2025 Guide for Foreigners to Buy and Board Flights in Mainland China (Required Documents + Booking & Boarding Process + Flight Apps + FAQs)

I. Required Documents for Buying and Boarding Flights in Mainland China

According to the Notice on Further Implementing the Real-Name System Management for Foreigners Taking Inland Transportation (Guoyiminfa [2022] No. 4), all civil aviation passenger flights in the People’s Republic of China implement real-name management. Passengers must provide valid identification documents when purchasing flight tickets and going through check-in procedures, cooperate with information collection and registration, and undergo real-name verification.

Valid Identification Documents for Boarding

As stipulated by the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Administration, valid identification documents include:

Mainland Chinese citizens: Resident ID card, temporary resident ID card, passport, military officer certificate, civilian cadre certificate, conscript certificate, non-commissioned officer certificate, civilian personnel certificate, employee certificate, armed police officer certificate, armed police soldier certificate, seaman’s book.
Hong Kong and Macao residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents.
Taiwan residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.
Foreign passengers: Passport, Diplomatic Certificate for Resident Foreign Staff issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreigner Permanent Residence ID Card.
Children under 16 in Mainland China: Birth certificate, household register, student ID, or identity certificate issued by the local public security bureau.

Special Cases

Foreigners without the above documents may use their Exit-Entry Permit for Foreigners.
Foreigners applying for document renewal/replacement due to expiration, loss, or damage must present a receipt for visa/application from the local exit-entry administration, a passport loss report, or a temporary international travel document issued by their embassy/consulate (with a valid visa or stay permit attached).
Diplomatic and consular staff shall follow relevant regulations for identification documents.

Key Notes

Consistency: Use the same valid identification document for booking, check-in, and security screening. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
International Flights: Verify that your passport and visa meet the destination country’s requirements in advance to avoid travel issues.

Summary

Foreigners: Valid passport, seaman’s book, or Foreigner Permanent Residence ID Card.
Hong Kong/Macao residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macao Residents (Home Return Permit).
Taiwan residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taiwan Compatriot Permit).
Passengers must provide personal information and valid contact details to airlines or agents for booking systems.

II. Recommended Flight Booking Websites/Apps in Mainland China

Book flights through official channels such as airline offices, customer hotlines, official websites/apps, or trusted online travel agencies (OTAs). Below are popular platforms:

1. Ctrip

Overview: A leading Chinese travel platform founded in 1999, listed on NASDAQ. Offers integrated booking for flights, hotels, visas, and more. Its international version, Trip.com, supports multiple languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.) and is user-friendly.

Website: https://hk.trip.com/?locale=en_hk
App: Apple Store | Google Play
Payments: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Alipay.

2. Skyscanner (Tianxun.com)

Overview: A global travel search engine comparing millions of flights, rentals, and hotels across 1,000+ airlines. It doesn’t sell tickets directly but redirects users to official airline or agency websites.

Website: https://www.tianxun.com/
App: Apple Store | Google Play
Payments: Varies by booking platform.

3. Tongcheng Travel

Overview: A one-stop travel platform offering flights, hotels, and attraction tickets. Focuses on domestic travel with B2B and B2C services.

Website: https://www.ly.com/flights/home
App: Apple Store
Payments: Credit cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay.

4. Qunar.com

Overview: A major Chinese travel search engine for flights, hotels, and tours. Offers deep searches for cost-effective options and covers 600,000+ domestic/international routes.

Website: https://flight.qunar.com/
App: Apple Store | Google Play
Payments: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Alipay.

5. Fliggy (Alitrip)

Overview: An Alibaba-owned platform with a simple interface for flight bookings. Covers global routes and integrates with Alipay.

Website: https://www.fliggy.hk/?spm=181.11358650.header.dhk.672e223egb1QlJ#/home
App: Apple Store | Google Play
Payments: Alipay, Visa, Mastercard.

Note: Real-name booking requires accurate identification information. Always use the same document for booking and boarding.

III. How Foreigners and 港澳台 Residents Book Flights in Mainland China

The process is similar to Mainland Chinese citizens. Select the appropriate document type and enter details accurately. Below is a step-by-step guide using Trip.com as an example:

Step 1: Search for Flights

Go to https://flights.ctrip.com/online/channel/domestic.
Select departure/arrival cities, dates, and ticket type (one-way/round-trip).
Click “Search” to view flight options.

Step 2: Select a Flight

Choose a flight based on your schedule and click “Book.”

Step 3: Fill in Passenger Information

Select the document type (e.g., passport).
Enter name, document number, expiration date, gender, and contact info (foreign phone numbers are acceptable).

Step 4: Add Optional Services

Choose extras like insurance or airport transfers (optional).

Step 5: Payment

Pay via credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.
Confirm the booking and check your phone/email for a confirmation message.

IV. Boarding Process in Mainland China

Pre-Flight Preparations

Carry Valid Documents:
- Foreigners: Passport, seaman’s book, or Foreigner Permanent Residence ID Card.
  Residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan: Mainland Travel Permits or Resident Permits.
- International flights: Add valid visas.
Arrive Early: Aim for 2–3 hours before departure to allow time for check-in and security.

Check-In Procedures

Get Boarding Pass:
- Go to your airline’s counter and present your ID document.
- Boarding passes include key info: flight number, gate, seat, and boarding time (note the gate closure time, usually 10–15 minutes before takeoff).
Baggage Check (if needed):
- Carry-on luggage: Typically ≤20 inches. Check airline-specific size restrictions.
- Checked luggage: Hand over at the counter; keep valuables and documents with you.
Security Screening:
- Present your boarding pass, ID, and ticket stub (if applicable) at the security checkpoint.
- Remove liquids, electronics, and metal items for screening.

Boarding and Flight

Proceed to the boarding gate listed on your pass.
Board when announced, find your seat, and store luggage in overhead compartments.
Follow crew instructions for safety protocols.

Arrival

Domestic flights: Pick up checked luggage at the baggage claim area.
International flights: Go through customs, immigration, and security checks.

Note: Cutoff times for check-in vary by airport. Confirm with your airline in advance to avoid missing your flight.

V. Transit Flights

Domestic to Domestic: No need to reclaim checked luggage if on a through ticket.
Domestic to International / International to Domestic: Must go through immigration, customs, and reclaim luggage (even for through tickets).
International to International: Go through transit immigration; no customs if on a through ticket.

VI. Ticket Changes

Voluntary Changes (e.g., personal reasons): Subject to change fees and fare differences. Some discounted tickets may not be changeable.
Involuntary Changes (e.g., flight cancellation/delay):
- Non-airline reasons: Follow the airline’s terms.
- Airline reasons: Free rebooking or rerouting (no change fees).

VII. Refunds

Voluntary Refunds: May incur fees; some discounted tickets only refund taxes/fees.
Involuntary Refunds (e.g., flight issues): Full refund without fees.
Processing time: Usually 7 working days.

VIII. In-Flight Prohibitions

To ensure safety, the following are banned on aircraft:

Charging the cockpit.
Assaulting or threatening crew members.
Tampering with emergency equipment or opening doors.
Disrupting crew duties.
Using electronic devices that interfere with navigation.
Occupying others’ seats or luggage compartments.
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) or using open flames.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Foreigner Permanent Residence ID Cards be used for flight bookings?
- Yes, they are valid for flights, trains, and hotels, equivalent to Mainland ID cards—unless the document is expired, invalid, or the destination country imposes travel restrictions.
Do foreigners get flight discounts in China?
- Airlines offer the same prices to all passengers regardless of nationality. Discounts apply equally to domestic and foreign travelers.
Can Hong Kong passports be used for domestic flights in Mainland China?
- No. Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan residents must use Mainland Travel Permits or Resident Permits for domestic flights.
Can Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan Resident Permits be used for booking flights?
- Yes, they are valid for domestic flight bookings and boarding.
Are Hong Kong/Macao Travel Permits acceptable for boarding?
- Yes, they are valid identification for domestic flights.