Air China is China's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, operating from its hub at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to destinations throughout China, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. As one of China's three major state-owned carriers, Air China offers the widest international network of any Chinese airline and is the primary option for direct flights between the U.S. and China. FaresMatch advisors can compare Air China fares and help you find the best deal for your China or Asia trip.
Trending Air China fares
One-way starting prices on popular Air China routes. Search above for live availability.
BeijingShoulder seasonLAX → PEKLos Angeles – Beijing- Flight time
- 11h nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$480
BeijingFall travelJFK → PEKNew York – Beijing- Flight time
- 14h nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$520
ShanghaiBook earlyPEK → PVGBeijing – Shanghai- Flight time
- 2h nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$89
ChengduSpring travelPEK → CTUBeijing – Chengdu- Flight time
- 2h 30m nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$99
FrankfurtMidweek dealPEK → FRABeijing – Frankfurt- Flight time
- 10h nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$380
SydneyWinter travelPEK → SYDBeijing – Sydney- Flight time
- 12h nonstop
- Airlines
- Air China
$480
Popular Air China routes
Beijing to Sydney
LAX/JFK → PEK U.S. to Beijing
Air China operates nonstops from Los Angeles and New York to Beijing Capital — the primary China route.
PEK → LHR/FRA Beijing to Europe
Air China connects Beijing to major European hubs — London, Frankfurt, Paris, and others.
PEK → NRT/ICN Beijing to Japan and Korea
Frequent short-haul Asia routes from Beijing to Tokyo and Seoul.
PEK → SYD Beijing to Sydney
Air China's Australia route connecting Beijing to Sydney.
Tips for booking Air China flights
Transatlantic and transpacific fares to China are most competitive when booked 3 to 6 months in advance. Chinese New Year, Golden Week (October), and summer holidays drive up fares significantly — plan even earlier for those periods.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China. Apply well in advance through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. China also offers transit visa-free policies for short stopovers in Beijing and other cities — check current requirements before booking.
Air China's PhoenixMiles is a Star Alliance program. United MileagePlus members can earn miles on Air China flights — useful for combining a domestic U.S. United itinerary with a transpacific Air China leg.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air China in a global alliance?
Yes — Air China is a Star Alliance member. PhoenixMiles (Air China's loyalty program) earns and redeems on United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and other Star Alliance partners.
Does Air China fly nonstop from the U.S.?
Yes — Air China operates nonstops from Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) to Beijing Capital (PEK). It also serves San Francisco and other U.S. gateways on some routes.
Do I need a visa to fly to China on Air China?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China. Apply in advance through your nearest Chinese embassy. China offers 144-hour transit visa-free access for passengers from certain countries transiting through Beijing, Shanghai, and other key airports — check eligibility before booking.
Book your Air China flight today
A FaresMatch advisor will compare Air China fares with all available options on your U.S.–China route to find the best deal for your trip.