Note: this is an independent guide, not the official Air China website. Official site: www.airchina.com.cn
Air China (中国国际航空, IATA: CA) is a flag-carrier full-service carrier based in Mainland China, with its main hub at Beijing Capital & Daxing.
Founded in 1988, it is a member of Star Alliance and part of 中国航空集团.
Air China is the PRC’s only flag carrier, known for its golden phoenix livery and the most complete long-haul network among mainland airlines — nonstop from Beijing to major gateways across Europe, North America and Oceania. PhoenixMiles members earn and redeem across all Star Alliance carriers.
This page gathers the essentials for flying with Air China: official website, fares, online check-in, baggage rules and customer service contacts.
Air China, established in 1988, sits within 中国航空集团; Star Alliance membership extends its reach through partner networks and unlocks reciprocal lounge, priority and mileage benefits.
Network & hub
In network terms, Air China's core strength is Europe, North America, Oceania plus a dense domestic trunk network from its two Beijing hubs. At Beijing Capital & Daxing the airline runs its own check-in zones and premium facilities, and minimum connection times are most reliable there.
Booking & travel tips
Booking tips: fares float with live inventory — 2–6 weeks out (2–4 months long-haul) is usually the trough, and member pricing can undercut platforms. Add your PhoenixMiles number at booking; retro-crediting needs boarding passes. Paid upgrade windows open around check-in at prices well below purchase-time premiums, and pre-bought extra baggage saves 30%+ versus airport rates.
The official website is www.airchina.com.cn. AirFlights.cn is an independent guide with price-comparison links.
How do I find cheap Air China tickets?
Compare live fares on Trip.com — prices vary a lot by date and cabin — or book directly on the airline's own site. Airline member days and seasonal sales bring extra discounts.
Does Air China offer online check-in?
Domestic online check-in generally opens the day before departure (around 20:00 at most airports) and closes about 60 minutes before; international opens about 36h before and closes about 120 minutes before departure (route-dependent).
What is the Air China baggage allowance?
International economy: 1 x 23kg on most routes; 2 x 23kg on Americas/Japan routes (fare-dependent); max 158cm per piece.
What is the Air China frequent flyer program?
PhoenixMiles. Registration is free; miles can be redeemed for tickets, upgrades and partner benefits.
Where is the Air China hub?
The main base is Beijing Capital & Daxing — the widest choice of frequencies, timings and connections is from there.
