Question 1

What is the Air China reservations phone number?

Accepted Answer

Air China reservations can be reached at +86-95583, 24 hours a day. CheapoTrav also publishes phone-only fares that are not loaded into online inventory — call us first to compare.

Question 2

Where does Air China fly from?

Accepted Answer

Air China operates from 2 primary hubs — PEK, PKX — and serves roughly 200 destinations worldwide with a fleet of about 480 aircraft. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in China, Air China is one of the larger carriers in the Asia Pacific region.

Question 3

Is Air China part of an airline alliance?

Accepted Answer

Air China is a member of Star Alliance, which means you can earn and redeem PhoenixMiles miles on every Star Alliance partner and use Star Alliance lounges when flying in eligible cabins.

Question 4

What is the Air China carry-on baggage allowance?

Accepted Answer

7 kg + personal item (55 × 36 × 23 cm). Items that exceed those dimensions are gate-checked and may incur a fee, so it is worth measuring your bag at home — including wheels and handles — before you fly.

Question 5

How much does a checked bag cost on Air China?

Accepted Answer

20–30 kg Economy, 40 kg Business, 50 kg First. Elite PhoenixMiles members and passengers traveling in Business typically receive a higher free checked allowance — check your fare class on the booking confirmation for the exact entitlement.

Question 6

What is Air China's cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Flex refundable, Saver 50% refund minus admin fee. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment and typically post within 7 business days for credit cards or up to 20 days for cash and check purchases. Travel-insurance or trip-protection plans can broaden the reasons that qualify for a refund.

Question 7

Does Air China charge change fees?

Accepted Answer

Saver $50–$100 + fare difference; Flex free. Same-day flight changes are usually offered as a flat-fee option (subject to availability in your original fare bucket). Note that any fare difference between the original and new flight is always payable on top of the change fee.

Question 8

What cabin classes does Air China offer?

Accepted Answer

Air China sells the following cabins: Economy (31 in); Business (Lie-flat); First (Private suite). Cabin availability varies by aircraft type and route — long-haul widebody routes generally offer the full premium line-up, while short-haul narrowbody flights typically operate with Economy only.

Question 9

Does Air China have Wi-Fi on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Air China offers Wi-Fi across most of its fleet. Availability by cabin: Economy — Limited; Business — Limited; First — Limited. Connectivity is typically fastest on widebody aircraft equipped with Ka-band or Ku-band satellite service; older regional jets may still rely on slower air-to-ground systems.

Question 10

What in-flight entertainment and meals can I expect on Air China?

Accepted Answer

Entertainment ranges across the cabins as follows: Economy — Seatback HD; Business — Seatback HD; First — Seatback HD. On the catering side, Economy passengers receive sichuan + international., while Business guests enjoy chef tasting. Pre-order meal selection is available on most long-haul routes if you book at least 24 hours before departure.

Question 11

How does Air China's PhoenixMiles loyalty program work?

Accepted Answer

PhoenixMiles is Air China's frequent-flyer program, with elite tiers Silver → Gold → Platinum. Miles can be earned on paid flights, partner airlines, co-branded credit-card spend, and redeemed for award tickets, cabin upgrades, and ancillaries. Elite status typically unlocks priority check-in, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades when available, and lounge access on international itineraries.

Question 12

Where are the Air China lounges and how do I get in?

Accepted Answer

Air China operates branded lounges at Beijing (PEK). Access is generally limited to same-day travelers in Business or First, top-tier PhoenixMiles elites, and Star Alliance elite partners. Day passes are sometimes sold subject to capacity; the flagship room is First Class Lounge, known for beijing duck station.

Question 13

What aircraft does Air China fly?

Accepted Answer

Air China's fleet of roughly 480 aircraft is built around 4 core types: airbus-a350-900, boeing-787-9, boeing-777-300er, airbus-a330-300. Equipment is generally assigned by stage length — narrowbodies cover short and medium-haul routes, while widebodies are reserved for long-haul intercontinental flying. You can confirm the exact aircraft type for your itinerary at booking and again 24 hours before departure, since substitutions do happen.

Question 14

Can I travel with my pet on Air China?

Accepted Answer

In-cabin not generally permitted; cargo program available. Carriers must fit fully under the seat in front of you, the pet must remain inside for the duration of the flight, and only a limited number of in-cabin pets are permitted per flight — book early. Service animals trained to assist passengers with disabilities travel free with documentation submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

Question 15

Does Air China accept unaccompanied minors?

Accepted Answer

Ages 5–12: $80 fee, escort service. An adult must complete a release form at the airport, present government-issued photo ID, and remain at the gate until the aircraft departs. The same identification is required by the receiving adult on arrival. Connecting itineraries and overnight flights are usually restricted for the youngest age band.

Question 16

How do I request special assistance on Air China?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchair / sensory accommodation free with 48-hr notice. Requests can be added during booking, in your account profile, or by calling reservations. For mobility devices, give battery and dimension details ahead of time so the airport team can pre-stage the right equipment. Pre-boarding is offered to passengers who self-identify at the gate.

Question 17

When does check-in open for Air China flights?

Accepted Answer

Online and mobile check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure and closes 45–60 minutes before departure for most domestic flights and 60–90 minutes before international departures. Airport baggage drop and ticket counters typically close 30–60 minutes before departure depending on the route. Plan to be through security at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 2–3 hours ahead of an international one.

Question 18

How can I find the cheapest Air China flights?

Accepted Answer

For published fares, search 4–8 weeks ahead for domestic and 2–6 months ahead for international, fly mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) and avoid peak holiday windows. CheapoTrav also negotiates phone-only consolidator fares on Air China that are not loaded into public booking engines — call +1 (815) 991-4848 to have an agent compare them against the best online price before you commit.

Air China

Cabin experience

Airport lounges

First Class Lounge

Policies

Seat map explorer

Fleet

Airbus A350-900

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing 777-300ER

Airbus A330-300

Notable routes

Loyalty program

In pictures

Reviews of Air China

Frequently asked questions about Air China

Other Star Alliance carriers