Chair Airlines

China Southern Airlines is a true giant of the Asian skies and one of the largest airlines in the world by fleet size. The carrier is based in the bustling and dynamic city of Guangzhou, connecting China with every corner of the globe. The company's history, officially beginning in 1988, is a journey of rapid ascent from a regional operator to a global leader setting standards for service and safety. The airline's symbol—the red kapok (cotton tree flower) adorning the tails of its aircraft—has become a sign of reliability and hospitality for millions of travellers.

The airline prides itself on its extensive route network, which covers not only all of Asia but also extends to Europe, North America, and Oceania. Special attention is paid to the "Canton Route"—a transit corridor through Guangzhou that has become a convenient alternative for flights between Europe and Australia. Despite its global scale, the company maintains attention to detail, offering passengers a blend of Eastern traditions of respect and modern comfort technologies.

The fleet of China Southern Airlines is impressive in its scale and diversity. It is one of the few airlines in the world to operate (or have operated) both types of giant liners—the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, allowing for maximum comfort on long-haul flights. Flight safety is an absolute priority: the company has repeatedly received prestigious awards for record numbers of accident-free flight hours, confirming its status as one of the most reliable carriers in the industry.

The pursuit of excellence is also evident in the service. Passengers note the magnificent cuisine on board, where one can taste both authentic Chinese dishes and familiar European classics. The company is actively developing international destinations, and its schedule includes flights to important European centres such as Zurich, which serves as a key attraction point for business tourists and travellers. China Southern's mission is not just to transport people, but to create bridges between cultures, making every journey easy and inspiring.

How to Contact China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines strives to ensure maximum comfort not only during the flight but also when planning your journey. For the convenience of passengers worldwide, a 24-hour support service is available to answer questions about booking, baggage allowances, and flight schedules in several languages, including English and Chinese.

The fastest and most reliable way to get up-to-date information, check in for a flight, or purchase a ticket is to visit the carrier's official online resource. The website offers convenient navigation and is available in multiple languages.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.csair.com
• International Customer Service Hotline: +86 400 869 5539
• Hotline (within China): 95539
• Email for inquiries: flychinasouthern@csair.com (general questions and website support)
• Mobile App: "China Southern Airlines" — available for download on the App Store and Google Play. The app allows you to manage bookings and track flight status in real-time.

Social Media

You can follow news, special offers, and schedule changes through the airline's official social media accounts. Inspiring travel photos and important announcements are also frequently posted there.

• Facebook: China Southern Airlines
• Instagram: @chinasouthernairlines_na
• Twitter (X): @CSAIRGlobal
• LinkedIn: China Southern Airlines

Representative Offices

The airline's headquarters are located in Guangzhou (China). However, for the convenience of travellers, China Southern has a wide network of representative offices around the world.

• Headquarters: 68 Qixin Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
• Airport Counters: Branded passenger service counters are located at most international departure airports, including the base airport Baiyun in Guangzhou.
• Regional Offices: The company's representative offices handle sales and passenger service matters (it is recommended to verify current addresses and opening hours on the official website before visiting).

Important: Contact numbers and office addresses may change. We strongly recommend checking up-to-date information in the "Contact Us" section on the official airline website before your trip or inquiry.

Baggage Allowance Rules

Preparation for a flight with China Southern Airlines begins with smart packing. The airline adheres to strict yet clear international standards, paying special attention to safety on board. To ensure your journey, whether a short hop or a long-haul flight to Zurich, goes smoothly at the check-in counter, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the current baggage allowances in advance.

Cabin Baggage: Essentials at Hand

The policy regarding cabin baggage varies depending on the class of service, but the general rules remain consistent for most international flights. The main requirement is that items must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

• Economy Class: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one piece of cabin baggage weighing no more than 8 kg. The sum of the three dimensions (length, width, height) must not exceed 115 cm.
• Business Class and First Class: Allowances are more generous — usually, two pieces of cabin baggage are permitted, with each weighing no more than 8 kg (sometimes a higher weight is allowed depending on the fare).
• Personal Items: In addition to the main bag, you may carry a small handbag, a briefcase with a laptop, a coat, or an umbrella.

Checked Baggage: Piece Concept

China Southern Airlines uses the "Piece Concept" for most of its destinations. This means the limit is set not just by weight, but also by the number of bags.

For Economy Class passengers, the standard allowance often includes one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg. On certain long-haul international routes, the allowance may be increased to two pieces of 23 kg each — it is important to check this information on your e-ticket. Passengers in premium classes (Business and First) can usually count on two or three pieces of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.

The maximum size of a suitcase (sum of three dimensions) must not exceed 158 cm. If your suitcase is larger, it will have to be processed as oversized cargo.

Excess Baggage

If your items exceed the established limits for weight, quantity, or dimensions, an additional fee will apply. Excess baggage rates at China Southern Airlines are fixed but depend on the flight zone. Paying at the airport is always more expensive than pre-booking the service via the official website or call centre, so plan your baggage weight in advance.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

The airline is accommodating regarding the transport of non-standard items if they are securely packed.

• Sports: Bicycles, skis, snowboards, and golf bags may be included in the free baggage allowance if they do not exceed general weight limits. If the equipment weighs more (but not more than 32 kg), a special fee applies. Bicycles must be partially disassembled, and tyres deflated.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., a violin) can be taken into the cabin as hand luggage. Large instruments (cello, guitar) must be checked in hard cases or a separate seat must be purchased for them in the cabin (upon prior request).

Prohibited Items and Restrictions (Important!)

Chinese aviation authorities enforce very strict requirements regarding the transport of batteries and lighters. Violation of these rules may lead to confiscation of items or refusal of carriage.

• Power Banks and Lithium Batteries: Allowed ONLY in cabin baggage. It is strictly forbidden to check them in. The device must have a factory marking indicating the capacity.
  • Capacity up to 100 Wh: allowed (for personal use).
  • Capacity from 100 to 160 Wh: requires airline approval (usually no more than 2 pieces).
  • Capacity over 160 Wh: prohibited for transport.
• Lighters and Matches: On many flights departing from airports in China, there is a total ban on carrying lighters and matches in both cabin baggage and checked luggage.

Packing Tips

To ensure a comfortable flight, remove old tags with barcodes from your suitcases so that the automatic sorting system does not send your luggage on a wrong route. Be sure to label your baggage (name and phone number) in case of loss. Valuables, documents, medication, and electronics with lithium batteries should always be taken with you into the aircraft cabin.

Travelling with Pets: Rules and Tips

China Southern Airlines (CS) understands the desire of passengers not to part with their four-legged friends. The carrier permits the transport of domestic cats and dogs; however, flight safety remains the top priority, so strict requirements apply to animals. When planning a flight, for example to Zurich or other cities in the route network, it is important to arrange transport in advance, as the number of spaces for animals on board is limited.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

This option is suitable for small pets that can be comfortably accommodated under the seat in front.

• Carrier Dimensions: The sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 100 cm. Recommended dimensions: length up to 35 cm, width up to 23 cm, height up to 24 cm.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Domestic cats and dogs only.
• Limit per Passenger: One adult passenger may carry only one carrier with one pet.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

Animals that are too large for the cabin travel in a special heated section of the cargo hold.

• Container Requirements: The cage must be made of rigid plastic or fibreglass, with a metal door and a secure lock. The animal must be able to stand up fully and turn around.
• Weight and Size Restrictions: The weight of the animal with the cage usually should not exceed 32 kg (limits may be higher for some destinations). Cage dimensions must allow loading through the cargo hold door.
• Temperature Restrictions: For the safety of pets, the airline may refuse transport if the air temperature at the departure, transit, or destination point is below -12°C or above +30°C.
• Documents: Copies of all veterinary certificates must be securely attached to the container.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

For very large dogs or when transporting animals without the owner accompanying them, the China Southern Cargo service is used.

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the cage exceeds baggage allowances or if the destination country's legislation requires animals to enter only via the Cargo terminal.
• Special Requirements: Containers must be of reinforced construction, often wooden or metal.
• Booking Procedure: Arrangement is handled through the airline's cargo department separately from the passenger ticket.

Necessary Documents

To check in for your flight, you will need to prepare a set of original documents:

• Veterinary Passport of international standard.
• Health Certificate issued by a government veterinarian (usually valid for 10-14 days).
• Vaccination Certificate, mandatorily including rabies vaccination (administered not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before departure).
• Microchip (mandatory for most international destinations).
• Special Permits for import/export for international flights (quarantine certificates).

Service Costs

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is always paid for additionally. Rates may change, but the general structure is as follows:

• Transport in Cabin: A fixed fee applies (depending on whether it is a domestic or international flight).
• Transport in Cargo Hold: Usually calculated as an excess baggage fee (by weight or by piece).
• Prices depend on the route: Long-haul flights cost more.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Requirements: The bottom of the container must be covered with absorbent material. Wheels on the cage must be removed or locked.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily 4–6 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide access to water.
• Reducing Stress: Place a favourite toy or item with the owner's scent in the cage. Strong sedatives are not recommended without a vet's prescription, as they can affect blood pressure at altitude.

Restrictions

China Southern Airlines has a list of restrictions for flight safety:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic breeds (animals with flattened faces: pugs, Pekingese, bulldogs, Persian cats, etc.) are not accepted for transport due to the high risk of breathing difficulties at altitude.
• Prohibited Animals: Rodents, reptiles, birds (except falcons on special flights), fish, and wild animals.
• Fighting Dogs and aggressive animals are not permitted on board.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge and without a container (muzzled and leashed) provided valid training and passenger disability certificates are presented.

Important: Air transport rules and entry requirements of countries may change. We strongly recommend contacting the China Southern Airlines contact centre or sales office before purchasing a ticket to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet.

Sky Pearl Club Loyalty Program

China Southern Airlines' frequent flyer program is called Sky Pearl Club. It is a comprehensive reward system designed to make every journey not only comfortable but also rewarding. Club members have the opportunity to earn miles for flights and partner services, exchanging them for award tickets, class upgrades, and exclusive privileges at airports around the world.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

Status in the Sky Pearl Club program depends on the number of qualifying miles or flight segments earned in a calendar year. The higher the tier, the more bonuses the traveller receives.

• Base Level (Base): Assigned immediately after registration. Allows you to earn miles, enjoy special offers for members, and manage bookings through a personal account.
• Silver (Sky Pearl Silver): The first elite tier. Cardholders receive a 15% bonus on earned miles, priority on the waiting list, check-in at Business Class counters, and access to business lounges (when holding a ticket on China Southern flights).
• Gold (Sky Pearl Gold): Unlocks access to premium service. Includes a 30% mileage bonus, guaranteed access to VIP lounges (often with one guest), priority boarding, priority baggage handling, and an extra baggage allowance.
• Platinum (Sky Pearl Platinum): The highest tier of the program. Guarantees a maximum 50% bonus on miles, personal concierge service, a guaranteed seat on the flight when booking 48 hours in advance, and top priority for upgrades.

How to Earn Miles

The program currency is Sky Pearl miles, which are divided into qualifying (for status) and award miles (for spending). Accumulation occurs in several ways:

• Air Travel: Miles are credited for every flight with China Southern Airlines. The amount depends on the booking class and distance. For example, a long-haul flight to Zurich in Business Class will earn significantly more miles than a short flight in Economy.
• Partner Airlines: You can earn miles by flying with partner airlines (e.g., American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, and others) if you provide your Sky Pearl card number when booking.
• Hotels and Car Rental: The program partners with major hotel chains (Marriott, Shangri-La, Accor) and car rental services, awarding bonuses for stays and rentals.
• Bank Cards: Using co-branded credit cards allows you to turn everyday spending into miles.

How to Spend Miles

Accumulated points open up wide opportunities for travellers:

• Award Tickets: Full or partial payment for flights on China Southern and partner flights.
• Class Upgrades: Use miles to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy, Business, or First Class (subject to availability).
• Excess Baggage: Pay for additional kilograms or suitcases with miles.
• Online Shopping: In the special Sky Pearl Mall, miles can be exchanged for electronics, household goods, cosmetics, and souvenirs.

Partnerships and Alliances

Previously, China Southern Airlines was part of the SkyTeam alliance, but currently, the company is developing its own global network of partnerships. Sky Pearl Club members enjoy privileges thanks to bilateral agreements with leading global carriers.

• Key Partners: American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and others.
• Benefits: Status members (Gold and Silver) can count on priority service and lounge access when flying with many partner airlines.

How to Join the Program

Becoming a Sky Pearl Club member is free and takes just a few minutes. You don't need to be flying right now to do this — simply complete the registration process.

• Fill out the "Join Us" form on the airline's official website.
• Download the China Southern Airlines mobile app and register through it (the most convenient way, as the digital card will always be at hand).
• Register via the airline's official WeChat account (popular for travellers frequently visiting China).

Travel Classes and Onboard Comfort

China Southern Airlines strives to make the flight a pleasant part of your journey by offering a high level of service that combines international standards with traditional Chinese hospitality. Whether you are flying a short regional route or embarking on a long journey to Zurich, the carrier ensures comfortable conditions for all categories of passengers.

First Class

On flagship long-haul liners (such as the Boeing 787 or Airbus A380, where operated), an exceptional experience is offered in First Class. These are private suites ensuring complete isolation from the cabin. The seats recline into a fully flat bed, allowing for excellent sleep during a night flight. Passengers are provided with premium amenity kits, pyjamas, and high-quality bedding.

Business Class

Business Class at China Southern Airlines is designed with the needs of business travellers in mind. The seat configuration (often 1-2-1) on wide-body aircraft ensures direct aisle access for every passenger.

• Flat-bed Seat: Seats recline 180 degrees, transforming into a comfortable sleeping space.
• Workspace: A spacious table, reading lamp, and power outlets allow for comfortable work on a laptop.
• Privacy: Special partitions create personal space for rest.

Premium Economy

For those who want more comfort than standard economy but do not plan to pay for Business Class, Premium Economy is available. Key benefits include increased seat pitch (up to 35–37 inches), a wider recline angle, and an expanded dining menu. Passengers also receive welcome drinks and amenity kits on long-haul flights.

Economy Class

The Economy Class cabin is equipped with ergonomic seats featuring adjustable headrests that provide good back support. Seat pitch complies with international standards, and the thoughtful design of the seatbacks leaves ample legroom.

Entertainment and Connectivity

You won't be bored during the flight. Most wide-body China Southern aircraft are equipped with an individual In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system with high-resolution touch screens.

• Content: A rich library includes Hollywood new releases, Asian cinema classics, TV shows, games, and music.
• Wi-Fi: Internet access is available on board many modern liners (the service may be paid or provided as a bonus for premium classes).
• Magazines: The in-flight magazine Gateway and a selection of newspapers will help pass the time.

Dining and Beverages

China Southern Airlines' cuisine is the company's pride. The menu is developed with a focus on Cantonese culinary traditions but also includes familiar European dishes. Special attention is paid to the quality of ingredients.

• Signature Dishes: On many flights, you can taste the famous Beef Noodle Soup or Cantonese Claypot Rice.
• Tea Ceremony: The airline is renowned for its tea menu. Flight attendants, who have undergone special training, will offer elite varieties of Chinese tea.
• Premium Beverages: In premium classes, the "Air Cellar" service operates, offering a collection of exquisite beverages from around the world, selected by professional sommeliers.
• Special Meals: Vegetarian, dietary, children's, or religious meals (Halal, Kosher) are available for order no later than 24 hours before departure.

Special Services

The airline cares for passengers requiring special attention by providing a wide range of free services:

• For Children: Bassinets for infants are available on board (pre-booking is required as securing positions are limited). Older children are given play kits. An unaccompanied minor service is available for children travelling without adults.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Wheelchairs are provided for movement within the airport and on board (narrow wheelchairs for the aisle). The crew is ready to assist with stowing hand luggage.

The airline's route network offers travellers convenient flight options, connecting European cities and popular resort destinations. In this schedule, Zurich acts as a key transport hub, ensuring main connections between regions. Below is a detailed table of current routes, sorted by flight frequency.

Useful Tips for Booking and Flights

A journey with China Southern Airlines (CS) promises to be comfortable and memorable if planned wisely. As one of Asia's largest airlines, the carrier offers numerous digital services and savings opportunities worth knowing about in advance. We have gathered expert recommendations to help make your flight flawless.

Best Time to Book and Finding Low Fares

To catch the best prices, follow the "golden mean" rule. For international long-haul flights, the optimal time to purchase tickets is 2–4 months before departure. If you are planning a flight on popular European routes, for example, from Palma to Zurich or from Zurich to Pristina, where demand is always high, it is better to arrange booking even earlier — at least 3 months in advance, especially during the summer season and before holidays.

Expert Traveller Secret: Be sure to remember the date — the 28th of every month. This is the official "Member Day" for China Southern Airlines, when large-scale sales are held on the website and app. On this day, you can find tickets with significant discounts and receive additional bonuses.

Mobile App — Your Pocket Assistant

The official airline app is an indispensable tool for the modern traveller. It often offers functionality unavailable or limited on the website:

• Exclusive Prices: Sometimes fares in the app are lower than in the web version.
• Trip Management: You can promptly change dates (if the fare allows), order special meals, and track flight status in real-time.
• Mobile Boarding Pass: No need to look for a printer — simply save the code on your phone.

Online Check-in and Seat Selection

Don't waste time in queues at the airport. Online check-in for China Southern flights usually opens 24 hours (sometimes 48 hours, depending on the destination) and closes 60–90 minutes before departure. This is the best chance to choose a comfortable seat in the cabin for free if you didn't do so when purchasing the ticket.

Seat Selection Tips:

• On long flights, try to choose aisle seats to be able to stretch without disturbing neighbours.
• If you are flying as a pair in a row of three seats (3-3-3 configuration), try booking the window and aisle seats, leaving the middle one empty. If the flight is not full, there is a high probability the middle seat will remain free, giving you more space.
• Remember that emergency exit seats with extra legroom often require an additional fee and have restrictions (cabin baggage cannot be placed underfoot, requirement to speak English).

Travel Insurance

Considering the flight geography and possible connections, we strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. When booking flights, especially if the route includes transfers (e.g., flying from Stuttgart to Pristina), ensure your policy covers risks of flight delay and baggage loss. Medical insurance is mandatory for visiting China and many other countries in the route network.

Useful Details

Before departure, be sure to check the accuracy of your contact details in the booking (email and phone number). In case of schedule changes or gate changes, the airline will send you a notification. We also recommend registering for the loyalty program before purchasing your first ticket — miles for the flight will be credited even for the most budget-friendly fare.

History and Development: Path to the Summit

The history of China Southern Airlines is a chronicle of massive growth, officially beginning in 1988. The airline emerged as a result of the decentralization of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), gaining independence and its own base in a strategically important region — Guangzhou. Since its founding, the carrier set itself an ambitious goal: to become the main air bridge connecting Southern China with the rest of the world, and it has consistently moved towards realizing this.

A turning point in the aviation giant's formation was the early 2000s. During a large-scale reform of the country's aviation industry, China Southern absorbed major regional players — China Northern Airlines and Xinjiang Airlines. This historic merger allowed the company not only to multiply its fleet but also to significantly expand its geographical presence, securing its status as Asia's largest air carrier by number of aircraft and passenger volume.

Technological development has always remained a company priority. China Southern Airlines became a pioneer in operating ultra-modern long-haul liners in the Chinese market. It was the first in the country to start using the double-deck Airbus A380 and one of the first in the world to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Constant fleet renewal has allowed the airline to set high standards for flight comfort and environmental friendliness.

A strategic success was the development of the "Canton Route" concept. By transforming its home airport in Guangzhou into a powerful international hub, the airline offered travellers a convenient alternative for transit flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia. Today, the route network covers hundreds of destinations worldwide, linking key metropolises and tourist centres.

In recent years, China Southern has focused on digitizing services and independent development. After leaving the SkyTeam alliance, the company bet on creating its own ecosystem of partnerships with leading global carriers. The introduction of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence in logistics and biometric check-in, defines the modern face of the airline, looking towards the future.