China Eastern Airlines Review: Is It a Good Airline and How to Book It?
China Eastern Airlines (MU) is one of the major airlines in China, headquartered in Shanghai. It’s one of the three biggest Chinese airlines, along with Air China and China Southern Airlines.
It’s a key carrier for China’s domestic and international flight connectivity. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) & Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the main hubs. Knowing about China Eastern helps you decide if their routes and services align with your needs. Read and find more essential tips for your next trip to China!
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Is China Eastern Airlines a Good Airline?
Yes, China Eastern Airlines is a Shanghai-based full-service carrier flying to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Credit: from Flight-report | Book your flight with China Eastern Airlines for an incredible air journey
Most travelers consider China Eastern:
- Affordable
- Safe
- Reliable for Asia connections
- Comfortable enough for long-haul flying
It’s also part of the SkyTeam Alliance, so that you can:
- Earn and redeem miles on partner airlines (like Delta, Air France, Korean Air, etc.)
- Use shared lounges
- Enjoy smoother international connections
Popular Routes on China Eastern Airlines
Credit: from Elya Foll, Unsplash | Book your flights to Shanghai!
Popular International Routes on China Eastern Airlines
Flight Routes | Approx. Time | Estimated Price | Notes |
14h 50m | $1,378 | Nonstop | |
19h 45m | $1,280 | Layover in Shanghai (2h) | |
29h 45m | $803 | Layover in Shanghai (11h 35m) | |
19h 20m | $1,279 | Layover in Shanghai (2h 35m) |
Popular Domestic Routes on China Eastern Airlines
Flight Routes | Approx. Time | Estimated Price | Notes |
2h 20m | $65 | Nonstop | |
2h 40m | $61 | Nonstop | |
3h 15m | $106 | Nonstop | |
3h 40m | $72 | Nonstop |
China Eastern Airlines is ideal for:
- Cheap flights to China
- One-stop connection to Asia
Search Your Flights from the U.S. Cities to China with China Eastern Airlines! ✈️
How to Book China Eastern Flights on Trip.com?
Fly with China Eastern Airlines for Quick & Nonstop Air Experiences
- Open the Trip.com official website
- Click the "Flights" button.
- Insert your basic info about your flights, including departure & destination cities, departure time, cabin type, etc.
- Click “Search” and see the possible results.
- Find “Airlines” and choose “China Eastern Airlines”.
Why Use Trip.com?
- Easy for international travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- Frequent discounts
- Helpful during delays & any changes
- Multiple languages & currencies
How to Get the Best Prices on China Eastern Airlines?
- Try to book 1-3 months in advance for international flights to China
- Avoid peak travel dates, such as Chinese New Year, Golden Week, National Holidays, and other major holidays.
- Fling midweek instead of weekends can save you more.
- Create a price alert on Trip.com so that you’ll know when the price drops!
Cabin Classes of China Eastern Airlines
Credit: from Live and Let's Try | Enjoy standard but comfortable seats for Economy Class on China Eastern
Cabin Class | Seat Type & Layout | Key Features |
First Class | Open‑suite style, full flat bed, sliding door, direct aisle access | In some 777s, middle seats can convert to a double bed; bar lounge onboard |
Business Class | Fully flat / lie‑flat or angled flat seats on many long‑haul aircraft; reverse herringbone on some 777s | Direct aisle access, enhanced meals, lounge access, better amenities |
Premium Economy | More legroom, wider seat compared to regular economy; seat‑back entertainment on many | Upgraded amenity kit, some additional service, possibly priority boarding |
Economy Class | Standard seats; on widebodies often with seat-back screens, USB / AC power; pitch ~ 32‑33 in widebodies | Complimentary meals (on many flights), in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi (on some aircraft) |
China Eastern Airlines Food & Service
- Chinese and Western food choices
- Snacks and drinks on most long flights
- English-speaking crew varies by route, but basic communication is available
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373003 booked
Baggage Policy on China Eastern Airlines
Credit: from BaggageBee | Know better about baggage policies for different cabins before booking
Class | Carry-On | Checked Baggage |
Economy | 1 item + personal item | Usually 1 bag |
Premium Economy | 1 item + personal item | Usually 2 bags |
Business Class | 2 carry-on items | 2+ bags |
The checked baggage free allowance on China Eastern Airlines depends on cabin class and route:
- First & Business Class: 2 pieces, ≤ 32 kg each
- Premium Economy: 2 pieces, ≤ 23 kg each
- Economy Class: 1–2 pieces, ≤ 23 kg each
Tip: Each piece’s sum of length + width + height ≤ 158 cm (international flights).
China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai Airport Hubs (PVG vs. SHA)
Credit: from Journeyable | Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Airport | Full Name | Flight Types | Distance from Downtown |
PVG | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Most long-haul international flights | ~50-60 minutes |
SHA | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Domestic + regional flights | ~25-35 minutes |
Transportation: From PVG to Shanghai City Center or the Train Station
- Option 1: Combining the Maglev and Metro is the most efficient way to reach the city center, taking 40–50 minutes at a cost of approximately $7–$8.
- Option 2: Metro Line 2. Budget Option, 60-80 min, ~$1
- Option 3: Airport Shuttle Bus. Good for seeing city landmarks, 70-90 min, ~$4
- Option 4: Taxi/Ride-Hailing. Direct to your hotel, convenient, 50-70 mins, but costly, around $25
To Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (for China high-speed trains), it’ll take about 80 mins by metro, while it takes 60 mins by car.
Is China Eastern Airlines Safe?
Don’t worry! Its fleet includes modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft, plus newer COMAC models on short domestic routes. For safety-conscious travelers, China Eastern is considered a reliable full-service airline.
China Eastern Airlines Reviews: What Do Travelers Say?
- ✔ Lower fares than many airlines
- ✔ Clean aircraft
- ✔ Good business class on long routes
- ✔ Huge network inside China
Tips for Flying China Eastern for the First Time
- Check whether both flights use the same Shanghai airport
- Use Trip.com to view baggage and seat rules clearly
- Allow extra time when landing at PVG (it’s farther from the city)
- Download the Trip.com app for real-time updates
- Bring a backup entertainment option for older aircraft
Top Hotel Picks in Destinations with China Eastern Airlines
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FAQs about China Eastern Airlines
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Is China Eastern Airlines safe?
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Does China Eastern include baggage and meals?
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Which airport does China Eastern use in Shanghai?
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Is it cheaper to book China Eastern on Trip.com?
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Does China Eastern have a rewards program?
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