Are Chinese airlines safe and reliable?

Yes, major Chinese carriers (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern) meet international safety standards and often offer competitive prices. Service levels vary but are generally adequate for long-haul flights.

Should I book directly with airlines or use travel sites?

Check both. Start with comparison sites like Google Flights, then check airline websites directly. Sometimes airlines offer exclusive deals or better change policies when booking direct.

What about error fares and mistake prices?

Error fares to China do happen but are rare and quickly corrected. If you find one, book immediately but don't make non-refundable plans until the airline confirms the ticket.

How much do flight changes typically cost?

Change fees range from $200-500 plus fare difference. Some premium tickets allow free changes. Consider travel insurance if your plans might change.

How to find cheap flights to China

Book flights to China 6-8 weeks ahead, fly Tuesday-Thursday, and use Beijing or Shanghai as your entry point. Expect to pay $400-800 from the US West Coast, $600-1200 from the East Coast, with significant savings during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).

Choose the right airports. Fly into Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN) for the best international connections and lowest prices. Secondary cities like Chengdu or Xi'an often cost $200-400 more.
Book 6-8 weeks ahead. Start checking prices 12 weeks out, but book 6-8 weeks before departure. Last-minute deals to China are rare, and prices typically increase as departure approaches.
Fly Tuesday through Thursday. Weekend departures cost $100-300 more. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheapest, followed by Thursday. Monday and Friday are mid-range.
Use the right search tools. Start with Google Flights for overview, then check airline direct websites. For trans-Pacific routes, also try ITA Matrix and Momondo. Chinese carriers (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern) often have competitive prices.
Consider stopovers. One-stop flights via Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong can be $200-500 cheaper than direct flights. Allow 2+ hours for connections. Some Middle Eastern carriers (Emirates, Qatar) offer good value via Dubai or Doha.
Target shoulder seasons. Fly April-May or September-October for lowest prices and good weather. Avoid Chinese New Year (late January-February), Golden Week (first week of October), and summer peak (July-August) when prices double.

Are Chinese airlines safe and reliable?: Yes, major Chinese carriers (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern) meet international safety standards and often offer competitive prices. Service levels vary but are generally adequate for long-haul flights.
Should I book directly with airlines or use travel sites?: Check both. Start with comparison sites like Google Flights, then check airline websites directly. Sometimes airlines offer exclusive deals or better change policies when booking direct.
What about error fares and mistake prices?: Error fares to China do happen but are rare and quickly corrected. If you find one, book immediately but don't make non-refundable plans until the airline confirms the ticket.
How much do flight changes typically cost?: Change fees range from $200-500 plus fare difference. Some premium tickets allow free changes. Consider travel insurance if your plans might change.