How to Book Domestic Flights in China via Trip.com

China has an extensive domestic flight network connecting hundreds of cities. For routes where high-speed trains take more than 4–5 hours, flying is often faster and sometimes cheaper.

View Guide → is the easiest way for foreign tourists to book domestic Chinese flights in English.

When to Fly vs. Take the Train

• Fly when the train journey is over 5 hours, or when there's no direct train (e.g. Chengdu to Guilin, Kunming to Zhangjiajie)
• Take the train for routes under 4 hours — trains are often faster door-to-door once you factor in airport time
• Popular routes where flying makes sense: Beijing–Chengdu, Shanghai–Kunming, Beijing–Guilin, any route to Xinjiang or Tibet

Searching for Flights

1. 1. Open Trip.com and tap 'Flights'

   Open the Trip.com app or visit trip.com. Tap 'Flights' from the main menu. Select 'One Way' or 'Round Trip'. Enter your departure and destination cities in English.

2. 2. Set your date and search

   Select your travel date. Tap Search. Results show all available flights sorted by price or departure time. You can toggle between views.

3. 3. Compare options

   Each result shows the airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, duration, number of stops, and price. Look for direct flights (non-stop) when possible — connections add significant time and risk of delays.

Booking Your Flight

1. 1. Select your flight

   Tap the flight you want. Choose your fare class — Economy is standard, Premium Economy and Business are available on some routes. Review what's included: baggage allowance, meal, seat selection.

2. 2. Enter passenger details

   Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your passport. Enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Enter your phone number and email for booking confirmation.

3. 3. Add baggage if needed

   Domestic flights in China typically include 20kg checked baggage in Economy. If you need more, add it during booking — it's cheaper than paying at the airport.

4. 4. Pay and receive e-ticket

   Pay with your international credit card. You'll receive an e-ticket by email and in the Trip.com app under 'My Trips'. Your passport is your boarding pass — bring it to the airport.

At the Airport

Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights. Chinese airports have security checks before check-in and again before boarding. Show your passport at check-in, security, and the boarding gate.

Practical Tips

• Baggage: Most domestic Economy fares include 20kg checked baggage. Carry-on is typically 5–10kg. Check your specific fare's allowance.
• Flight delays: Domestic flights in China have a higher delay rate than in many countries, especially in summer (thunderstorm season). Build buffer time into your schedule.
• Airport transfers: Use Didi or the airport express train to get to/from the airport. Avoid unofficial taxis at arrivals — use the official taxi queue or pre-book Didi.
• Chinese airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines are the main carriers. All are safe and reliable. Budget carriers like Shenzhen Airlines and Xiamen Airlines are also good options.
• Seat selection: Trip.com allows seat selection for most flights. Window seats on the right side of the plane often have better views of mountains and landscapes.