China · CA / CCA · Star Alliance
Air China Online Check-in Guide
China's flag carrier and Star Alliance member, headquartered in Beijing. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on airchina.com or in the Air China app.
Opens on airchina.com in a new tab.
Is Air China check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Air China check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Air China
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit airchina.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Air China app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Air China baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 20×30×40 cm | 5 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 55×40×20 cm | 5 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | Yes |
Common Air China check-in problems
Mainland China visa requirements vary
Problem: China visa rules change frequently. Some nationalities have 144-hour transit visa-free; others need full visa even for transit.
Solution: Verify visa requirements 2 weeks before flight via Chinese embassy. PEK/PVG offer 144-hour transit visa-free for many nationalities.
Online check-in restricted for some international
Problem: Online check-in for flights to/from US sometimes blocked due to APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) requirements.
Solution: If online check-in fails, arrive 3 hours early at airport. Mobile app works more reliably than web for international routes.
Air China check-in FAQ
When does Air China check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 60 minutes before for international, 45 minutes for domestic China.
Is Air China part of Star Alliance?
Yes — Air China joined Star Alliance in 2007. Earn miles in PhoenixMiles or any Star Alliance partner program (United, Lufthansa, ANA, etc.).
Can I use VPN apps on Air China flights?
Inflight Wi-Fi (where available) connects through Chinese networks — many Western apps (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) blocked. Bring offline content for long-haul.
