China Eastern flights and airline information

About

China Eastern Airlines is one of China's largest airlines and one of the top three leaders in the country's civil aviation industry. Based in modern Shanghai, this network carrier connects key Asian metropolises with Europe, North America, and Australia. The company is a full member of the SkyTeam global alliance, which provides its passengers with access to an extensive route network and high standards of service worldwide.

The airline is known for its commitment to innovation and constant renewal of its fleet, which is considered one of the youngest and most modern. Travelers value China Eastern for its punctuality, hospitable service, and the possibility of comfortable connections at China's hub airports. Special attention is paid to the quality of onboard catering and modern entertainment systems on long-haul flights.

IATA codeMU
Fleet size803
Passenger traffic116,000,000
Destinations297
HubShanghai

Developing the "the world is waiting for you" concept, the company actively implements digital technologies to simplify the booking and check-in process. China Eastern has repeatedly received international awards for its safety standards and contribution to the development of air travel. Today, the airline continues to expand its flight geography, opening new horizons for tourists and business travelers.

Thanks to the strategic location of its hub, the carrier provides convenient connections for flights from Russia and Europe to Southeast Asian countries. The high level of professionalism of the crews and ground services makes flying with China Eastern reliable and predictable, which is especially important for long international journeys.

Contacts

You can contact the airline representatives and get support through the following channels:

  • Official website: ceair.com
  • Support phone: +86 21 95530
  • Email for inquiries: customer@ceair.com, customerservice@ceair.com, customercare@ceair.com
  • Social media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram (official China Eastern Airlines accounts)
  • Mobile app: China Eastern Airlines (available for iOS and Android)
  • Head office: 36 Hongxiang 3rd Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China, 201100

For prompt resolution of issues related to flight delays or baggage status, it is recommended to contact the service desks at airports. Please check the current contact information on the official website before reaching out.

Baggage

Baggage rules at China Eastern are flexibly adapted to passenger needs; however, they may vary depending on the route and fare. The standard set of services usually includes hand luggage, the weight of which for economy class is most often limited to 8–10 kg, and the dimensions must allow the bag to be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat. Personal items, such as a laptop, are carried free of charge in addition to the allowance.

For checked baggage, rules apply depending on the class of service. Business and first-class passengers can count on increased weight and piece limits. It is important to remember that the Piece Concept is applied on many international flights. If your baggage exceeds the established limits, you will need to pay for excess weight according to the airline's current rates.

Special equipment, including sports gear and musical instruments, is transported by prior arrangement. Strollers are usually accepted for transport free of charge. It is recommended to carefully pack fragile items and check the list of prohibited items in advance, which includes flammable substances and high-capacity lithium batteries. Always verify the baggage allowance specified in your electronic ticket before departure.

Pet Rules

Transportation in the Cabin and Baggage Compartment

  • In the cabin: Only small pets (usually dogs and cats) in special carriers are allowed. The total weight of the animal along with the container must not exceed 8 kg.
  • In the baggage compartment: Large pets are transported in durable, ventilated crates that meet IATA standards.

Required Documents and Booking

  • Documentation: The passenger must provide a veterinary passport, vaccination certificates, and an international health certificate.
  • Request: A request for animal transportation must be submitted no later than 48 hours before departure, as the number of spaces for animals is limited.
  • Cost: Pet transportation is paid separately at excess baggage rates.

Restrictions and Safety

  • Breeds: There are strict restrictions on the transport of brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces) due to health risks during flight.
  • Seasonality: During extremely high or low temperatures, the airline may refuse to transport an animal in the baggage compartment.

To ensure your pet's comfort, it is recommended to prepare them for travel in advance and consult with China Eastern representatives to clarify the rules for a specific flight.

Loyalty Program

Eastern Miles Program

The China Eastern loyalty program is called Eastern Miles. It is designed to reward frequent flyers by offering them the opportunity to accumulate miles and exchange them for exclusive privileges and free travel.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

  • Basic Level: Participation allows you to accumulate miles for every flight taken and take advantage of partner offers.
  • Silver Level: Provides access to business lounges, priority check-in, and an additional baggage allowance.
  • Gold and Platinum Levels: Highest priority for booking and boarding, and access to VIP lounges throughout the SkyTeam alliance network.

How to Use Miles

  • Flight Tickets: Accumulated points can be spent on award tickets for MU and partner flights.
  • Class Upgrades: Members can upgrade their service class from economy to business class using accumulated miles.
  • Partners: Miles can also be spent on hotel services, car rentals, and purchases in the program's online store.

You can join the Eastern Miles program for free on the official website. Since the company is part of SkyTeam, members can earn and spend miles on flights of all member airlines of this global alliance.

Services

China Eastern offers passengers several classes of service, each focused on maximum comfort. Economy Class features ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests, and hot meals are offered on long-haul flights. Business Class stands out with spacious lie-flat seats, increased personal space, and an exquisite menu from top chefs.

For discerning travelers, First Class with individual suites is provided on flagship aircraft. On board most modern aircraft, there is an entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, games, and music in various languages. Wi-Fi is also available on many flights, allowing you to stay online throughout the flight.

Special attention is paid to special services. Families with children can order bassinets and a special children's menu. Passengers with disabilities are provided with assistance at all stages of the journey. If you require vegetarian, halal, or other dietary meals, these can be ordered in advance through your personal account on the website no later than 24-48 hours before departure.

Destinations

China Eastern has one of the most extensive route networks in the world, offering passengers convenient flights between China and the largest cities on other continents. The main connecting link and the carrier's primary hub is Shanghai, through which key transport flows pass.

In addition to broad coverage of domestic destinations within the Middle Kingdom, the airline actively develops international services, connecting Asia with Europe, America, and Oceania. Thanks to its participation in a global alliance, the company's customers gain access to hundreds of destinations worldwide while enjoying all the benefits of seamless connections.

Booking Tips

To book China Eastern tickets at the most favorable price, it is recommended to make your purchase in advance—2–3 months before the intended travel date. The best fares are often available in the middle of the week, on Tuesday or Wednesday, when demand for tickets is traditionally lower than on weekends.

Using the official website ceair.com and the China Eastern Airlines mobile app guarantees no extra fees and access to exclusive promotions. The app makes it easy to manage bookings, select seats, and track flight status. Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure, allowing you to save time at the airport and secure a comfortable seat in advance.

When choosing a seat, look for options with extra legroom, which may be available for an additional fee. We also advise not to neglect travel insurance, which will protect you in case of unforeseen flight cancellations or baggage delays. Subscribing to the airline's newsletter will help you promptly receive information about seasonal sales and special offers.

History

The history of China Eastern Airlines began in 1988 in Shanghai. The airline was established as part of the reform of China's civil aviation and quickly became a key player in the market. From the very beginning, the company's primary goal was to create a global route network connecting eastern China with the rest of the world while maintaining high standards of safety and service.

In 1997, China Eastern became the first Chinese airline to have its shares traded on the New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai stock exchanges. This event provided a powerful impetus for the development and modernization of the fleet. Outdated aircraft types were replaced by modern Airbus and Boeing liners, which significantly expanded the geography of international flights and improved passenger comfort.

A major milestone in its development was the merger with Shanghai Airlines in 2010, which strengthened the group's leadership in the eastern region of China. In 2011, China Eastern officially joined the SkyTeam global aviation alliance. This entry opened new opportunities for passengers, integrating the carrier into a worldwide system of privileges and convenient connecting flights.

Today, the airline continues its development with a focus on environmental sustainability and digitalization. China Eastern actively introduces service innovations, such as contactless check-in and the use of biometric data. The current stage of the company's history is characterized by a commitment to sustainable development and the constant improvement of flight quality for millions of passengers worldwide.

Reached the bottom of the page?

Looks like you know this route inside out

We use cookies and services to collect user information. This is essential for the functioning of the site and for marketing purposes. You can find out more in .