1. When domestic flights make sense
High-speed rail is often excellent between cities on the same corridor, but flying becomes more attractive as distances grow or when the rail journey requires inconvenient transfers.
Compare door-to-door time rather than scheduled flight time alone. Airport travel, check-in and security can reduce the time advantage of flying on shorter routes.
2. Major airlines
China has a large domestic airline market. Major carriers include Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, while Hainan Airlines, XiamenAir, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Spring Airlines and other operators serve extensive domestic networks.
The airline that is most convenient often depends on the city pair and airport rather than brand preference. Compare schedule, fare conditions, baggage and the exact airport used.
3. Beijing has two major airports
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) both serve the capital. They are not interchangeable and are located in different parts of the metropolitan area.
Check the airport code before booking, particularly when combining separate tickets or connecting to rail. Ground travel time can materially change which flight is more convenient.
4. Shanghai also has two airports
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is a major international gateway, while Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) handles substantial domestic traffic and sits beside a major high-speed rail station.
For some domestic itineraries, Hongqiao can be particularly convenient because air and rail connections are concentrated in the same transport district. The better airport depends on where you are staying and the onward journey.
5. Other important domestic hubs
Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, Chengdu Shuangliu, Xi'an Xianyang, Kunming Changshui, Chongqing Jiangbei and Hangzhou Xiaoshan are among the airports that play major roles in China's domestic network.
Several cities have more than one airport or have changed how traffic is divided between old and new facilities, so always check the code and terminal shown on the ticket.
6. Foreign travelers should book with passport details carefully
China uses identity-linked air ticketing. CAAC guidance lists passports as valid identity documents for foreign passengers on domestic flights, and the identity information used for ticket purchase must match the document presented for check-in and security.
Enter your name and passport number carefully and travel with the same valid passport used for the booking.
7. Do not assume one baggage allowance
The old idea that every Chinese domestic economy ticket includes the same checked and cabin baggage allowance is unsafe. Allowances vary by airline, fare family, route and aircraft.
Check the exact fare conditions before paying, particularly on lower-cost tickets. A cheaper fare can stop being cheaper after checked baggage or other extras are added.
8. Arrive according to the airline and airport rules
Check-in and boarding cutoffs vary. Large Chinese airports can involve long walking distances and additional time for identity and security checks.
Instead of relying on one universal “90 minute” rule, check the airline's instructions for the specific airport and allow additional time when using an unfamiliar terminal.
9. Compare flight and high-speed rail
On routes such as Beijing–Shanghai, air and high-speed rail both compete strongly. Rail can reduce airport-related ground time and often arrives at urban transport hubs, while flying may still be faster on longer journeys or where a good nonstop flight exists.
Price is only one factor. Compare departure location, frequency, total travel time, baggage and what you plan to do immediately after arrival.
- Check total door-to-door time.
- Compare the airport with the railway station location.
- Check baggage and fare restrictions.
- Consider schedule frequency and missed-connection risk.
- For multi-city trips, consider combining rail and air rather than choosing only one.
10. Major holidays require more planning
Airports, trains and hotels can be heavily booked around Spring Festival and other major public holidays. If a particular flight is important to your itinerary, avoid assuming seats will remain available at the last moment.
Holiday dates vary by year, so check the current official calendar when planning.
Domestic flight checklist
- Confirm the airport code, not just the city name.
- Use the same passport details for booking and travel.
- Check the exact baggage allowance for your fare.
- Check terminal and check-in information before leaving for the airport.
- Compare the flight with high-speed rail on medium-distance routes.
- Allow extra time at unfamiliar large airports.
- Book important holiday-period travel early enough to preserve options.
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