Cheap China Eastern Airlines Flights

China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s leading airlines, headquartered in Shanghai. Its main operational hubs are located at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports, as well as Kunming Airport. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, China Eastern offers strong global connectivity. The airline operates scheduled flights to a total of 226 destinations, covering not only Asia but also various routes across Europe, North America, and Oceania.

With a fleet of over 660 aircraft, China Eastern mainly operates modern models such as the Airbus A320, A321, A330, and Boeing 737, 777, and 787. The airline is committed to providing passengers with a comfortable travel experience through in-flight entertainment systems, hot meal services, and ergonomic seating. Frequent flyers can join the "Eastern Miles" loyalty program to earn miles and enjoy exclusive benefits. China Eastern is a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers, especially within China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

China Eastern Airlines makes online check-in easy for most flights. You can start checking in 48 hours before your flight, except for U.S. and Canada flights. For those, check-in opens 24 hours early. Online check-in ends 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international ones.

This way, you can pick your seat early and save time. However, you can't check your bags online. For baggage drop-off, get to the airport at least 60 minutes before your flight.

Airport check-in times vary by location. Most airports stop check-in 30 minutes before your flight. But, some airports like Beijing Capital International Airport have different rules. There, check-in ends 40 minutes before your flight.

At Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, baggage check-in closes 35 minutes before. When you arrive, have your boarding pass and travel documents ready. Security checks must be done 40 minutes before your flight.

Remember, aircraft doors close 15 minutes before departure. Always check your specific airport's guidelines for a smooth trip.

Hand Luggage

China Eastern Airlines offers different hand luggage allowances based on travel class. First Class passengers may carry 2 pieces (10 kg each), while all other classes are allowed 1 piece (8 kg). Dimensions must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Additionally, a small personal item (such as a handbag or laptop bag) is also permitted.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage rules also vary. For domestic flights, First Class gets 40 kg, Business Class 30 kg, and Economy 20 kg. On international flights, there's a piece system. Premium classes usually get two pieces, and Economy gets one or two, with a weight limit of 23-32 kg per piece.

Special Baggage

Golf equipment (up to 15 kg) is charged as 6 kg excess baggage, and ski gear is charged as 3 kg excess baggage. Bicycles, musical instruments, diving gear, etc., may be included in the standard baggage allowance. Each special baggage item must not exceed 32 kg. Pets can only be transported with an excess baggage fee. Assistive devices for disabled passengers (e.g., wheelchairs) are transported free of charge.

China Eastern Airlines allows passengers to select their seats in advance on eligible routes operated by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines (ticket numbers starting with 781 or 774). Seat selection can be made after booking through the airline’s website, mobile app, customer service hotline, ticket offices, or authorized travel agents. This service is available only for adults and children; infants are not eligible for online seat selection. Passengers who do not reserve a seat in advance will be automatically assigned one during check-in.

There are two types of seating options: priority seating and standard seating. Priority seats, including front-row and emergency exit seats or specific rows like 34–40 and 62–65, are available for an additional fee and may vary by aircraft type. Standard seats can be selected free of charge. Seat changes are allowed up to three times per flight segment, but if a reservation was made through a different channel, it must be modified through the same channel. Emergency exit seats are subject to eligibility, and the airline reserves the right to change your seat at check-in or onboard if safety requirements are not met. Passengers must still complete the check-in process regardless of seat selection.

China Eastern Airlines’ loyalty program, Eastern Miles, allows members to earn miles through flights and everyday spending. Members can accumulate miles not only by flying with China Eastern and SkyTeam partner airlines but also through hotel stays, credit card purchases, and dining. These miles can be redeemed for award tickets, cabin upgrades, and additional baggage allowances, offering flexible and valuable benefits for frequent travelers.

Eastern Miles features three elite status tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers are achieved based on a member’s travel activity or spending levels. Higher tiers come with added privileges such as priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and access to exclusive airport lounges. As part of the SkyTeam alliance, Eastern Miles members can also enjoy benefits and flight options across a wide global network.

China Eastern Airlines offers complimentary meals and beverages on its flights, with the service varying based on flight duration, route, and travel class. On long-haul flights, passengers are typically provided with two main meals—one served approximately two hours after takeoff and another a few hours before landing. These meals often include options inspired by Asian cuisine, such as stir-fried noodles or rice with vegetables, accompanied by sides like fresh fruit, salads, and desserts.

In premium cabins, passengers can enjoy enhanced dining experiences with a broader selection of dishes and beverages. For instance, China Eastern has introduced the "MU Freeze-Dried Fruit Tea," a beverage combining jasmine, kumquat, lemon, and passion fruit, exclusively available to first and business class passengers on international and regional flights. Additionally, special meals catering to various dietary requirements can be pre-ordered by contacting the airline's representative office at least 24 hours before departure (48 hours for Kosher meals).

China Eastern Airlines offers an in-flight entertainment system with over 300 options, including movies, TV shows, music, and games, accessible via personal seatback screens.

On newer aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the airline provides an 11.7-inch touchscreen for enhanced viewing. Additionally, select aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to connect their personal devices to the in-flight entertainment system. However, the availability and quality of content may vary across different flights and aircraft.

China Eastern Airlines allows the transportation of small animals, such as dogs and cats, exclusively in the cargo hold as checked baggage; pets are not permitted in the passenger cabin. Each passenger is allowed to check in one pet per flight, with the combined weight of the pet and its container not exceeding 32 kilograms. The container must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Additionally, the container should have a secure metal door and be lined with absorbent material to prevent any leakage.

Passengers must request pet transportation services at least 48 hours before departure and obtain prior approval from the airline. On the day of travel, a fee will be charged based on the total weight of the pet and its container, calculated according to excess baggage regulations. It's important to note that certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals, may be subject to additional restrictions or may not be accepted for transport. Furthermore, temperature conditions on the day of travel can affect the acceptance of pets; if temperatures are forecasted to be below -12°C or above 30°C at any point during the journey, the airline may refuse pet transportation to ensure the animal's safety.

China Eastern Airlines takes premium travel to new heights with its lounges at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The airline has three lounges in Terminal 1, with two open now. These spaces are a retreat for SkyPriority passengers and Business Class travelers from partner airlines.

The lounges offer a variety of seating, including cozy armchairs and dining tables. Guests can enjoy a buffet with six hot Asian dishes and a range of drinks. There are also massage chairs and a quiet upper level with daybeds for relaxation.

As a SkyTeam member, China Eastern offers lounge access worldwide. This means eligible passengers can enjoy SkyTeam lounges globally. Whether you're flying short or long distances, China Eastern's lounges ensure a comfortable start to your journey.