Find and Book Cheap Flight Ticket Air China (CA)

About Air China

Air China is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, operating under the IATA code CA and ICAO code CCA. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Beijing, the airline runs its network from two main hubs, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), with a growing secondary hub in Chengdu. Air China has been a member of Star Alliance since 2007, giving passengers access to a global network of partner airlines and shared loyalty benefits through the PhoenixMiles frequent flyer programme.

For travellers flying out of Singapore, Air China operates direct flights connecting Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Beijing, with onward connections through its Beijing hubs to destinations across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the rest of China. This makes Air China a practical option for Singapore residents heading to mainland China for business, study, family visits, or onward international travel routed through Beijing.

Rated a 4-star airline by Skytrax, Air China offers hot meal service on most flights, including a rotation of Chinese and international dishes, along with personal entertainment systems featuring films, TV shows, and live moving maps on long-haul aircraft. When you book Air China flights on Traveloka, you can compare fares, schedules, and cabin classes in minutes, then receive your e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app.

This page brings together everything Singapore travellers need to know about Air China, from its history and fleet to popular routes, baggage rules, check-in steps, cabin classes and in-flight experience, plus policies for children, pregnant travellers, and passengers who need special assistance, along with reschedule, cancellation, and refund rules. You will also find a step-by-step booking guide and practical tips for finding good fares on Traveloka.

Airline Overview and History

Air China has grown steadily since its founding, evolving from a state carrier into one of the largest airline groups in the world. The milestones below trace the airline's growth, from its earliest long-haul flights through corporate restructuring, its entry into a major global alliance, and the modernisation of its fleet with new-generation aircraft:

• 1988 — Air China is established during the restructuring of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), taking over CAAC's existing international flight operations
• 1997 — The airline operates its first nonstop flight between Beijing and New York using a Boeing 747-400
• 2002 — Air China merges with China Southwest Airlines and China National Aviation Corporation, significantly expanding its domestic China network
• 2004 — Air China lists its shares on the Hong Kong and London stock exchanges
• 2007 — The airline joins Star Alliance, extending its codeshare network worldwide with partners such as Lufthansa, United Airlines, and All Nippon Airways
• 2008 — Air China serves as the official airline of the Beijing Summer Olympics
• 2014 — The airline takes delivery of its first Boeing 747-8, modernising its premium widebody fleet
• 2018 — Air China receives its first Airbus A350-900, deployed on long-haul routes from Beijing to Europe
• 2019 — The airline shifts part of its operations to the newly opened Beijing Daxing International Airport
• 2024 — Air China puts the domestically built COMAC C919 into commercial service, a milestone for China's aviation industry
• 2026 — Air China's mainline fleet surpasses 530 aircraft, with the airline continuing to take delivery of additional COMAC C919 narrowbody jets alongside its Boeing and Airbus widebodies

Air China is majority owned by China National Aviation Holding Corporation (CNAHC), the state aviation group that also holds a stake in Air Macau, linking several Chinese carriers under a common state-backed structure. Across nearly four decades of operation, Air China has built a reputation as one of the region's major full-service carriers, continuing to invest in new aircraft, upgraded onboard service, and an expanding route network to better serve Singapore and international travellers alike.

Fleet and Aircraft

As China's flag carrier, Air China operates a mainline fleet of more than 530 aircraft, spanning widebody and narrowbody types, supporting an extensive domestic Chinese network alongside international routes to North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, including Singapore.

• Boeing 747-8 — A double-deck widebody that Air China continues to fly on select long-haul and VIP routes, making the airline one of the few carriers worldwide still operating a 747 passenger variant, alongside a four-cabin configuration of First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy
• Boeing 777-300ER — A widebody workhorse used on long-haul routes to North America and Europe
• Airbus A350-900 — A newer-generation widebody deployed on long-haul international routes from Beijing to Europe and North America
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — A fuel-efficient widebody used on the Singapore to Beijing route as well as other medium-haul international routes and select long-haul sectors
• Airbus A330-200 / A330-300 — Deployed on medium-haul regional routes across Asia-Pacific, including flights linking Beijing with Southeast Asian cities
• Airbus A320 / A321 / A321neo — The backbone of Air China's domestic Chinese network and short-haul international routes across Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea
• COMAC C919 / C909 — China's domestically developed narrowbody jets, with the C919 in commercial service since 2024 on selected domestic routes

Air China's fleet is maintained to strict international safety and technical standards, in line with requirements from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and China's own civil aviation regulator. Passengers flying on newer widebody aircraft such as the A350, 777-300ER, or 787-9 can expect quieter cabins, higher humidity, and softer cabin lighting designed to reduce fatigue on long-haul flights. Newer narrowbody aircraft such as the A321neo and C919 bring similar comfort features scaled for shorter regional flights.

Top Flight Routes

Air China connects Singapore travellers directly to its Beijing hub network, with onward connections to destinations across North America, Europe, Northeast Asia, and beyond. Here are the routes most relevant to passengers flying from Singapore:

Singapore to Beijing

• Singapore to Beijing — Air China's flagship route linking Singapore directly to its main Beijing hub, operated daily with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a flight time of roughly 6 hours 35 minutes. This route is well suited for travellers heading into mainland China or connecting onward through Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing airports

Popular International Connections Beyond Beijing

• Singapore to Chengdu — A route connecting Singapore to Air China's growing hub in southwestern China, useful for travellers visiting Chengdu directly or connecting to other cities across western and central China
• Beijing to Los Angeles — A long-haul international route connecting passengers through the Beijing hub to the west coast of North America
• Beijing to London — A long-haul international route linking Beijing with the United Kingdom
• Beijing to Paris — A long-haul international route connecting Beijing with continental Europe
• Beijing to Frankfurt — A long-haul international route serving Germany and connecting travellers to onward European destinations
• Beijing to Tokyo — A shorter international route linking Beijing with Japan

To see the latest Air China routes, schedules, and real-time fares, search directly on Traveloka. The platform automatically displays available flight options along with total flight duration, number of stops, aircraft type, and pricing across different fare classes, making it easy to compare and choose the itinerary that fits your trip.

Travellers connecting within Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia typically look at flight times of two to six hours, while long-haul routes to Europe, North America, and Oceania run ten hours or more and tend to reward earlier booking with better fares. Traveloka's flexible fare calendar lets you compare prices across different days of the month, which is especially useful if your travel dates are not fixed.

Baggage Allowance and Policies

Carry-on Baggage

Air China applies a clear, consistent carry-on baggage policy across its flights to keep boarding safe and efficient:

• Economy Class: A total weight limit of 5 kg, made up of one carry-on bag and one personal item
• Business Class and above: A total weight limit of 8 kg, made up of two carry-on bags and one personal item
• Carry-on bag dimensions: Maximum 55 x 40 x 20 cm per bag
• Personal item dimensions: Maximum 40 x 30 x 15 cm, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack

Items that exceed the carry-on allowance must be checked in at the counter. Air China reserves the right to re-weigh carry-on bags at the boarding gate and to charge an excess fee for oversized or overweight items. Items such as outerwear, duty-free purchases, walking canes, folding wheelchairs, and medical support devices are typically not counted against the carry-on limit.

Checked Baggage

Free checked baggage allowance on Air China varies by cabin class, route, and fare type. The typical allowances are:

• Economy Class (regional and short-haul international, including Singapore-Beijing): One piece, up to 23 kg
• Business Class (regional and short-haul international): One piece, up to 32 kg
• Business Class (long-haul routes): Two pieces, each up to 32 kg, on flights to Europe, Oceania, and the Americas
• Maximum size per piece: Combined length, width, and height (linear dimensions) not exceeding 158 cm
• Special baggage: Sports equipment such as golf clubs, skis, and bicycles, along with large musical instruments and bulky items, should be arranged in advance and may carry a separate fee

Passengers who need extra checked baggage should purchase it in advance through Traveloka when booking, since prices are usually significantly lower than paying at the airport counter. Weigh your bags at home on a personal scale before heading to the airport to avoid unexpected excess baggage charges.

Excess Baggage and Security Rules

Excess baggage fees are calculated based on the weight or number of pieces over the allowance, depending on the route. A few important security rules to keep in mind:

• Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, firearms, and sharp objects are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage
• Lithium batteries, power banks under 100 Wh, devices with lithium batteries, and e-cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only, never in checked baggage
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single clear resealable bag with a capacity of no more than one litre
• Prescription medicine, infant formula, and baby food are allowed above the 100 ml limit but must be declared at the security checkpoint
• Special items such as cremated remains, fragile goods, and pets have their own rules — travellers should contact the airline or Traveloka in advance

Check-in Guide

Air China passengers have three convenient check-in options: airport counter check-in, online check-in through the official website or mobile app, and self-service kiosk check-in. Choose whichever fits your itinerary, baggage, and personal preference.

Airport Counter Check-in

Check-in counters are available at every departure airport, including Singapore Changi Airport. Recommended timing:

• Domestic and regional flights: Counters open 2 hours before departure and close 45 minutes before
• International flights (including Singapore to Beijing): Counters open 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before
• Passengers must present a valid ID and booking reference (PNR) or e-ticket. A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure is required

Arrive early during peak travel periods such as Chinese New Year, national holidays, and the summer season to avoid long queues, especially when departing from busy hubs like Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing. For long-haul international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure to allow enough time for immigration and security procedures.

Online Check-in

• Opens: Generally up to 36 hours before departure, though the exact window can vary by departure station
• Closes: Around 3 hours before departure for international flights
• How to check in: Visit the official Air China website or use the official mobile app
• You can select your seat, download a digital boarding pass or save it to your phone wallet, and head straight to the security checkpoint if you have no checked baggage

Once online check-in is complete, passengers can download a digital boarding pass to their phone or print one at home. Passengers with checked baggage still need to visit a bag-drop counter at the airport; those travelling with carry-on only can proceed straight to the security checkpoint, saving considerable time.

Self-Service Kiosk Check-in

At major airports, passengers can use self-service kiosks to check in and print boarding passes and bag tags quickly without queuing at the counter. Kiosks typically support multiple languages, and passengers simply scan their passport or enter their booking reference to begin the process.

Boarding

Boarding gates typically open around 30 to 45 minutes before departure and close 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Business Class, First Class, and top-tier frequent flyer members are invited to board first, followed by Economy passengers boarding in groups or by row, depending on the flight.

Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience

Air China offers a range of cabin classes designed to suit different travel needs and budgets:

• Economy Class
• Premium Economy Class (on select aircraft)
• Business Class — marketed as Capital Pavilion Class on long-haul routes
• First Class — marketed as Forbidden Pavilion Suite on select Boeing 747-8 and 777-300ER aircraft

Air China's onboard service includes a rotation of hot meals featuring both traditional Chinese and international dishes, along with personal entertainment systems offering films, TV shows, and live moving maps on long-haul flights.

Meals and Beverages

Air China serves complimentary meals and drinks on most flights. On the Singapore-Beijing route and other long-haul international sectors, Business and First Class passengers are offered multi-course menus with wine, champagne, and premium beverages. Passengers can pre-order special meals such as vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, children's meals, or dietary meals (diabetic, low-salt, kosher) at least 24 hours before departure to ensure their request is fulfilled.

In-Flight Entertainment

On widebody aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner used on the Singapore-Beijing route, passengers have access to personal entertainment screens loaded with hundreds of recent films, TV programmes, music, e-books, games, and real-time flight maps. On narrowbody aircraft flying domestic and regional routes, passengers can stream entertainment content over the cabin Wi-Fi to their own devices, where equipped. Some newer aircraft feature USB charging ports at every seat and onboard Wi-Fi, which may carry an additional fee.

Seating and Comfort

Economy Class typically offers a seat pitch of around 79 to 84 cm. Premium Economy has a wider pitch (97 to 107 cm) with more comfortable seat design. Business Class on widebody aircraft is generally a 180-degree flat-bed seat with direct aisle access. First Class, available on select aircraft, offers an enclosed private suite with a spacious bed and highly personalised service.

Passenger Policies and Special Services

Air China is committed to serving all groups of travellers thoughtfully, including children, infants, pregnant passengers, travellers who need special assistance, and unaccompanied minors. Here are the main policies:

Children and Infants

• Children (ages 2 to 11): Must travel with at least one adult aged 18 or older, and require their own seat and ticket at the child fare
• Infants (under 2): May travel on an adult's lap at a discounted infant fare; each adult may bring a maximum of one infant. Some fares allow purchasing a separate seat for an infant at the child fare, using an airline-approved car seat
• Required documents: A passport valid for at least 6 months for international flights; a birth certificate or valid ID for domestic Singapore or Chinese travel as applicable
• Bassinets for infants are available on select long-haul widebody flights upon request at booking. Availability is limited and prioritised for infants under 12 months and under 11 kg
• Strollers and car seats can be checked in for free at the boarding gate and returned at the aircraft door upon arrival

Pregnant Passengers

• Up to week 28: Pregnant passengers may fly without restriction and without a medical certificate, assuming a normal pregnancy
• Weeks 29 to 35: A medical certificate confirming fitness to fly is required, issued no more than 7 days before departure
• From week 36 onward: The airline does not accept pregnant passengers for travel, for the safety of mother and baby
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets): The cutoff week may be earlier — travellers should contact the airline in advance for guidance

Pregnant passengers should bring their prenatal record, ultrasound results, and medical certificate when checking in at the airport. It also helps to stay hydrated, move around the cabin periodically, and wear comfortable clothing to reduce the risk of blood clots on longer flights.

Passengers Needing Special Assistance

Air China offers dedicated support for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Services include:

• Wheelchair assistance from check-in to the boarding gate, during transit, and upon arrival
• Priority seating arrangements, including extra-legroom seats where available
• Support from trained cabin crew throughout the flight
• Acceptance of FAA/EASA-approved portable oxygen concentrators (POC) and other medical devices onboard
• Allowance for trained service and guide dogs to travel in the cabin with their owner on flights to destinations that permit it

Passengers who need special assistance or medical equipment should notify the airline or Traveloka at least 48 hours before departure so arrangements can be made. For more complex cases, such as stretcher transport, notify at least 7 days in advance.

Unaccompanied Minors

• Ages 2 to under 6: Must be booked under the unaccompanied minor service with an assigned escort
• Ages 6 to under 12: Required to use the unaccompanied minor service; the airline supervises the child from the departure airport to the arrival airport
• Ages 12 to under 18: May travel independently or optionally register for the unaccompanied minor service

Parents or guardians must complete the required paperwork and ensure an authorised adult, with valid ID, is present to collect the child at the arrival airport. Unaccompanied minor service fees are typically charged per direction of travel.

Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Rescheduling a Flight

To reschedule an Air China booking made through Traveloka, follow these steps:

• Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Bookings
• Select the Air China ticket you want to reschedule
• Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
• Pay the applicable reschedule fee plus any fare difference
• Receive your updated e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app

Whether a fare can be rescheduled, and at what cost, depends on the fare type you purchased. Flexible and full-fare tickets generally allow rescheduling at a low fee or free of charge, while promotional and budget fares may carry higher fees or restrictions. Read the fare conditions carefully before confirming your booking so you can choose the fare type that best fits your travel plans.

Cancellation and Refunds

Refund eligibility depends on the fare type and its conditions:

• Fully refundable (flex) fares: Cancel and receive a full refund to your original payment method
• Partially refundable fares: A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount, with the fee depending on how far in advance you cancel relative to departure
• Non-refundable promotional fares: May be converted into a travel voucher or credit for a future booking, subject to the airline's conditions
• Taxes and airport fees: Some taxes and airport fees may still be refundable even on non-refundable promotional fares — check the specific conditions

To request a cancellation or refund, go to your booking details on Traveloka and follow the prompts. Refund processing typically takes between 7 and 30 business days, depending on the payment method used. If Air China cancels a flight due to a schedule change or force majeure event (such as weather, strikes, or air traffic control restrictions), passengers are usually offered a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. In cases of long delays or missed connections, passengers may be offered accommodation, meals, and ground transport in accordance with the airline's policy.

Passenger Protection

When you book through Traveloka, you get full support throughout the reschedule or refund process. Traveloka's 24/7 customer care team coordinates directly with the airline to process your request on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

Why Book Air China Flights on Traveloka

Booking Air China flights through Traveloka gives Singapore travellers a seamless, secure, and worthwhile booking experience. Key benefits include:

• Competitive fares — Access exclusive deals, promotional fares, and discount codes for Air China tickets from Singapore. Displayed prices already include taxes and fees, with no hidden charges at checkout
• Easy comparison — Compare Air China flights directly against other airlines by price, departure time, flight duration, and number of stops to choose the itinerary that fits you best
• Flexible payment methods — Pay in SGD using credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX), PayNow, GrabPay, or other popular Singapore payment options, plus instalment payment plans through participating partner banks
• Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app, ready for check-in
• 24/7 customer support — A multilingual customer care team is available around the clock for booking issues, reschedule requests, and any travel-related questions
• Reward points — Earn Traveloka Points on every booking, unlock cashback promos and member-only perks, and accumulate PhoenixMiles for every Air China flight you take
• Money-saving bundles — Book flights together with hotels, airport transfers, and travel insurance in a single transaction to save more on your whole trip
• Add-on convenience — Easily add travel insurance, seat selection, extra checked baggage, and special meals during the booking process
• Flexible fare calendar — Quickly check prices across different days of the month to pick the travel date with the best fare pattern
• Convenient booking management — Track and manage all your bookings in one place through the Traveloka app, with automatic notifications for schedule changes and check-in reminders

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka

Use these practical tips to find good fares for your Air China trip:

• Book early — Fares tend to rise closer to departure; booking 6 to 10 weeks ahead usually offers better pricing, especially for long-haul international flights. For long-haul trips to Europe or North America, booking 3 to 6 months ahead can bring meaningful savings
• Stay flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different days and find the most favourable travel date. Shifting your trip by even a day or two can sometimes make a noticeable difference to your total cost
• Fly midweek — Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to follow lower fare patterns than weekend departures. Early morning (before 7am) or late night (after 10pm) flights often follow similar patterns
• Set a Price Alert — Turn on Traveloka's Price Alert feature for the Air China route you're watching, so you're notified as soon as fares shift
• Check the deals page — Visit Traveloka's promotions page regularly for flash sales, seasonal offers, and exclusive discount codes, especially around big shopping dates and Traveloka's own sale events
• Avoid peak travel periods — Try to steer clear of booking around Chinese New Year, major Chinese national holidays, and the summer season (June to August) if you want more favourable fare patterns. Shoulder seasons after Chinese New Year through mid-April, and September through mid-December, tend to offer better fare patterns overall
• Bundle your booking — Book flights together with hotels for combo savings compared to booking each separately
• Choose a lighter fare type — If you're travelling light, pick a basic or saver fare without add-ons to lower your base cost, then add checked baggage, seat selection, or meals separately if needed
• Compare connecting options — Sometimes a short connecting itinerary follows a noticeably lower fare pattern than a nonstop flight, which can suit travellers with flexible schedules
• Use discount codes — Apply valid promo codes at checkout, and watch your email for exclusive Traveloka member codes

You can check flight status directly on Traveloka before heading to the airport for the latest departure time, gate, and arrival updates, which is especially useful during bad weather or peak travel periods when delays are more likely.

How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka

Booking an Air China flight on Traveloka only takes a few simple steps:

1. Go to traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and tap on Flights
2. Enter your departure city (such as Singapore) and your destination, choose your travel dates, select one-way or round-trip, then select the number of passengers and cabin class
3. Tap Search Flights to see all available Air China flights for your route
4. Sort results by price, departure time, flight duration, or airline, and select the flight that suits you best
5. Enter passenger details — full name (as shown on your ID or passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
6. Add optional services such as extra checked baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or special meals
7. Review your full booking summary, including fare, taxes, fees, and any add-on services
8. Choose your payment method — credit or debit card, PayNow, GrabPay, or an instalment payment plan — and complete the transaction
9. Receive your e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app, ready for your flight

Save or screenshot your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport. You can also manage your booking, add services, and make changes directly in the Traveloka app anytime before departure. If you need extra help during booking or before your flight, Traveloka's 24/7 customer care team is available through in-app chat, email, or phone.

Book your Air China flight on Traveloka for a smooth booking experience, helpful fare patterns, and dependable support throughout your trip.