minutes before departure and passengers are advised to show up 90 minutes before to allow for comfortable processing time. Generally, for check-in luggage, a limit of 40kgs is allowed for first class travelers while business and economy class passengers can check in 30kgs and 20kgs of baggage respectively. If you are traveling first class, you can also bring up to two articles of baggage instead of one. All baggage should be no larger than 20x40x55 cm in size. Airport authorities advise that personal and valuable belongings such as travel documents, cash, money order and others be hand-carried into the cabin. For lost baggage, a maximum compensation of RMB100 per kg will be paid.

If you need any information for domestic air schedules and prices, you can visit the following websites:

• Travel China Guide – This website has a database for all the flight information you need, both international and domestic.
  URL: www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/


• Asia Connect Tours – There is information for many aspects of air travel in China here, including a list of the major airlines in China.
  URL: www.chinaonlinetravel.com/flight.htm

For domestic air travel in China, you have to produce your passport for identification. And if you have any questions concerning any regulations or procedures pertaining to air travel, it is advisable that you contact the local airlines office directly.