Air ChinaCA

Air China is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, headquartered in Beijing. Founded in 1988 from the former CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China), Air China has grown into one of Asia's largest airlines with a fleet of nearly 500 aircraft serving over 200 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania.

As a founding member of Star Alliance (since December 2007), Air China provides global connectivity through 25+ partner airlines including United, Lufthansa, and ANA. The airline is known for its extensive domestic network within China and serves as the primary gateway for international travelers to Beijing and beyond. Air China carried over 155 million passengers in 2024, representing 23% year-on-year growth.

The phoenix logo—incorporating the letters VIP—symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture. The "Air China" calligraphy was written by former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

Carry-On Allowance

Class	Pieces	Weight (each)	Dimensions
Economy	1 piece	5 kg (11 lbs)	55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
Business	2 pieces	8 kg (18 lbs) each	55 x 40 x 20 cm each
First	2 pieces	8 kg (18 lbs) each	55 x 40 x 20 cm each

Note: Dimensions must fit in overhead compartments or under seats. Small personal items (handbag, laptop bag) allowed in addition.

Checked Baggage - Piece Concept (Americas, Japan)

Routes to/from the Americas (including Hawaii), Japan, and routes transiting to Americas from third countries via mainland China:

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each
First	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Infants: One additional 23 kg bag plus folding stroller, cradle, car seat, or baby cot free.

Checked Baggage - Weight Concept (Other Routes)

Most domestic Chinese and other international routes:

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each
First	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions; minimum 60 cm (24 in)

Elite Member Benefits

Status	Extra Allowance
PhoenixMiles Silver	+1 bag (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/First)
PhoenixMiles Gold	+1 bag (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/First)
PhoenixMiles Platinum	+1 bag (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/First)
Lifetime Platinum	+1 bag (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/First)
Star Alliance Gold	+1 bag (23 kg)

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic Routes (within China): Calculated per kilogram at 1.5% of adult economy class (Y class) fare based on direct origin-destination mileage.

International Routes:

Condition	Fee (CNY)	Fee (USD)
1st extra piece	1,400	220
2nd extra piece	2,000	310
3rd extra piece	3,000	460
Overweight or oversized	980	150

Important: Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) cannot be carried as checked baggage regardless of willingness to pay excess fees.

Prepaid Baggage Discount: 10% off standard fees when purchased online in advance through Air China website (available 48+ hours before departure).

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	Standard bag fee	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Folding cradle/cot	Free	For infants
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free

Fees as of January 2025. Air China policies vary by route—verify at airchina.us/baggage before traveling.

First Class (Forbidden Pavilion First)

Available on Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 747 aircraft:

Feature	Details
Configuration	1-2-1 (777), varies on 747
Pitch	80-83" (203-211 cm)
Width	26-27" (66-69 cm)
Recline	180-degree lie-flat
Screen	24"+ personal entertainment
Amenities	L'Occitane amenity kit, slippers, premium bedding

Business Class (Capital Pavilion Business)

Long-haul widebody aircraft (777, 747, A350, 787):

Feature	Details
Configuration	1-2-1 staggered (A350), varies by aircraft
Pitch	60" (152 cm)
Width	20-21" (51-53 cm)
Recline	Lie-flat on long-haul
Screen	15-18" touchscreen
Amenities	L'Occitane toiletries, slippers, pillow, blanket

A350-900 Business Class: Collins Super Diamond seats in 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access, angled 45 degrees for privacy.

Premium Economy

Available on Airbus A350-900 and select Boeing 747-8:

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-4-2 (A350), 3-4-3 (747-8)
Pitch	36-38" (91-97 cm)
Width	18.3-19.3" (46-49 cm)
Recline	Enhanced
Screen	Personal entertainment
Features	USB and power outlets, enhanced meal service

Economy Class

Feature	Widebody	Narrowbody (737)
Configuration	3-3-3 (A350), 3-4-3 (747-8)	3-3
Pitch	31-33" (79-84 cm)	31-32" (79-81 cm)
Width	18" (45.5 cm)	17.2" (44 cm)
Screen	11.6" touchscreen (A350)	Streaming or overhead
Power	USB and AC outlets (newer aircraft)	USB on newer aircraft

Entertainment

Feature	Details
System	Seatback screens on long-haul widebody
Content	Chinese and international films, TV shows
Streaming	Personal device streaming on some domestic flights
WiFi	Available on select aircraft (paid)

Note: Entertainment selection skews toward Chinese and Asian content. Newer A350 aircraft have the best entertainment systems.

Dining

First & Business Class:

• Multi-course meals with Western and Chinese options
• 2-3 main course choices typically available
• Pre-arrival meal service on long-haul flights
• Premium beverages including champagne

Economy Class:

• Complimentary meals on international and longer domestic flights
• Choice of Chinese or Western dishes
• Standard beverages included
• Snacks on shorter flights

Special Meals: Can be requested 24+ hours before departure through the website or customer service.