Planning a trip to China? The first step is booking your flight, but the cost of a plane ticket to China can vary wildly from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. This guide will demystify the world of airfare to the Middle Kingdom. Onward Free will break down the factors that influence prices and share insider tips to help you find the best deal for your journey.

Factors That Affect Plane Ticket Prices to China

Understanding what drives the cost of a plane ticket to China is the first step to becoming a savvy shopper. Here are the main variables at play:

• Time of Year: Seasonality is a major price driver. Peak season includes the summer months (June to August) and major holidays like the Lunar New Year (late January or early February) and China’s National Day Golden Week (the first week of October). Expect the highest prices during these times. The cheapest fares are typically found during the low season (November to March, excluding holidays) and the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October).
• Departure Location: Your starting point matters. A flight from Bangkok will naturally be cheaper than a long-haul journey from New York or London.
• Booking Window: Spontaneity can be expensive. Airlines use dynamic pricing, meaning fares increase as the departure date nears and seats fill up. Booking several months in advance is almost always cheaper.
• Direct vs. Layover: Non-stop flights offer convenience but usually come at a premium. Being willing to accept one or two layovers can significantly reduce your ticket cost.
• Airline Choice: Full-service carriers like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, or Lufthansa offer more amenities (checked baggage, meals, in-flight entertainment) which are factored into the price. Budget airlines offer a no-frills experience for a much lower base fare.
• Destination City: Flying into major international hubs like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN) often yields more competitive prices due to the high volume of flights.

Average Plane Ticket Prices to China

Prices for a plane ticket to China fluctuate constantly, but here are some general estimates for a round-trip economy ticket to give you a starting point.

From the US (East Coast vs. West Coast)

Due to geographical proximity, flights from the West Coast are generally cheaper and shorter. This is because the flight path across the Pacific is more direct, resulting in lower fuel costs for airlines and less time in the air for passengers. Travelers departing from cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco can often find more competitive deals and non-stop options.

• West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco): Expect to pay between $800 and $1,500.
• East Coast (e.g., New York, Boston): Prices typically range from $1,200 to $1,900.

From Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.)

Major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt serve as key gateways to Asia, with numerous airlines offering both direct and one-stop flights to various Chinese cities. This competition helps keep prices relatively stable and provides travelers with a wide array of options.

• Average Price: Fares generally fall between €700 and €1,200, with direct flights on the higher end of that spectrum.

From Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City)

This region offers the most affordable flights to China, with numerous budget carriers servicing the routes. The high level of competition and relatively short flight times help drive prices down, making it a popular and cost-effective gateway for travelers.

• Average Price: You can often find flights for as low as $150 to $400.

From Australia or New Zealand

Travelers from Down Under have multiple flight options to China, with direct routes available from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. Fares are often highest during the summer school holidays.

• Average Price: Expect fares to range from AUD 800 to AUD 1,500, depending on the season and departure city.

Tips to Find Cheap Plane Tickets to China

Now that you have an idea of the average costs, it’s time to learn how to beat them. With a bit of strategy and flexibility, you can often find fares well below the average. Here are our top tips for snagging a bargain on your plane ticket to China.

Cheapest Times to Fly to China

For the best deals on a plane ticket to China, aim to travel during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) or the low season (November through March), making sure to avoid the busy Lunar New Year period.

Use flight comparison tools 

Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are your best friends for finding the best deals. They search hundreds of airlines and travel agencies at once, saving you the time of checking each site individually. This broad search allows you to easily compare prices and uncover the cheapest options available for your route.

Set up price alerts

If you have a specific route and dates in mind but aren’t ready to book, set up a price alert on a comparison site. These tools will automatically monitor the fare for you and send an email notification the moment the price drops. This is a fantastic, low-effort way to ensure you don’t miss out on a great deal.

Be flexible with dates and airports

If your schedule allows, use the “flexible dates” or “whole month” search feature. Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can sometimes lead to significant savings. Similarly, check prices for airports in nearby cities.

Consider alternative routes or nearby cities

Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into a major hub like Hong Kong or Seoul and then book a separate, low-cost flight into mainland China. China’s high-speed rail network is also incredibly efficient, so you could fly into a cheaper city and take a train to your final destination.

Book during airline sales or special promotions

Keep an eye out for major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or other airline-specific promotions. Following airlines on social media or subscribing to their newsletters is a great way to stay informed.

Booking Flights Without a Confirmed Itinerary

Many travelers, especially backpackers and long-term explorers prefer to keep their plans flexible. However, most countries, including China, require you to show proof of onward travel upon arrival to ensure you don’t overstay your visa. This creates a dilemma: how do you show a return ticket if you don’t know when you’re leaving?

This is where a service like OnwardFree.com becomes invaluable. Instead of buying an expensive, fully refundable ticket you don’t intend to use, you can get a legitimate onward ticket for just $10. This is a verifiable flight reservation that satisfies immigration requirements and is valid for 48 hours or more, giving you the proof you need without locking you into a fixed return date. For those on an even tighter budget, we also offer a free dummy ticket option.

FAQs About Flying to China

Do I need a visa to enter China?

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter mainland China. Policies can change, so it is crucial to check the most current requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance of your trip.

Can I enter China with a one-way ticket?

It is highly discouraged. Immigration officials will likely ask for proof of your departure. Arriving on a one-way ticket is risky and may result in you being denied entry. Using an onward ticket service is a safe and reliable way to meet this requirement.

How early should I book my flight?

For an international plane ticket to China, a good rule of thumb is to book 3 to 6 months in advance. If you plan to travel during a peak season, you may want to book even earlier.

What’s the baggage allowance for flights to China?

This varies greatly by airline and fare class. Budget airlines often only include a small carry-on bag, with checked luggage costing extra. Full-service carriers typically include at least one checked bag. Always confirm the specific baggage allowance with your airline before you fly to avoid surprise fees at the airport.

Conclusion

Finding an affordable plane ticket to China is not about luck; it’s about strategy. By understanding the factors that influence the price of a plane ticket to China, being flexible with your plans, and using the right tools, you can secure a great deal. For more details about travel, navigate to Blog Onwardfree.com. Onward Free is always honored to accompany you on every trip!