I flew Air China this past April from JFK -> ICN and I had a really good experience as well. When booking I was super hesitant as the ticket total was only about $590 dollars (round trip, after fees), so like you said I felt like there had to be some sort of catch, but I was like you know what its not even 600 dollars, there’s no where else I can get a ticket this cheap, so I’m just gonna do it. I read a ton of reviews and they weren’t the best, but my mindset was that as long as the reviews weren’t safety related, I can deal with some iffy customer service and bad food. The only issues we had at all with the flight was just check-in but we managed to check-in 12 hours before our flight and all 3 of us who went were able to sit together. I don’t know if it was because I went in with very very low expectations but I was extremely and pleasantly surprised by just how nice everything was. The flight attendants were all super nice and helpful, the food was overall decent, and the seats/legroom was just like any economy seat. Even our layover (also in Beijing) was a reasonable length and everything went really smoothly. For the price we payed and the services we got, I would 100% fly them again. If anyone is thinking about it I can definitely recommend it as well. It was my first time flying out of the country and it was definitely worth every penny we payed, if not more!
chinese airlines are extremely cheap because nowadays there are so many flights going to china, during off season there are just not as much demand. That being said, during peak season ticket will cost like 2k
Esther McMillin with U.S airlines I’m used to checking in exactly 24 hours before the flight, however when we went to the check in page (2:30am the day before) it wouldn’t let us select anything to actually check in. We thought that we weren’t going to be able to check in until we got to the airport but at 2:30pm (12 hours before) we got a notification saying we could check in and we were able to check in and pick our seats with no issues. I’m not sure if it was a timezone thing as 2:30 pm was 2:30am in china or if it’s just 12 hours instead of 24 but it all worked out in the end, and we know for next time 😭
I've flown with Air China twice from Heathrow to Manila via Beijing and for the price you cannot complain. The in flight entertainment is quite good, seats are comfy enough, a pillow and blanket are provided and the food is good. To travel to Manila from the UK for £350 return via Beijing is fantastic. I am flying Air China again tomorrow Heathrow to Bangkok via Beijing and I'm looking forward to it..
it is nice to see this video because I am planning to go to Korea this year and prices are over 1000€ for other companies while air china is still between 700/800€ (economy class) and I just have been reading so many bad reviews from this airline... I honestly don't have high standards while traveling, like I just want to be able to go from point A to point B, that's it. but still I was starting to get worried, so watching this video helped. It is 5 years old but still, good to hear that. Also if anyone else reading this have flight with air china and have something to say would be nice to read it too!
I have a question about the checked in luggage. Did you have to pick up your luggage or was it already sent to your connecting flight? First time doing a trip with a layover and on Air China.
When I booked my flight it was saying that is a Self transfer which means I have to pick up my checked baggage and check it in again for the next flight. So when booking your flight it should state clearly if it’s a Self Transfer or it’s done by airline.
I also think it’s quite nice that they gave you a full meal on such a short flight. I’ve been on international flights that take twice as long on budget airlines and didn’t get any food. That said, I think the reason airlines in the U.S. get away with charging for everything is because they’re domestic flights, even though the flight time can be long or is often comparable to international flights. For example, flying from Boston to Frankfurt and from Boston to L.A. takes about the same amount of time (around six hours), but while you get blankets and meals and movies on the international flight, the domestic route charges you separately for all those things. :/
My trip to korea in 2018 around aug from Las Vegas with air china was less than 500. Round trip . We had a layover in china for less than an hour . The plane and service was excellent. The ambiance and music and food was all good !! But yea i had no idea about air china and was sooo nervous because it was so cheap. Im glad i wasnt the only suspicions one lol ps been kind of binge watching your videos. And subscribed ^^
Thank you very much for making this video. I search for a ticket from Germany to Japan and Air China's ticket is really unbeatable; 600 Euros vs 850 of other airlines. And for the three of us, the difference becomes more considerable. So, I thought there should be a trick(s) somewhere and I watched your video. Thank you again
Questions: Did you fly with economy? If so, how many checked back did they allow you to bring? Did they measure your luggage to be sure of the " measurement requirements "? Did they make you pay extra for different sized luggage?
We have booked to fly with AirChina from Stockholm to Seoul. Your video was very reassuring. Did you accounted any strangeness during transit in Beijing. Thank you for the upload.
Hey, I know this is an old video but I had a couple questions. I’ll be flying from London to Seoul with a layover in Beijing, as far as I was concerned that only included 1 checked bag, does anyone know wether or not that’s the case? How big was your personal item and did the weight of your carry on include your personal item as well? Thanks so much 🫶
This is the exact review I needed to see. I'm also in Houston, so I will be flying out of Bush Intercontinental. I was pricing tickets online for my next trip to Thailand (I previously used EVA Air, which was good, as well). When I looked on Air China's website and saw their ticket price was less than $600 *ROUNDTRIP* , I had to look for a review. I have read some sub-par reviews regarding this airline online, but I came across some positive ones, as well... including yours. I think I will be flying on Air China from now on... *as long as the price is right* !
In the US, the airlines won't even feed you if you are flying 10 hours. We flew from the east coast to Hawaii and United Airlines didn't provide any meals.
Good thing I have found this video. I am planning to fly to Manila and notice Air China is extremely cheap. It cost only 635 euro back and fort while others cost 800 - 1300 euros or more. I have concern as well because I am not familiar with the brand but because of positive reactions from this commentary I‘ll definitely try it.
I found a round trip ticket for $480 from Washington DC to Osaka with a 24 hour layover in Beijing. I’m highly considering but my friends from the area keep telling me no
Hmmm if you're hesitant, I recommend watching more videos reviewing the airline! I had a great experience, but I know not everyone's is going to be great. I'd also like to mention that during your layover, you can get a special visa that allows you to enter the country and explore Beijing! I did that during my layover and it made the long layover worth it!!
Also, how was the long layover in Beijing? I have a 12hr layover and I'm still contemplating on whether I should go out of the airport or just stay inside
I was allowed one carry on and one personal item! Just like other airlines! In terms of layovers, I got to choose between 3 to 31 hours. One my way to Korea, I chose a 6 hour layover and on the way back, I chose a 17 hour layover. During the longer layover, I explored Beijing for a few hours! If I remember correctly, the train ride from the airport into Beijing was only 30-45 minutes, maybe even shorter~ It was really easy to get into the city from the airport!
@@NataliaGarza thank you so much for responding!! did they weigh your carry on luggage and your personal item?? because i read on their website that you're only allowed 11lbs. for carry on & i weighed my carry on luggage by itself and it's already 7lbs without anything inside.
Flown on their Paris to Shanghai. Nothing to complain nothing to praise either and the price certainly wasn’t refusable. Probably cuz of it’s a nationalised airline? Idk
WARNING : I flew from Sydney with 20 hour layover to Munich arriving on 23 Dec 2023. My checkin luggage never arrived. I reported this and still as today 29 Dec 2023 I still yet to receive my luggage. On 28 Dec I got a SMS from worldtracer telling me my luggage has arrived Munich and to contact airline. I do this and Air China tells me it’s out of their control as a courier company delivers the bag and they will contact me but it may take a few days. I flown plenty of times before and only once before was my luggage delayed and that was with United Airlines but it arrived the next day. Apparently when I reported the problem I was told this was not unusual. Air China communication is non existent. All very well getting that cheaper ticket but when after a week into 5 week holiday and you still don’t have your luggage that cheaper ticket is worthless as you lost time you cannot get back and your travel plans thrown into chaos.
i had a friend flew Air china and he got delay for 5 hours in Beiging. that's why it is so cheap, delay, late or cancel without telling you or reason. that kind scary. Also, the worker in beiging don't speak English.
I am fairly certain the reason it is so cheap is because it's government subsidised, when you board they inform you that you are technically in the People's Republic of China and that the cabin is being recorded for security purposes. There is also a plain-clothes officer on board, I am not sure whether this is true or if it's just security theatre. I believe that owing to the communist government and large amounts of nationalisation there is a justification for subsidising flights taken on the airline in order to increase tourist numbers and allowing more people to spend more money within China, I flew with them this past summer between Saigon and Vancouver via Beijing (£350), absolutely brilliant airline no complaints with the service just a more big picture thing for the prices.
You get what you paid for. Air China service (food, flight time longer than others) is okay and will definitely get you from point A to B, but what really turn off many people to include myself about air China is the passengers you’re with (mostly Chinese) and they have no manners (loud, sneeze in the open without closing their mouth, stinky feet’s in the aisle...) and the employees at Shanghai or Beijing airport aren’t very helpful either during the layover either. Flew twice with them and never again. Go with an airline from Japan, Korean or U.S IF you want a good experience and AirChina if you are on the budget and in flight experience don’t matter much. I love the saving BUT i don’t find it worth the trade off...
Great review! The reason for them to artificially lower the price is that they need to attract pax, like you, who may otherwise fly direct to seoul from the US. On a same flight to Beijing only, the person next to you might have paid 1500usd, because he chose to fly direct to Beijing... Similarly, if he chose to fly to Beijing via Seoul, the price would be cheaper. How cheap depends on the market and how much airlines want to attract pax on a particular route.
The reason they can be so cheap is because they're subsidized by the Chinese government. Air China is China's national airline and the only one allowed to carry the Chinese flag. It's the airline that flies Chinese diplomats (including its president and premier).
Last year the average profit from individual planes in China Southern fleet was at about 508K usd, compare it to an actual private owned cheap airlines which makes at about 2.5 million usd each plane, that's just insane, although I know China Southern is not Air China but they both state owned, so I could say this number can apply to Air China as well. but cheap airlines in China don't offer any drinks checked baggage or food, (if you want any of those you gotta have to pay for it even a glass of water)on the other hand state owned airlines will always offer you a proper meal some beverages and proper customer service. cheap airlines do have cheaper thickets and all that, and to be honest who's gonna really need some food or a drink when they flying sub 3 hrs flight, If you traveling overseas state owned company can really shine here, ticket is not expensive, service is nice , food is decent, leg room is okay. anyway I do actually suggest you to try China Southern next time, they offer a much better customer service experience than Air China.
haha, I never take Air China, I recommend China Souther, much better than Air China and also cheap, of course, Air China has more lines between USA and China or Europe to China. China South allows u to share the miles with America airlines
I flew Air China this past April from JFK -> ICN and I had a really good experience as well. When booking I was super hesitant as the ticket total was only about $590 dollars (round trip, after fees), so like you said I felt like there had to be some sort of catch, but I was like you know what its not even 600 dollars, there’s no where else I can get a ticket this cheap, so I’m just gonna do it. I read a ton of reviews and they weren’t the best, but my mindset was that as long as the reviews weren’t safety related, I can deal with some iffy customer service and bad food. The only issues we had at all with the flight was just check-in but we managed to check-in 12 hours before our flight and all 3 of us who went were able to sit together. I don’t know if it was because I went in with very very low expectations but I was extremely and pleasantly surprised by just how nice everything was. The flight attendants were all super nice and helpful, the food was overall decent, and the seats/legroom was just like any economy seat. Even our layover (also in Beijing) was a reasonable length and everything went really smoothly. For the price we payed and the services we got, I would 100% fly them again. If anyone is thinking about it I can definitely recommend it as well. It was my first time flying out of the country and it was definitely worth every penny we payed, if not more!
very helpful review! 👌🏽
chinese airlines are extremely cheap because nowadays there are so many flights going to china, during off season there are just not as much demand. That being said, during peak season ticket will cost like 2k
What was the check in issue and how did you solve it?
Esther McMillin with U.S airlines I’m used to checking in exactly 24 hours before the flight, however when we went to the check in page (2:30am the day before) it wouldn’t let us select anything to actually check in. We thought that we weren’t going to be able to check in until we got to the airport but at 2:30pm (12 hours before) we got a notification saying we could check in and we were able to check in and pick our seats with no issues. I’m not sure if it was a timezone thing as 2:30 pm was 2:30am in china or if it’s just 12 hours instead of 24 but it all worked out in the end, and we know for next time 😭
Did you directly book with them?
I've flown with Air China twice from Heathrow to Manila via Beijing and for the price you cannot complain. The in flight entertainment is quite good, seats are comfy enough, a pillow and blanket are provided and the food is good. To travel to Manila from the UK for £350 return via Beijing is fantastic. I am flying Air China again tomorrow Heathrow to Bangkok via Beijing and I'm looking forward to it..
Hello, I just want to ask. What are ur requirements when you laid over to China? Thankyou
@@narsmarzietraveldiaries6773If it‘s just within 24 hours you dont need a visa. However check it again from time to time just to be sure
it is nice to see this video because I am planning to go to Korea this year and prices are over 1000€ for other companies while air china is still between 700/800€ (economy class) and I just have been reading so many bad reviews from this airline... I honestly don't have high standards while traveling, like I just want to be able to go from point A to point B, that's it. but still I was starting to get worried, so watching this video helped. It is 5 years old but still, good to hear that. Also if anyone else reading this have flight with air china and have something to say would be nice to read it too!
I have a question about the checked in luggage. Did you have to pick up your luggage or was it already sent to your connecting flight? First time doing a trip with a layover and on Air China.
Hey, I know this was a long time ago but I’m wondering the same thing. What ended up being the case?
When I booked my flight it was saying that is a Self transfer which means I have to pick up my checked baggage and check it in again for the next flight. So when booking your flight it should state clearly if it’s a Self Transfer or it’s done by airline.
Air China is running a sale - Houston to Bangkok and Houston to Vietnam is $399 round trip.
I also think it’s quite nice that they gave you a full meal on such a short flight. I’ve been on international flights that take twice as long on budget airlines and didn’t get any food. That said, I think the reason airlines in the U.S. get away with charging for everything is because they’re domestic flights, even though the flight time can be long or is often comparable to international flights. For example, flying from Boston to Frankfurt and from Boston to L.A. takes about the same amount of time (around six hours), but while you get blankets and meals and movies on the international flight, the domestic route charges you separately for all those things. :/
I booked airchina from London Heathrow to Phuket via Beijing in November.
I shall report back in two months after my holiday
Lol yes!! Do it~!! Let’s have multiple accounts/reviews 😂😂
The flight was good I have to be honest
My trip to korea in 2018 around aug from Las Vegas with air china was less than 500. Round trip . We had a layover in china for less than an hour . The plane and service was excellent. The ambiance and music and food was all good !! But yea i had no idea about air china and was sooo nervous because it was so cheap. Im glad i wasnt the only suspicions one lol ps been kind of binge watching your videos. And subscribed ^^
Thank you very much for making this video. I search for a ticket from Germany to Japan and Air China's ticket is really unbeatable; 600 Euros vs 850 of other airlines. And for the three of us, the difference becomes more considerable. So, I thought there should be a trick(s) somewhere and I watched your video. Thank you again
I’ve used them 4 x now London to Manila. Price structure is good. Only small variations depending on season. Cabin crew have always been great. 👍
Thanks for making this video, it helped a lot as I am considering booking with them from NYC to Bangkok and its about $600 bucks round trip.
I'm glad!!! I was super suspicious when I booked my ticket, so I thought I'd share!!
Questions: Did you fly with economy? If so, how many checked back did they allow you to bring? Did they measure your luggage to be sure of the " measurement requirements "? Did they make you pay extra for different sized luggage?
Economy - yes
Check bag allowance - 2
Did they measure - no
Cost by bag size - no
Hope this helps!
hello, i know this was old video, i just wondering do they charge extra if the price changes?
Did you take direct flight or connection flight
We have booked to fly with AirChina from Stockholm to Seoul. Your video was very reassuring. Did you accounted any strangeness during transit in Beijing. Thank you for the upload.
Hi! do you remember if there was wifi on board even for a fee?
Hey, I know this is an old video but I had a couple questions. I’ll be flying from London to Seoul with a layover in Beijing, as far as I was concerned that only included 1 checked bag, does anyone know wether or not that’s the case? How big was your personal item and did the weight of your carry on include your personal item as well? Thanks so much 🫶
Did they weigh your carry on?
They did not~ But this video is from 2019, so things may have changed since then 😓
This is the exact review I needed to see. I'm also in Houston, so I will be flying out of Bush Intercontinental. I was pricing tickets online for my next trip to Thailand (I previously used EVA Air, which was good, as well). When I looked on Air China's website and saw their ticket price was less than $600 *ROUNDTRIP* , I had to look for a review. I have read some sub-par reviews regarding this airline online, but I came across some positive ones, as well... including yours. I think I will be flying on Air China from now on... *as long as the price is right* !
In the US, the airlines won't even feed you if you are flying 10 hours. We flew from the east coast to Hawaii and United Airlines didn't provide any meals.
You will only get a drink on American or United for a two hour flight.
I think that there are direct flights from Texas to Seoul (From Dallas)
I'm not sure about Air China, but Asana and Korean Air have direct flights if you're willing to pay more~
Good thing I have found this video. I am planning to fly to Manila and notice Air China is extremely cheap. It cost only 635 euro back and fort while others cost 800 - 1300 euros or more. I have concern as well because I am not familiar with the brand but because of positive reactions from this commentary I‘ll definitely try it.
I found a round trip ticket for $480 from Washington DC to Osaka with a 24 hour layover in Beijing. I’m highly considering but my friends from the area keep telling me no
Hmmm if you're hesitant, I recommend watching more videos reviewing the airline! I had a great experience, but I know not everyone's is going to be great. I'd also like to mention that during your layover, you can get a special visa that allows you to enter the country and explore Beijing! I did that during my layover and it made the long layover worth it!!
Natalia Garza Thank you for responding!! Yeah I definitely will. I was considering doing that anyway I figured it could be fun!
Did you end up taking the flight?
Again I’m thinking of using them and it’s so cheap I had bad dreams about them . But I’ve seen some good reviews of late . Thanks for the video 👍🇬🇧
You'll be sorry
714 is so expensive actually, normally you can only spend 340USD a round ticket from usa to china.
I agree, and I have seen tickets from LAX to ICN for just under $400.
Is there any resources for learning Mandarin Chinese? I really would appreciate it!
Hey~! I noticed you’ve been commenting this question under all my videos~ I actually answered it last week 😅
Oh did u lol my bad
Hi. Question, did you have to go through immigration for your layover in Beijing?
Nope~! But you do have to go through security again~
Sorry last question, did your bags go straight to Korea? Thanks for your time!
Yes, they did :) and no problem~~
u can have 144 hours visa-free when u flight to another country via Beijing or some other chinese cities
I see more positive reviews for Air China 🇨🇳
I should book it
There is no way you took air china from USA to ROK, cus air china only operates to china, around china, and from china, right
Thank you for this video!! Umm, how much was the limit for the carry on and personal item??
Also, how was the long layover in Beijing? I have a 12hr layover and I'm still contemplating on whether I should go out of the airport or just stay inside
I was allowed one carry on and one personal item! Just like other airlines! In terms of layovers, I got to choose between 3 to 31 hours. One my way to Korea, I chose a 6 hour layover and on the way back, I chose a 17 hour layover. During the longer layover, I explored Beijing for a few hours! If I remember correctly, the train ride from the airport into Beijing was only 30-45 minutes, maybe even shorter~ It was really easy to get into the city from the airport!
@@NataliaGarza thank you so much for responding!! did they weigh your carry on luggage and your personal item?? because i read on their website that you're only allowed 11lbs. for carry on & i weighed my carry on luggage by itself and it's already 7lbs without anything inside.
Flown on their Paris to Shanghai. Nothing to complain nothing to praise either and the price certainly wasn’t refusable. Probably cuz of it’s a nationalised airline? Idk
I too noticed that air china is always dirt cheap and I wonder why
WARNING : I flew from Sydney with 20 hour layover to Munich arriving on 23 Dec 2023. My checkin luggage never arrived. I reported this and still as today 29 Dec 2023 I still yet to receive my luggage. On 28 Dec I got a SMS from worldtracer telling me my luggage has arrived Munich and to contact airline. I do this and Air China tells me it’s out of their control as a courier company delivers the bag and they will contact me but it may take a few days. I flown plenty of times before and only once before was my luggage delayed and that was with United Airlines but it arrived the next day. Apparently when I reported the problem I was told this was not unusual. Air China communication is non existent. All very well getting that cheaper ticket but when after a week into 5 week holiday and you still don’t have your luggage that cheaper ticket is worthless as you lost time you cannot get back and your travel plans thrown into chaos.
i had a friend flew Air china and he got delay for 5 hours in Beiging. that's why it is so cheap, delay, late or cancel without telling you or reason. that kind scary. Also, the worker in beiging don't speak English.
oof that sounds awful! My experience wasn't like that at all.
I AM A FAN OF AIR CHINA
I don't know... It seems very sketchy to take them regardless of price.
I am fairly certain the reason it is so cheap is because it's government subsidised, when you board they inform you that you are technically in the People's Republic of China and that the cabin is being recorded for security purposes. There is also a plain-clothes officer on board, I am not sure whether this is true or if it's just security theatre. I believe that owing to the communist government and large amounts of nationalisation there is a justification for subsidising flights taken on the airline in order to increase tourist numbers and allowing more people to spend more money within China, I flew with them this past summer between Saigon and Vancouver via Beijing (£350), absolutely brilliant airline no complaints with the service just a more big picture thing for the prices.
It’s China national airline,a kind of guarantee
You get what you paid for. Air China service (food, flight time longer than others) is okay and will definitely get you from point A to B, but what really turn off many people to include myself about air China is the passengers you’re with (mostly Chinese) and they have no manners (loud, sneeze in the open without closing their mouth, stinky feet’s in the aisle...) and the employees at Shanghai or Beijing airport aren’t very helpful either during the layover either. Flew twice with them and never again. Go with an airline from Japan, Korean or U.S IF you want a good experience and AirChina if you are on the budget and in flight experience don’t matter much. I love the saving BUT i don’t find it worth the trade off...
Great review!
The reason for them to artificially lower the price is that they need to attract pax, like you, who may otherwise fly direct to seoul from the US.
On a same flight to Beijing only, the person next to you might have paid 1500usd, because he chose to fly direct to Beijing... Similarly, if he chose to fly to Beijing via Seoul, the price would be cheaper.
How cheap depends on the market and how much airlines want to attract pax on a particular route.
Mmmmm no, the people want to go in Beijing, and just in Beijing paid cheaper... So If you don't know... learn it ;)
Thanks for the review
I am flying to Vietnam next month.
OOOOooooooo~! Have a good trip!
Yeah it's my 3rd trip.my wife is there.
The reason they can be so cheap is because they're subsidized by the Chinese government. Air China is China's national airline and the only one allowed to carry the Chinese flag. It's the airline that flies Chinese diplomats (including its president and premier).
In my Seoul to Beijing layover air China flight they gave us fucking triangle kimbap and brownie that you can buy in seven eleven. That’s all
Hey you!!! It's Ednita!! *makes cute face back at chu*💖💙💜💚❤💛💕💕
Last year the average profit from individual planes in China Southern fleet was at about 508K usd, compare it to an actual private owned cheap airlines which makes at about 2.5 million usd each plane, that's just insane, although I know China Southern is not Air China but they both state owned, so I could say this number can apply to Air China as well.
but cheap airlines in China don't offer any drinks checked baggage or food, (if you want any of those you gotta have to pay for it even a glass of water)on the other hand state owned airlines will always offer you a proper meal some beverages and proper customer service. cheap airlines do have cheaper thickets and all that, and to be honest who's gonna really need some food or a drink when they flying sub 3 hrs flight, If you traveling overseas state owned company can really shine here, ticket is not expensive, service is nice , food is decent, leg room is okay.
anyway I do actually suggest you to try China Southern next time, they offer a much better customer service experience than Air China.
Quick question what was the allowance as far as checking? bags thank you.
For my international flight, I was allowed two check bags (50 lbs each in weight), a carry-on item, and a personal item!
Or you probably took a connection
haha, I never take Air China, I recommend China Souther, much better than Air China and also cheap, of course, Air China has more lines between USA and China or Europe to China. China South allows u to share the miles with America airlines