How to Find Cheap Flights to China and Save Money?

Looking for cheap flights to China? Here's how to find the best deals. Learn when to book, which airlines to choose, and how to save money on your trip. Let’s see how to fly to China for less!

How to Book Cheap Flights to China?

Booking cheap flights to China requires a balance of scheduling, research, and flexibility. One of the most effective ways to save money is to book in advance. Airlines often offer lower-priced tickets a few months before a flight, and prices tend to increase as the travel date approaches.

Another useful tip is to be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week flights (Tuesday to Thursday) are generally cheaper than weekend flights. Additionally, flying to China during off-peak seasons, such as late winter or early spring, can save you even more money.

Using a flight comparison site like Skyscanner, Trip.com, Kayak, or Google Flights can help you track price trends and find the best deals. Many of these platforms also offer price alerts, notifying you when fares drop for your preferred route.

Which Airlines Offer the Cheapest Flights to China?

Several airlines offer cheap flights to China from the UK and other international destinations. Some of the most affordable options include:

Air China: The national carrier often provides competitive prices, especially when booked early. Air China has many flights to Beijing Capital Airport at good prices.

China Southern Airlines: Known for frequent promotions and discounts on long-haul flights. China Southern Airlines has the best flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with many flights and affordable prices.

Hainan Airlines: Hainan Airlines offers good deals, especially when flying to second-tier cities like Xi'an or Chengdu. From the UK, the most competitive prices are usually found on routes to Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, which often have promotions. Additionally, travellers can often find discounted fares when connecting through these hubs to some of China's smaller cities.

China Eastern Airlines: China Eastern Airlines is a major Chinese airline that often offers great fares from the UK to Shanghai, with regular promotions and seasonal discounts. Their extensive domestic network makes them a good choice for onward travel within China.

British Airways: While not always the cheapest, British Airways occasionally offers competitive deals, especially during sales periods. Their direct flights from London to Beijing and Shanghai offer convenience and comfort.

Budget Airlines (for connecting flights): Airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet offer easy access to major European hubs, where long-haul flights to China are cheaper.

While budget airlines may not fly directly to China, combining a low-cost European flight with a long-haul ticket can sometimes be more economical than booking a direct flight from the UK.

🛫Reviews of popular airlines flying to China

UK to China: Cheapest Time to Book Flights

If you're flying from the UK to China, timing your booking correctly can make a big difference in price. Generally speaking, the cheapest months to fly are January, February, and November, as these are not the peak tourist months. During the summer months (June to August) and major holidays like Chinese New Year (late January or early February), airfares tend to be higher due to high demand.

To get the best prices, book your flights at least 2-3 months in advance. Last-minute bookings are usually costly, especially for international routes. Also, flights on Tuesday or Wednesday are usually cheaper than on the weekend.

This table shows you the cheapest months to travel, so you can plan your trip. November offers the cheapest flights, while April is the most expensive. Choosing the cheapest travel dates can save you a lot on airfare.

Which Cities in China are Cheapest to Fly to?

Flights to China's major hub cities are generally more affordable because they have high passenger traffic and fierce airline competition. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou usually offer the cheapest international flights as they are major transport hubs with many routes each day.

Secondary cities like Chengdu and Xi'an are becoming more budget-friendly too, thanks to growing airport infrastructure and new low-cost airline routes connecting to international gateways. The combination of frequent flights and airline competition helps keep prices lower to these destinations compared to smaller Chinese cities.

Cheap Flights in China FAQs

1. How to search for the cheapest flights?
Use flight comparison tools (Google Flights, Trip.com, Skyscanner), set price alerts, and book international flights 3-5 months in advance.

2. Where is the cheapest place to fly to in China?
Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou usually have the lowest fares due to high competition.

3. Which airlines offer direct flights to China?
Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and British Airways (from select cities).

4. What month is the cheapest to fly to China?
January, February, and November (avoid Chinese New Year and summer).

5. What is the cheapest airport to fly to in China?
Major hubs like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN) often have the best deals.

6. What day are domestic flights cheapest in China?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually offer the lowest prices.

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