10 Best Airlines to Fly to China

Traveling to China opens up a world of vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences, and selecting the right airline can enhance your journey significantly. With various airlines offering diverse services, comfort levels, and route options, you must choose one that fits your needs. 

Whether you’re flying to bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai or exploring the scenic landscapes of Xi’an and Chengdu, several airlines fly to China. These carriers offer excellent services, modern amenities, and reliable performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Middle Kingdom.

Here is the list of the 10 best airlines to fly to China in 2024:

• American Airlines 
• United Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Air Canada
• Singapore Airlines 
• Air China
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Hainan Airlines
• Xiamen Airlines

A complete overview of these air carriers is given below with what makes them the best airline to fly to China, including their top destinations, flexibility, and additional features.

American Airlines

American Airlines is the best airline for travelers in the central and southern regions of the United States. Passengers departing from major American hubs such as Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles have the convenience of direct flights to two of China’s most iconic cities:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Daily flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX)
• Beijing  Capital International Airport (PEK): Non-stop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

In addition, American Airlines’ frequent flyer program is known although premium cabins can be expensive. It provides ample seats for daily operations.

Read More» American Airlines Beijing Office in China

United Airlines

United Airlines is a top choice for travelers from various U.S. cities who want to reach China, providing efficient connections via major hubs. United Airlines offers flights to China from the following U.S. cities:

• San Francisco (SFO): Nonstop flights to Beijing (PEK)
• Newark (EWR): Nonstop flights to Beijing (PEK)

Travelers from the East Coast, particularly those looking for the best airline to fly to China in premium or mixed cabins, can conveniently connect through San Francisco as part of their journey to Beijing.

Read More» United Airlines Beijing Office in China

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines also offers services between the U.S. and China, providing travelers with convenient options for international travel. Delta Airlines’ routes from the United States to Shanghai (PVG) usually include:

• Detroit (DTW) to Shanghai (PVG)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG)
• Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG)

Furthermore, Delta Airlines is renowned for its high-quality service, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and a comprehensive network of global destinations.

Read More» Delta Airlines Shanghai Office in China

Air Canada

Air Canada is the best airline to fly to China from Canada for international travel, offering outstanding service on routes like Montreal (YUL) to Shanghai (PVG). With top-notch amenities and comfort, Air Canada provides excellent connections to major Chinese destinations:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

There are many cities Air Canada flies to China such as from Toronto (YYZ) to Shanghai (PVG), Vancouver (YVR) to Shanghai (PVG), Toronto (YYZ) to Beijing (PEK), and Toronto (YYZ) to Guangzhou (CAN).

Singapore Airlines 

Singapore Airlines offers a premium first-class experience providing passengers with a private sanctuary while flying, offering direct flights to major airports including:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

Whether enjoying the lavish Singapore Airlines Suite or the well-appointed economy class, passengers experience exceptional service and comfort on their journey from Singapore to China, making it the best airline to fly to China.

Read More» Singapore Airlines Beijing Office in China

Air China

Air China provides nonstop flights from major U.S. cities to Beijing, ensuring strong connectivity with China through efficient services from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. This airline is one of the best airlines to fly to Beijing in China from the US:

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing (PEK)
• San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK)
• New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK) (with a stay in LAX)

Direct flights are also available from key European airports including:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

Air China is the best airline to fly to China domestically which also flies inside the country. The airline has an extensive network that facilitates easy connections to other Chinese cities and neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is one of the biggest Chinese carriers alongside Air China and China Southern and is a top choice for domestic flights within China. It is partially owned by the Chinese government, the airline excels in connecting major eastern regions and beyond.

Here are some major airports where it flies domestically within China:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
• Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Moreover, this airline provides extensive domestic coverage with a focus on key cities such as Dalian, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Nanchang, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Harbin, Hong Kong, Hefei, Nanjing, Chengdu, Taiyuan,  Hefei, and Yantai.

Read More» China Eastern Airlines Shanghai Headquarters

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines, known as the best airline to fly to China in the southern regions, operates primarily from its hub in Guangzhou. 

The airline also maintains a significant presence in Beijing and provides extensive domestic flight options across China:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

China Southern Airlines focuses on key domestic cities including Dalian, Changchun, Changsha, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Harbin, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guiyang, and Ürümqi.

Read More» China Southern Airlines Beijing Office in China

Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines, the largest independent airline in China, operates from its main hub at Haikou Meilan International Airport and serves more than 40 domestic destinations. 

With additional bases at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), it provides extensive coverage across China:

• Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Hainan Airlines serves several major cities in China, such as Chongqing, Shenzhen, Lanzhou, Sanya, Guangzhou, Taiyuan, Changsha, and Ürümqi.

Read More» Hainan Airlines Beijing Office in China

Xiamen Airlines

XiamenAir, a prominent Chinese carrier, operates from its main hub at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, offering flights to over 50 domestic destinations. It serves over 29 provinces and regions across China, providing extensive connectivity within China.

The airline is partially owned by China Southern Airlines and collaborates with Hebei and Jiangxi Airlines to coordinate schedules. Hence, Xiamen can be considered the best airline to fly within China.

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