Top Airlines Offering Cheap Flights to China
If you book flights with these airlines, you’re more likely to snag inexpensive tickets. Plus, most of them operate regular flights from U.S. to China, allowing you to travel on your preferred date.
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 Cheapest Time to Fly to China
The cheapest months to travel to China are February, March, and April. During these months, flights are priced at $663 when departing on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The best flights and accommodation deals in China are available right after the Lunar New Year, particularly in the last week of February.
Additionally, the cheapest time to visit the country extends from the last week of February to the third week of April because there are no major holidays, so there is less demand for plane tickets to and from China and domestic travel within the country. Opting for major airports for your flights rather than using regional airports to connect can often offer cheap plane tickets to China.
Cheapest months to fly
Dec-Feb
Most Expensive Months to Fly
Jun-Jul
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?
The best time to visit China depends on the purpose of your trip, budget considerations, and your preferences for weather, so we’ll explore the different months here in detail:
- To immerse yourself in China’s vibrant festivals, target a visit during Chinese New Year, typically in late January or early February.
- April is an excellent time to explore China, offering comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing. The landscape comes alive with blooming fruit trees, creating a picturesque backdrop in parks and gardens. While occasional rainy days may occur, they often result in beautiful misty conditions around China’s stunning landscapes.
- May is a prime travel month with warm temperatures and low humidity. This season provides an enchanting backdrop for iconic sites like the Great Wall. In highland areas of Yunnan, flowers burst into bloom. Regions like Lhasa, Tibet, and the Silk Road experience warm and dry conditions.
- Spring (mid-March to mid-May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most agreeable climate and showcase China’s breathtaking natural beauty. These seasons are also ideal for outdoor activities. Families with children often plan trips during the summer vacation period. March and November offer a more peaceful experience at major sites. Meanwhile, September to October are highly recommended for travel when the summer heat and rain subside, offering pleasant conditions for exploration. However, it’s wise to avoid traveling during the first week of October, which coincides with the National Week holiday, leading to potentially crowded trains and tourist areas.
As November arrives, temperatures drop, especially in northern areas like Beijing, where daytime highs hover around 10 degrees. Crisp days and clear skies create an ideal setting for exploration. The autumn foliage paints landscapes in a riot of colors. In the south, temperatures remain pleasantly mild, with low rainfall.
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. Delta used to operate nonstop flights twice weekly, connecting Shanghai to Seattle and Detroit. However, there are currently no direct flights to China from U.S.
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.
