Domestic flights in China: booking, power banks, liquids (2026)

China is big, and for long legs such as Xi’an to Shanghai, Chengdu to Guilin or anything to the far west, flying saves most of a day. Domestic flights are frequent and usually good value. The rules are a little different from what you may be used to, especially for power banks and drinks.

Booking

You book with your passport: the name must match exactly, including middle names if the booking form asks for them. You can buy directly from Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, whose English websites accept foreign cards, or through Trip.com and other agencies. Prices move a lot with demand, so book early for Chinese holidays.

Check which airport you are using. Beijing has Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX), Shanghai has Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), and Chengdu has Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU). They are far apart.

At the airport

Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and two hours at big airports or on holidays. Check-in counters for domestic flights usually close 30 to 45 minutes before departure depending on the airport, and boarding gates often close 15 to 20 minutes before. Online check-in works for most airlines, but as a foreigner you may still have to show your passport at a counter.

Your passport is checked at check-in, at security and again at the gate. Some automated gates do not read foreign passports; just use the staffed lane.

Power banks: the 3C rule

Since 28 June 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has banned power banks on domestic flights if they have no 3C (CCC) mark, an unclear mark, or come from a recalled model or batch. The 3C mark is a small oval logo with three Cs, printed on the power bank itself. Most power banks sold outside China do not have it, and staff at security will take them away.

Other rules for power banks on domestic flights:

• Carry-on only, never in checked luggage.
• Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100 to 160 Wh needs airline approval; over 160 Wh is banned.
• You may not use a power bank to charge devices during the flight.

International rules on power banks are also tightening, so check your airline’s page before you fly.

Liquids and other items

Domestic flights are stricter than many international ones. Drinks cannot go through security at all; buy water airside. Toiletries are allowed in small amounts, each container no more than 100 ml, packed so they can be taken out for inspection. Larger liquids go in checked luggage. Liquid medicines must be declared at security. Lighters and matches are banned in both hand and checked luggage.

Delays

Flight delays are common in China, especially in summer thunderstorms and at the busiest airports. Leave a buffer before any train, tour or connecting flight. Airlines post updates in their apps and by text message. If you have a tight schedule on a route that also has a high-speed train, such as Beijing to Shanghai, the train is usually more predictable; see our high-speed train guide.

Getting to and from the airport

Many airports have a metro line or airport express that is cheaper than a taxi and avoids traffic. Our city pages list the options and typical fares, for example Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. For packing, including adapters and power banks, read what to pack for China.