Top Airlines Offering Cheap Flights to China
Most carriers frequently offer flight promotions, increasing your chances of scoring cheap plane tickets to China. Here are the top airlines to consider before flying to China:
Find Major Airports in China
China boasts an extensive network of over 200 airports, facilitating travel to both international and domestic destinations. Here, we’ll focus on the three largest and busiest international airports in the country:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport, the busiest airport in Asia, is a hub for major airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. It is also a Focus City for Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Shandong Airlines. With over 70 airlines connecting to more than 200 cities worldwide, the airport operates through its remarkable Terminal 3, a project expedited for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This terminal houses a diverse range of restaurants, catering to local and international tastes. Visitors can find familiar names like McDonald’s and Starbucks, providing a touch of home comfort before or after their flights.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, situated in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, is the second busiest airport in China. It is the main hub for China Southern Airlines and operates as a focus city for Shenzhen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and China Air. While there are fewer international flights to/from North America and Europe, Baiyun Airport provides many flights to/from Australia and New Zealand. As a key hub for domestic flights, travelers can conveniently connect to various cities within China from this airport.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, among China’s top three largest airports, is the primary hub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. It also functions as a significant international hub for Air China, facilitating flights to over 60 domestic destinations and connecting to more than 70 international and regional destinations. Shanghai Pudong International Airport maintains direct routes to and from all major cities.
Flights to China Snapshot
Economy Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO China IN THE LAST MONTH
11
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO China
$1166
Business Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO China IN THE LAST MONTH
12
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO China
$3100
The Best Time to Visit China
The cheapest months to travel to China are February, March, and April. During these months, flights departing on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays cost $663. China’s best flights and accommodation deals are available right after the Lunar New Year, particularly in the last week of February.
The most expensive times to fly to China are typically December, early October during the Chinese National Day holiday, and early May during the Labor Day holiday. Due to increased demand, flight prices can soar during these peak travel seasons, so it’s recommended to book flights and hotels well in advance.
Cheapest months to fly
February to April
Most Expensive Months to Fly
May, October, and December
Compare Prices
Here is a comparison of prices of plane tickets to China from U.S. when flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit China?
When planning a trip to China, consider the purpose of your trip, budget, and weather preferences. Chinese New Year in late January or early February is great for experiencing vibrant festivals. April and May offer comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes, and ideal conditions for sightseeing. Spring and autumn have favorable climates and are perfect for outdoor activities. November brings cooler temperatures, especially in northern areas like Beijing, while the south remains pleasantly mild.
Are there direct flights to China?
Air China, Cathay Pacific, United, American Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Malaysia Airlines, and Suparna Airlines Co offer direct flights to China.
Why is flying to China so expensive?
Plane tickets to China are expensive because lots of people want to go, there are few airlines to choose from, it’s far from big airports, and there are extra costs like taxes. This means travelers shell out thousands of dollars, especially for flights with stopovers. For instance, a single economy-class seat on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Shanghai, which stops at Haneda Airport, can cost $4,000 or more.
What are the main airports in China for international flights?
The main airports in China that receive international flights are Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
What is the average flight duration from the U.S. to China?
The flight duration from the U.S. to China varies depending on the departure city and destination.
- From New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG): approximately 13-14 hours (direct)
- From Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG): around 12-13 hours (direct)
- From other US cities or to other destinations in China: 14-20 hours (with one or more stops)
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
U.S. passport holders need a visa to enter China for tourism or business purposes. You can apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in the U.S.
What is the time difference between China and the U.S.?
China is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET), 13 hours ahead of Central Time (CT), 14 hours ahead of Mountain Time (MT), and 15 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT).
Are there any stopover options for flights from the U.S. to China?
Many flights from the U.S. to China have stopover options in cities like Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), or Vancouver (YVR), depending on the airline and route.
Can I use my credit cards in China?
While major credit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, carrying some cash is advisable. Mobile payment apps are widely used in China.
Is English widely spoken at Chinese airports?
Major international airports have English signage and some English-speaking staff, but knowing key phrases in Chinese is helpful.
Discover China
Looking for cheap flights to China? OneAir makes it easy to discover incredible flight deals to destinations around the world. Follow these simple steps to start saving on your next trip.
- Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to China. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If your schedule allows, use our “Explore” or “Add Destinations” feature to find the most affordable days to fly to China. Shifting your dates by just a day or two can often result in significant savings.
- Turn on your notifications. We’ll notify you via email or push notification whenever the price for your selected route is at its lowest. This way, you’ll never miss a deal.
- Compare flight options from multiple providers. Choose the cheapest, fastest, or most convenient flights to China based on your priorities.
- Filter for direct flights. If you prefer nonstop service to China, simply tick the “Nonstop” box when searching. We’ll show you all available nonstop routes, so you can avoid lengthy layovers.
- Get the best unpublished deals. Dreaming of a luxurious journey to China? We also find the best deals on Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares. Compare prices across all cabin classes – you might be surprised by an affordable premium seat.
- Expand your search to nearby airports. Unlock even more deals by searching for flights to China from nearby airports. This will show you flight prices from alternative departure airports close to your origin city.
Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to China, why not add a hotel room or rental car? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel, car, and activity deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.
Discover New Destinations with the “Explore” Tab. Not set on China? Use our “Explore” search to find the cheapest flights from your city to anywhere in the world. You might just discover your next dream vacation spot!
