How to Book the Free Air China Transit Hotel?

Alongside China Southern and China Eastern Airlines, Air China is one of China's three major airlines. Its main hubs are Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Founded in 1988, the airline has been a member of Star Alliance since 2007. Its range of services also includes the Air China Transit Hotel scheme. This guide explains what the service offers, whether it is free and how it works.

🤔 Does Air China offer a transit hotel service for passengers?

Yes. You may be eligible to use an Air China transit hotel when travelling with the airline, provided you meet certain conditions. Flights operated by Shenzhen Airlines or Shandong Airlines may also qualify, but only if at least one of the connecting flights is operated by Air China.

First, here is an overview of the Air China Transit Hotel service:

💰 How much does the Air China transit hotel service cost?

The Air China transit hotel service is free of charge for passengers who meet the eligibility requirements. The package includes one night's hotel accommodation, breakfast and return transfers between the airport and hotel. However, return transfers are not included for Deluxe Hotel bookings at Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Beijing Capital (PEK) airports.

You do not need to collect or transfer your checked baggage yourself, as Air China will handle it and arrange for it to be transferred to your next flight.

☝️ Eligibility requirements: Who can use the Air China transit hotel service?

As mentioned above, the Air China transit hotel service is subject to certain conditions. You must meet all four of the following requirements to qualify:

1. Your ticket

Your ticket number must start with 999 and carry Air China's CA airline code. Please note that some discounted promotional fares may not be eligible for the transit hotel service.

2. Your transit duration

Your layover must be at least 6 hours. The maximum permitted transit time is 24 hours for domestic connections and 30 hours for international connections.

3. Your booking class

Your ticket's booking class also determines your eligibility. Tickets with booking class codes X, I, N or O are generally excluded from the service.

4. Your flight connection

The flight requirements depend on your itinerary:

• Domestic connections: At least one flight must be operated by Air China. The other flight may be operated by Shandong Airlines or Shenzhen Airlines.
• Domestic-to-international connections: The international flight must be operated by Air China, while the domestic flight may also be operated by Shandong Airlines or Shenzhen Airlines.
• International-to-international connections: Both flights must be operated by Air China.

‼️ Who is not eligible for the Air China transit hotel service?

In addition to the conditions above, certain passengers and ticket types are excluded from the complimentary hotel service. You will not be eligible if any of the following applies:

1. Tickets purchased with upgrades or promotional benefits

Tickets purchased using frequent flyer miles are not eligible. You are also excluded if your ticket has already been upgraded or is due to be upgraded. Children travelling alone and unaccompanied minors are also not eligible.

2. Certain booking classes

Tickets with booking class codes X, I, N or O are not eligible for the complimentary hotel stay.

3. Certain routes

The Air China transit hotel service is only available to passengers whose transit takes place in one of the six eligible cities listed above.

🚀 How to book an Air China transit hotel

In the following sections, we explain everything you need to know about the booking process. First, we'll cover the information you need to have ready, then guide you through the process with our handy step-by-step Trip.com guide.

📋 What you need to book an Air China transit hotel

A little preparation can make your journey much less stressful, and booking an Air China transit hotel is no exception. Make sure you have the following information ready:

• ✅ Your ticket number
• ✅ Your flight details, including flight numbers, departure and arrival airports
• ✅ Your passport
• ✅ Contact details for the booking

💻 Trip.com step-by-step guide: How to book your hotel

Booking an Air China transit hotel is relatively straightforward and should not take long. Depending on the booking method, the process usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official Air China website or open the airline's app.
• Step 2: Select 'Self Service' from the top menu, then choose 'Transit Accommodation'.
• Step 3: Click or tap the red 'Order Now' button. Sign in to your account or create a new one.
• Step 4: Enter all the required booking details in the relevant fields. You can then select one of the available hotels and confirm your booking.
• Step 5: You will receive a booking confirmation by email. We also recommend taking a screenshot for reference.

🧐 Can I book an Air China transit hotel after arriving at the airport?

No. Air China's transit accommodation policy states that you must book in advance of your arrival. The booking deadline depends on the type of hotel you choose.

For a Standard Transit Hotel, you must book at least 24 hours before the first flight's arrival. For a Deluxe Transit Hotel, you must book at least 50 hours before the first flight's arrival.

✈️ Air China transit hotels in Beijing (PKX and PEK)

At its main hub in Beijing, Air China offers a transit hotel service at both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Here is an overview of the arrangements at each airport:

✈️ Air China transit hotels in Shanghai (PVG)

The arrangements in Shanghai are similar to those in Beijing. However, Air China's transit hotel service is only available to eligible passengers arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

🎫 Do British travellers need a visa to use the Air China transit hotel?

The short answer is no. Under China's current visa-free entry policy, British citizens can visit China for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa. This policy is currently scheduled to remain in place until 31 December 2026.

China also has a separate visa-free transit policy for eligible travellers. This allows passengers who meet the relevant conditions to stay in China for up to 240 hours while in transit.

👉 What travellers say about Air China transit hotels

On platforms such as Reddit (in English), travellers have reported a straightforward booking process and well-organised service when using Air China's transit hotels. Reports range from around two years ago to September 2026, suggesting that the service has continued to operate over time. Some passengers say they were met at the airport and taken directly to their hotel, where check-in was completed without a long wait.

☝️ What to know when you arrive

There are a few things worth preparing before arriving in China and using an Air China transit hotel. Here are some useful tips from Trip.com:

• Meeting point: Someone may be waiting for you when you arrive. If you cannot find your representative, ask a member of staff at the nearest Air China service desk for help.
• Documents: Keep your passport, flight tickets, boarding passes and transit hotel booking confirmation email handy.
• Return transfer: Ask about the shuttle service back to the airport, either when you arrive or as soon as you check in at the transit hotel.
• If the service desk is closed: Contact Air China through the online customer service option on its website, usually displayed in the bottom-right corner, or call the airline's helpline.

❌ What if Air China transit hotels are fully booked?

If this happens, there is no need to panic. There are plenty of alternative places to stay at or near Chinese airports, and Trip.com has put together a few options to help you find somewhere to rest:

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