Air China – cancellation and refund policy

The subsidiary airlines of Air China include Air China Cargo, Air Macau, AMECO, Dalian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Tibet Airlines. The company owns 424 fleets and flies to 201 destinations. Air China Limited has a frequent flyer programme, PhoenixMiles. To register for the programme, follow the steps here. Go here for Air China Service Centre contact details.

Air China check-in

You can check into Air China flights online, on your mobile phone or tablet, or at the airport either by using a check-in machine or directly at the check-in desk. Be sure to check in at the airline counter at the airport of departure when flying with pets or if you have extra on-board requirements.

For additional details on checking in with Air China follow this link.

Air China online check-in

Online check-in is possible from 24 hours prior to departure and enables seat selection and either printing of your boarding pass or downloading it to a mobile device (make sure mobile check-in is possible at the airport of departure). To process online check-in for your current flight with Air China, please go here.

Air China: Check in online with your mobile

Mobile check-in enables you to check in for your flight and download the boarding pass in your own time. Check-in, seat reservation, and receiving your mobile boarding pass is all available from 24 hours prior to departure, using your mobile phone. Mobile check-in is not possible in all airports, so it is important to check this when preparing for your journey.

In the event there are any difficulties with your mobile boarding pass, you may pick up a regular paper one from a check-in machine (where available in the departure airport) or from the airline check-in desk at the airport. If you are experiencing problems with your phone, or have inadvertently deleted your boarding pass, the above also applies.

Air China self-check-in machines

These are the free-standing computer screens available in airports for checking yourself in. Remember to make sure that check-in machines are available before arrival at the departure airport. You can usually check in at the machine either with your passport, or by typing your last name and booking reference, which is in your booking confirmation.

Air China check-in time: Deadlines

In order to keep flights on schedule, check-in deadlines are vital. Be certain you have your boarding pass and have checked in any baggage before the deadline, whether you checked in on your mobile device, at the check-in desk, or at a check-in machine.

For more information in relation to check-in deadlines for Air China, follow the link.

Air China baggage allowance

You can view more detailed information about Air China's baggage policy here.

Air China hand luggage / carry-on baggage policy

The quantity of items of carry-on baggage allowed on Air China flights is dependent on the travel class of the flight ticket. Carry-on baggage is required to conform to the regulations of the airline.

If it happens that your baggage does not comply with Air China's carry-on regulations, you must check it in at the airline counter or, if available, at a self-service bag drop kiosk. Additional fees could be necessary in this instance.

Additional information regarding allowance for carry-on baggage is here.

Dimensions of carry-on baggage – max. 55 x 40 x 20 cm

Economy Class – 1 carry-on baggage item up to 5 kg
Premium Economy Class – 1 carry-on baggage item up to 5 kg
Business Class – 2 items of carry-on baggage, each up to 8 kg
First Class – 2 items of carry-on baggage, each up to 8 kg

Air China checked baggage

The ticket fare and travel class determine your free baggage allowance.

Checked-in baggage dimensions – max. 158 cm (width + height + depth)

Air China luggage allowance: Checked baggage items

Economy Class – 1 baggage item, up to 23 kg
Premium Economy Class – 2 items of baggage, each up to 23 kg
Business Class – 2 items of baggage, each up to 32 kg
First Class – 2 items of baggage, each up to 32 kg

Air China luggage rules for excess bags

For excess or special baggage items, some key points need to be kept in mind. Here you can find more information on this and flat fees.

Baggage considered to be excess

Economy / Premium Economy Class – over 23 kg (maximum 32 kg) and/or above 158 cm
Business / First Class – above 158 cm (width + height + depth)

Air China baggage policy: Sports equipment

You will find all the information you need about flying with sports baggage here. It is a good idea to reserve for sports equipment early, as the aircraft usually has limited allocated space for such items.

You can discover more detailed information about size and also weight allowances and flat rates for sports baggage via this link.

Air China baggage problems

There are a number of causes why baggage gets damaged or fails to arrive at the destination airport. Technical difficulties in the baggage handling area, poor weather conditions, or the baggage tag falling off, can all lead to difficulties with your baggage.
To find out how and where to make a claim for damaged baggage, or to find more information with regards to ways to find delayed baggage, follow this link.

Delayed / damaged baggage claim with Air China

A report has to be made right away to the Air China baggage tracing counter or service counter in the unfortunate event your baggage is damaged or has not arrived at the destination airport. Be certain to keep hold of every flight document, specifically your baggage claim tag and boarding pass.

It is essential to give confirmation in writing and your claim reference number. Make sure you have this until your baggage is delivered or your claim is settled.

Another option to pursue a claim for difficulties with baggage is to process the claim by enlisting the services of MYFLYRIGHT, more information can be found here.

Air China airline travel classes

The level of onboard accommodation is defined by the travel class. The number of classes provided varies by airline. Passengers may choose from Air China's 4 travel classes – Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Every cabin class is moreover separated into invisible booking classes. You can read more detailed information regarding Air China travel classes here.

Air China Economy Class

This travel class is the basic one available with the airline. Passengers can fly Economy Class on all Air China flights.

Seats – 32-inch seat pitch
On-board entertainment – films, music, magazines and newspapers
On-board meal – snacks or full meals depending on the flight length

Air China Premium Economy Class

This is a travel class between Economy Class and Business Class which gives the passenger more amenities in comfortable surroundings when getting ready for the flight and while flying.

Passenger benefits

Seats – wider seats with greater recline
Baggage – 2 items of checked-in baggage
On-board extras – slippers, bottle of water, blanket and pillow

Air China Business Class

Business class accommodates passengers with extra comfort in the course of their flight. This class can be differentiated from other travel classes in terms of the standard of seats, meals and drinks, service on the ground and added on-board perks.

Air China Business Class: Short & mid-haul routes

Passenger benefits

Additional baggage – 2 items of carry-on baggage
Priority boarding – boarding the plane first
Seats – wide and comfortable seats with extra personal space
On-board meal – a meal of passenger's choice plus a wide range of French wines

You can read more concerning short and medium-haul flights with Air China Business Class here.

Air China Business Class: Long-haul routes

Passenger benefits

Priority check-in – check in at the priority check-in desks
Additional baggage – 2 items of carry-on baggage
Lounges – access to Business Lounges
Priority boarding – boarding the plane first
Seats – spacious seats that recline up to 170 degrees
On-board meal – a hot meal of passenger's choice plus a wide range of French wines
On-board entertainment – Air China onboard entertainment offers personal in-flight entertainment system

Go here for additional detailed information on flying long-haul routes with Air China Business Class.

Air China First Class

This is the highest travel class passengers can choose to travel with. There are typically not as many seats available for purchase, with a higher quality of comfort and service, and more privacy and space.

Several long-haul planes, such as Boeing 747-400 (744), Boeing 747-8 (74H), and Boeing 777-300ER (77W) offer passengers Air China First Class.
You can find further information with respect to Air China First Class here.

Priority check-in – priority check-in at a separate desk
First Class Lounges – access to First Class lounges is provided
Seats – seats that can be converted into a fully-flat bed
On-board meal – gourmet Chinese meals

Air China airport lounges

Several varieties of lounges are available with Air China – VIP, First and Business Class lounges.

Travelling with children on Air China flights

Children aged two (2) and above need to have an individual seat reserved.

Dependent on the country, different regulations may need to be adhered to for minors who are landing in or departing from the country, if they are travelling alone, or with an adult, no matter if that adult is the parent or not.

You must always be sure of all necessary travel documents before travelling, otherwise you may be refused entry or exit in a country.

Carrycots – available for most flights. Keep in mind that booking must be made for carrycots up to 48 hours before departure. The seat for the carrycot might require an additional seat booking charge.

Children’s menu – can be pre-ordered when booking a flight ticket

For additional details regarding flying with Air China with children, go here.

Travelling with pets on Air China flights

Travelling with pets with Air China is allowed.

You can travel with pets with an additional fee as additional carry-on baggage or for transportation in the cargo hold area – this is, however, contingent on the weight and size of the animal, together with country and other airline rules.

Additional information regarding travelling with pets with Air China is available on this page.

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About MYFLYRIGHT

MYFLYRIGHT is a legal tech company, specialized in the support of airline passengers affected by flight delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, delayed or lost luggage and the refund of unused airline tickets. MYFLYRIGHT was founded 2016 in Hamburg, Germany. The company operates out of 3 offices, its headquarter in Hamburg and its branches in Prague, Czech Republic and Zaporizhia, Ukraine. Currently, MYFLYRIGHT employs a team of around 25 people working in Marketing, Operations, Legal, Customer Support and IT. The organization operates across 5 markets – Germany, United Kingdom, Romania, Austria, and Switzerland.

MYFLYRIGHT’s goal is to provide access to justice for all aviation passengers who experience irregularities in their flight transportation. Notably, 75% of all compensation requests submitted by passengers get rejected. Whereas, MYFLYRIGHT is able to successfully execute the applicable customer claims in more than 98% of cases at court.