Juneyao Airlines

Qingdao Airlines (Qingdao Airlines Co., Ltd.) is a rapidly developing Chinese carrier that embodies the hospitality and energy of the port city of Qingdao. The airline positions itself as a "boutique carrier," striving to offer passengers not just a flight, but a comfortable journey with a high level of service and attention to detail. The company logo, depicting a stylized camellia flower (the symbol of the city), has become a recognizable mark of quality on routes connecting China with neighboring countries.

Features and Advantages of Qingdao Airlines:

The airline's fleet consists primarily of modern airliners from the Airbus A320 family, including the latest A320neo models. This ensures high fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels in the cabin. Aircraft interiors are designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering ample legroom even in Economy Class.

The QW route network is actively expanding, covering not only domestic destinations within China but also key international routes in East Asia. The company operates scheduled flights to popular metropolises such as Seoul and Osaka, contributing to the development of business and tourism exchange in the region.

The airline's priority remains safety and punctuality. Qingdao Airlines strictly adheres to the standards of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and international regulations. On board, passengers are welcomed by a friendly crew ready to demonstrate the famous Shandong hospitality.

Qingdao Airlines Contact Information

For issues related to booking, flight changes, or baggage, passengers are advised to use the official airline website or the 24-hour hotline. Please note that the primary language of the support service is Chinese, although assistance in English is available on international lines.

Official Website: www.qdairlines.com (available in Chinese and English)

Main Communication Channels:

• Support and Booking (24/7): +86 532 96630 (international format)
• Hotline (within China): 96630
• Email for Inquiries: fuwufazhan@qdairlines.com (Customer Service Department)
• Mobile App: Qingdao Airlines (available for download via QR code on the official website or in Chinese app stores; often works via WeChat mini-programs).

Social Media:

The airline is active primarily on Chinese social media networks. Official news and updates are published on the following platforms:

• Weibo: Qingdao Airlines (official account)
• WeChat: Search by name Qingdao Airlines (access to booking and services)

Local Offices and Headquarters:

The company's head office is located in the city of Qingdao. Representatives in other countries (for example, in the city of Seoul) are usually present at airport counters or via general sales agents.

• Headquarters Address: Changcheng South Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
• At Airports: Look for branded Qingdao Airlines counters or partner counters in the departure zones.

Emergency Assistance:

In case of urgent schedule changes or flight cancellations, the most prompt way to contact the airline remains calling the hotline +86 532 96630, which operates around the clock.

Important: Contact details, especially email addresses and call centre operating rules, may change. We recommend verifying current information in the "Contact Us" section on the official website before departure.

Qingdao Airlines baggage carriage rules are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Since requirements may vary depending on the route (domestic or international) and class of service, we recommend carefully reviewing the allowances before departure to avoid unnecessary hassle at the airport.

Below is detailed information on hand luggage and checked baggage allowances for flights operated by Qingdao Airlines.

Hand Luggage: What You Can Take into the Cabin

Strict but clear rules apply to carry-on items for all Economy Class passengers. This helps speed up boarding and ensures convenient storage of items in the overhead bins.

• Weight Allowance: Usually, 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 5 kg is permitted.
• Dimensions: The size of the bag must not exceed 20×40×55 cm.
• Additional Items: You may take a small handbag, briefcase with documents, laptop, camera, or umbrella into the cabin, provided they are within reasonable limits.

Please note that staff may check the weight and dimensions of your hand luggage at the check-in counter or boarding gate. If the bag is larger or heavier, it will have to be checked in as luggage, potentially with an additional fee.

Checked Baggage

The free baggage allowance depends on your fare and flight destination. The airline of Qingdao (Qingdao Airlines) uses both the weight concept and the piece concept on certain international routes.

• Economy Class (Domestic and most International flights): Usually includes 20 kg of baggage.
• Business Class: Allowance is increased to 30 kg or 40 kg depending on the destination.
• Flights to South Korea: On routes to Seoul, the piece concept often applies: 1 piece up to 23 kg for Economy and 2 pieces up to 32 kg for Business Class.

The maximum size of a single piece of baggage (sum of three dimensions: length + width + height) should usually not exceed 158 cm, or 203 cm for oversized items (requires clarification with the call centre). For infants without a separate seat, a 10 kg allowance is often provided.

Excess Baggage

If your items exceed the free allowance in weight or number of pieces, you will need to pay for the excess. Rates depend on the route:

• Payment per Kilogram: On most routes (weight concept), the cost of 1 kg of excess weight is a fixed percentage of the normal Economy Class fare (often around 1.5% of the full ticket price) or a fixed amount (e.g., from 40 CNY per kg).
• Payment per Piece: On flights with the piece concept (e.g., from Qingdao to Seoul or Osaka), a fixed fee is charged for each additional piece of baggage. The cost of the first additional piece may be around 500–1000 CNY.

Special Baggage: Sports and Music

Qingdao Airlines has a flexible policy regarding the carriage of non-standard baggage if it is packed properly.

Sports Equipment:

• Ski equipment and golf gear are often carried under preferential rules. One set may be counted as a specific notional weight (for example, a golf set is counted as 6 kg, even if it weighs more, within a reasonable maximum).
• Bicycles must be packed in boxes or cases, handlebars turned, pedals removed, and tires deflated.

Musical Instruments:

Small instruments can be taken into the cabin as hand luggage if they fit within the dimensions. To transport a cello or double bass in the cabin, an additional seat (CBBG) must be purchased.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety reasons, there are strict restrictions on the carriage of certain items. Chinese aviation security rules are among the strictest in the world, especially regarding batteries and lighters.

• Power Banks and Lithium Batteries: Must be carried ONLY in hand luggage. It is forbidden to check them in baggage. The device must have a clear capacity marking (not more than 100 Wh allowed freely; from 100 to 160 Wh only with airline approval). Power banks without markings may be confiscated at security checks.
• Lighters and Matches: Completely FORBIDDEN for carriage in both hand luggage and checked baggage on flights departing from airports in China.
• Liquids in Hand Luggage: In containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre.

Baggage Packing Tips

To ensure your journey with Qingdao Airlines goes smoothly, follow these recommendations:

1. Label Your Suitcases: Be sure to attach a tag with your name and phone number in English to each piece of baggage.
2. Valuables With You: Never check money, jewellery, laptops, documents, or important medication in your luggage.
3. Protect Your Baggage: Using protective film or covers will help keep the suitcase clean and prevent zippers from opening accidentally.
4. Check Batteries: Ensure that all your electronic devices are switched off (not in sleep mode) in your checked luggage, and spare batteries are moved to your hand luggage.

Travelling with Pets

Qingdao Airlines understands that pets are an important part of the family and strives to ensure their safe flight. However, like most Chinese carriers, the rules for transporting animals here are quite strict and require careful preparation. When planning a trip from the city of Qingdao or other destinations, it is important to coordinate the transport with airline representatives in advance.

Transport Options

Depending on the weight, size, and species of the animal, you may be offered different transport methods. Be sure to clarify the possibility of carriage on the specific aircraft type when booking your ticket.

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

Transporting animals in the aircraft cabin on Qingdao Airlines flights is strictly limited. Generally, this is allowed only in exceptional cases or for service dogs. If permission is granted:

• Carrier Dimensions: Usually must not exceed 40×30×20 cm so that the container fits under the seat in front.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 5 kg (sometimes up to 8 kg, requires clarification).
• Permitted Animals: Usually only small domestic cats and dogs.
• Restrictions: The animal must be able to stand up and turn around freely in the container.
• Limit: Usually no more than one pet per passenger and a limited number of animals for the entire cabin.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

This is the most common way to transport pets on flights, for example, to Seoul or other international destinations.

• Container Requirements: A rigid plastic or fibreglass box complying with IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
• Safety: The cage must have a secure lock, a metal door, and ventilation openings. The bottom must be lined with absorbent material.
• Weight and Size: The maximum weight of the animal together with the cage should usually not exceed 32 kg (up to 45 kg for some destinations).
• Temperature Restrictions: Animals are not accepted for carriage if the air temperature at the departure or arrival airport is below -12°C or above +30°C.
• Documents: A full set of veterinary documents is required.

As Cargo

If your pet is very large or travelling unaccompanied, it is processed through the cargo terminal.

• When Required: If the weight with the cage exceeds baggage allowances or the breed requires special conditions.
• Special Requirements: Reinforced cage, issuance of an air waybill.
• Procedure: The animal is handed over at the airport cargo terminal several hours before departure (separate from passenger check-in).

Necessary Documents

To check in for the flight, you will need to prepare the originals of the following documents:

• Pet Passport: With microchip records (mandatory for international flights).
• Health Certificate: Issued by a government veterinary clinic (usually valid for 7-10 days before departure).
• Vaccination Certificate: A valid rabies vaccination (administered not earlier than a year and not later than 30 days before departure) and other mandatory vaccines.
• International Certificates: If you are flying to Osaka or other foreign cities, specific veterinary certificates of the destination country and quarantine permits will be required.

Cost of Services

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is always paid separately. Rates may change, but the guidelines are as follows:

• In the Cabin (if allowed): A fixed fee that depends on the flight duration.
• In the Baggage Hold: Usually calculated as "excess baggage." The cost is often around 1.5% of the full Economy Class ticket price for each kilogram of weight (animal + cage).
• Route Dependency: On international flights, a piece concept payment system may apply (fixed price per cage).

Preparation Tips

To reduce stress for your pet, follow these recommendations:

• Cage Acclimatization: Allow the animal to get used to the carrier in advance, several days or weeks before the flight.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal a heavy meal less than 4 hours before departure, but ensure access to water (you can put ice in the drinker).
• Comfort: Place a familiar item with the owner's scent in the cage to calm the pet.
• Check-in: Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours prior), as document processing takes time.

Restrictions

Qingdao Airlines cares about flight safety, so there are certain prohibitions:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic breeds of dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese) and cats (Persian, Exotic) are often not accepted for carriage due to the risk of breathing problems at altitude.
• Aggressive Dogs: Fighting breeds and animals showing aggression are not accepted on board.
• Other Animals: Rodents, reptiles, birds, and exotic animals are usually prohibited from carriage on passenger aircraft.
• Exceptions: Guide dogs and service dogs are carried free of charge in the aircraft cabin provided they have the appropriate documents and a muzzle.

Important: Pet carriage policy is subject to change. We strongly recommend contacting the Qingdao Airlines call centre no later than 48 hours before departure to confirm your transport request.

Loyalty Programme

Qingdao Airlines invites its frequent flyers to join its branded loyalty programme, designed to reward regular travellers. By becoming a club member, you can turn every flight into points, upgrade your status, and enjoy privileges that make travel between China and neighbouring countries even more comfortable.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

The programme provides for several status levels, each opening access to a new set of services. Advancement through the tiers depends on the number of flights completed or qualifying miles accumulated over a certain period.

• Base Level (Member): Assigned immediately upon registration, allowing you to earn points for flights and enjoy special offers.
• Silver Level (Silver): Includes priority flight check-in, priority boarding, and bonus miles for every flight.
• Gold Level (Gold): Access to airport VIP lounges, additional baggage allowance, and priority baggage handling upon arrival.
• Platinum Level (Platinum): The maximum set of privileges, including guaranteed seat booking on busy flights and personalized service.

How to Earn Miles

The main way to top up your bonus account is through regular travel on airline flights. The number of miles awarded depends on the flight distance and booking class (Business or Economy).

• Scheduled Flights: Earn points for every flight, for example, travelling on the route Seoul — Qingdao.
• International Destinations: Flights to popular cities such as Osaka also yield qualifying miles.
• Service Class: Flights in Business Class earn a higher mileage coefficient (often 150-200% of the base fare).
• Promotions and Special Offers: Watch out for seasonal promotions where you can get double points for tickets to Qingdao.

How to Use Accumulated Miles

The Qingdao Airlines loyalty programme is focused on making your future trips more affordable and enjoyable. Accumulated points can be exchanged for a wide range of rewards.

• Award Tickets: Full or partial payment of the ticket cost for the company's own flights.
• Class Upgrade: Exchange miles for an upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class (subject to availability).
• Excess Baggage Payment: Possibility to pay for excess weight with miles instead of cash directly at the airport.
• Partner Goods: Use points in the airline's online store to buy souvenirs (available primarily for residents of China).

Alliance Membership

Currently, Qingdao Airlines is not a member of global aviation alliances (such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld). The company develops as an independent carrier but actively cooperates with other Chinese airlines under codeshare agreements, which may expand the possibilities for using bonuses on domestic flights within China.

How to Join the Programme

Becoming a member of the loyalty programme is free and takes just a few minutes. Several registration methods are provided for passenger convenience.

• Via Official Website: Fill out the form in the "Membership" section at qdairlines.com.
• In the Mobile App: Download the Qingdao Airlines app and register using your phone number.
• Via WeChat: Use the airline's mini-programme in WeChat for quick registration and balance tracking (the most popular method).
• On Board: Fill out a paper form, which you can request from a flight attendant during the flight.

Onboard Services and Travel Classes

Qingdao Airlines strives to live up to its status as a "boutique airline," offering passengers a high level of comfort even on short flights. The company's fleet, consisting of modern Airbus A320 and A320neo aircraft, is designed to ensure traveler convenience regardless of the chosen fare.

Two main classes of service are provided on board: Business and Economy. Each offers a set of services tailored to the needs of different categories of passengers, whether it is a business trip to Seoul or a leisure journey.

Business Class

The Business Class cabin is located in the front of the aircraft and usually consists of 8 spacious seats. This is the ideal choice for those who value privacy and personal attention.

• Seat Comfort: Wide leather seats in a 2-2 configuration are installed. Increased distance between rows and a significant recline angle allow for proper rest during the flight.
• Privileges: Passengers are granted priority check-in and boarding, access to business lounges (at select airports), as well as an increased baggage allowance.
• Service: You will be welcomed with a greeting drink, and offered slippers, a blanket, and a pillow for maximum cosiness.

Economy Class

The Economy Class cabin occupies the main part of the airliner and features a classic 3-3 layout. The interior is designed in calming tones, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

• Seats: Modern ergonomic seats (Slimline) with adjustable headrests are used. The seatback design provides ample legroom, which is especially important on medium-haul flights, for example, when flying to the city of Qingdao.
• Amenities: Each passenger has access to a tray table and a literature pocket. Individual ventilation and lighting systems allow you to adjust the environment around you for comfort.

Food and Beverages

Qingdao Airlines takes pride in its traditions of hospitality, and onboard dining is an important part of this experience. The menu varies depending on the departure time and route duration.

On flights coinciding with breakfast, lunch, or dinner times, passengers are offered hot meals. The menu often includes Chinese cuisine (highlighting the culinary traditions of Shandong province), as well as European options. On short flights or between meal times, light snacks, sandwiches, and refreshments are served.

A wide selection of beverages is available throughout the flight: water, juices, soft drinks, as well as freshly brewed Chinese tea and coffee. Business Class passengers are offered an extended beverage menu with premium selections.

Entertainment and Connectivity

On board the A320 family aircraft, individual seatback monitors in Economy Class are generally not available. For passenger entertainment, the following are provided:

• Shared Screens: Drop-down overhead monitors broadcasting movies, entertainment programmes, and flight information.
• Press: A branded inflight magazine featuring travel and culture is available in every seat pocket.
• Atmosphere: On some new aircraft, a system for wireless content streaming to passengers' personal devices is being implemented (it is recommended to charge your smartphone or tablet in advance).

Special Services

The airline pays special attention to passengers requiring extra care. If you are planning a trip, for example, to the city of Osaka with children or elderly relatives, QW offers a range of assistance services:

• Unaccompanied Minors: An escort service is available for children aged 5 to 12 travelling without parents. Airline staff will look after the child from check-in until handover to the meeting party.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Wheelchairs and assistance with boarding/disembarking are provided. A request for such services must be made no later than 48 hours before departure.
• Special Meals: If you have medical or religious dietary requirements (such as Halal), passengers can order a special menu (vegetarian, children's, etc.) via the call centre in advance.

The route network of Qingdao Airlines is centred around its main hub in the city of Qingdao. The airline provides regular air service between China and key economic centres of East Asia, including popular flights to Seoul.

Useful Tips: Booking and Flying with Qingdao Airlines

Travelling with Chinese airlines has its own specifics. To ensure your flight with Qingdao Airlines is as comfortable as possible and booking causes no difficulties, we have collected several proven recommendations. These tips will help save time and money, especially if you are planning a trip to Qingdao or neighbouring countries.

Best Time to Book and Low Fares

Qingdao Airlines typically opens ticket sales several months before departure. To catch the best price, follow these rules:

• Plan Ahead: The optimal window for buying tickets is 3–6 weeks before the departure date. On international routes such as Seoul, prices may rise as the date approaches, especially in the summer season.
• Avoid Peak Dates: Flight costs rise sharply during Chinese national holidays: Chinese New Year (February), Tomb Sweeping Day (April), and "Golden Week" (early October). If your budget is limited, try not to plan flights for these days.
• Watch for Sales: The airline often holds "flash sales" (short-term promotions) on the 18th of every month or on Chinese shopping festival days (e.g., 11.11).

How to Find Discounts and Promotions

Since Qingdao Airlines is primarily focused on the regional market, the best offers are often published on local platforms:

• WeChat: This is the most prompt source of information. Subscribe to the airline's official WeChat account, where discount coupons and exclusive promo fares unavailable in global booking systems appear regularly.
• Official Website: Special offers for direct purchases sometimes appear on www.qdairlines.com, although the interface may not always be intuitive for international users.
• Aggregators: For international flights, for example to the city of Osaka, it is convenient to use major international aggregators, as they correctly display connections and accept international bank cards.

Flight Check-in Features

The check-in procedure at Qingdao Airlines may differ from familiar standards, especially for foreigners:

• Online Check-in: Available on the website and app, usually opening 24 hours before departure. Attention: the online check-in system does not always correctly process foreign passports. If you cannot check in online, do not panic — this is standard practice.
• Airport Check-in: Foreign tourists are recommended to check in at the counter at the airport. Staff will check your visa and baggage. Arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before international flights, as queues can be long.

Seat Selection Tips

The company's fleet consists of Airbus A320 aircraft with a 3-3 layout in Economy Class.

• Paid in Advance: Selecting a specific seat when buying a ticket is often a paid service. Seats by emergency exits and in the front rows of Economy cost more due to extra legroom.
• Free at Check-in: Regular seats can be selected for free when online check-in opens or you can request a desired seat (e.g., window) at the airport counter.
• Tip: If you are flying as a pair, try booking the aisle and window seats in the same row (leaving the middle one free). If the plane is not full, the middle seat may remain empty, giving you more comfort.

Mobile App and Digital Services

The airline has its own mobile app Qingdao Airlines, but its functionality for foreign users may be limited (often the interface is entirely in Chinese or requires a Chinese phone number for registration).

Alternative: It is much more convenient to use the airline's mini-programme within the WeChat app. It works more stably, has a built-in translator, and allows you to check flight status in real-time, which is critical in case of delays.

Travel Insurance

Given the heavy traffic in Chinese airspace and weather conditions in the coastal region, flights may be delayed. We strongly recommend:

• Taking out insurance covering flight delay. This will help compensate for food and accommodation expenses in case of a long wait.
• Ensuring that your medical insurance covers the entire period of stay in China and destination countries.

History and Development of the Airline

The history of Qingdao Airlines began in June 2013, when the company was officially founded with the aim of becoming a new symbol of aviation in Shandong province. The carrier chose the picturesque coastal city of Qingdao as its base, which is reflected not only in the name but also in the logo — a stylized image of a camellia flower, which is the official symbol of the city.

First Steps and Establishment

The airline operated its first commercial flight on April 26, 2014, on the route Qingdao — Chengdu. This event marked the beginning of the carrier's active operations in the Chinese domestic market. In the early years, the company's strategy was built on connecting its home hub with major economic and tourist centres of the country, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Fleet Evolution

Since its inception, Qingdao Airlines has focused on unifying its aircraft fleet by choosing the Airbus A320 family. Starting with classic A320ceo models, the company gradually moved towards fleet modernization. An important milestone was the receipt of the newest A320neo airliners, which feature increased fuel efficiency, reduced noise levels, and a more comfortable cabin. This step allowed the airline not only to reduce operating costs but also to improve the environmental performance of flights.

Change of Ownership and New Strategy

A significant milestone in corporate history was the restructuring of ownership. Initially created with the participation of private capital (Nanshan Group), the airline eventually came under the full control of municipal structures of the city (Qingdao City Construction Investment Group). This transition, completed in the early 2020s, provided the carrier with reliable financial support and allowed for closer integration of the route network into the city's development strategy as an international transport hub.

International Expansion

As its position in the domestic market strengthened, Qingdao Airlines began expanding abroad. The launch of international flights was a logical step in development. Priority destinations became countries in East and Southeast Asia. The opening of direct flights to Seoul and the popular Japanese city of Osaka allowed for a significant increase in tourist flow and strengthened business ties in the region.

Modern Stage

Today, Qingdao Airlines continues to develop as a "boutique airline," paying special attention to service quality. A significant event in recent years was the move to the new, ultra-modern Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, which replaced the old Liuting Airport. This opened up new opportunities for the carrier for transit traffic and expanding flight geography.