Smart China Trip

Domestic Flights

Compare door-to-door time and check passport names, airports, baggage and power-bank rules.

  • Verified 3 Oct 2026
  • 4 min read
  • China domestic flights · Passenger preparation
01

Check four things before booking

  • Include hotel-to-airport travel, early arrival, security and arrival transfers. A short flight may not beat city-to-city rail once these are included; allow for weather and delays.
  • Check date, airport code and terminal, especially in multi-airport cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. Take care with flights after midnight.
  • Use the passport you will travel with and follow the airline’s rules for name order and special characters. If the system cannot accept the name correctly, contact the airline before paying.
  • Compare total price with baggage, change fees and issuance status. Payment to an agent may not mean airline issuance; keep the ticket number or a verifiable airline booking.
02

Power banks and cabin baggage

Since 28 June 2025, CAAC prohibits power banks without a clear CCC mark or from recalled models/batches on domestic flights. Buying one overseas or carrying it on an international flight does not establish eligibility for domestic security.

Power banks belong in cabin baggage, not checked bags, and energy-rating and airline-approval rules also apply. Neither a milliamp-hour figure nor a CCC mark alone proves every capacity is allowed. Check the airline’s current dangerous-goods and recall guidance.

03

On the day

  1. 1

    Follow the airline’s deadlines

    Check-in, bag drop and boarding have separate cutoffs. Use the airline and airport’s requirements to plan arrival. If online check-in does not handle your foreign passport, use a staffed counter.

  2. 2

    Check ID and gate

    Carry the original document used for booking and check flight and gate displays. Pack batteries, liquids and medicines as required; an international-to-domestic transfer may involve security again.

  3. 3

    Use the original channel for disruption

    Ask the airline about applicable rebooking, hotel or meal arrangements and contact your agent if it issued the ticket. Avoid unsolicited “flight cancellation refund” links.

Check before you go

This page does not replace airline conditions of carriage. Confirm medical devices, battery wheelchairs, special medicines and infant or child services with the airline beforehand.

04

Common questions

Can I fly domestically with a passport copy?

Do not treat a copy as a valid boarding document. For a lost passport, contact the airline, local exit-entry authorities and your embassy to confirm replacement and travel arrangements.

Can I check a non-compliant power bank instead?

No. Checking it does not bypass the prohibition. Follow airport instructions and do not conceal it or remove markings.

05

Read next & sources

PlanningPacking ListPlugs and adapters, power-bank flight rules, medicines and your day bag.ReadGetting AroundFrom the Airport to the CityMajor airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu: metro, express lines and taxis.ReadGetting AroundBooking Trains in China12306 sign-up and passport check, sale windows, ticket status and boarding.ReadTrip plannerPut your trip on the mapPick cities, plan the days, see travel times at a glance.Plan your journey

Sources

  1. Domestic-flight power-bank CCC and recall rules中国民航局 / CAAC · 2025-06-26
  2. Air travel: baggage and batteries中国民航局 / CAAC · 2023-03-16
  3. Guide to working and living in China中国政府网 / State Council · 2025

Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.