China · MU / CES · SkyTeam
China Eastern Airlines Online Check-in Guide
China's second-largest airline and SkyTeam member, based in Shanghai. Major Asian hub-and-spoke operator. Online check-in opens 24 hours before on ceair.com or in the China Eastern app.
Opens on ceair.com in a new tab.
Is China Eastern Airlines 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 China Eastern Airlines check-in open and close?
How to check in online with China Eastern Airlines
-
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).
-
Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit ceair.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The China Eastern Airlines 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 |
China Eastern Airlines 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 China Eastern Airlines check-in problems
PVG vs SHA terminal split
Problem: Shanghai has two airports — Pudong (PVG, international + most domestic) and Hongqiao (SHA, mainly domestic). China Eastern operates both.
Solution: Verify airport on booking. Inter-airport transfer is 60–90 minutes via metro Line 2 + Maglev.
Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet history
Problem: China Eastern grounded 737 MAX 8 fleet after 2022 incident. MAX 8 returned to service 2024 with additional inspections.
Solution: If you have safety concerns, China Eastern's A320/A330/A350 fleet is more common — book by aircraft type via aggregators.
China Eastern Airlines check-in FAQ
When does China Eastern check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 45 minutes before for international, 30 minutes for domestic China.
Is China Eastern part of SkyTeam?
Yes — China Eastern joined SkyTeam in 2011. Earn and redeem miles with Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Korean Air SKYPASS, etc.
What's the difference between China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines?
Shanghai Airlines (FM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Eastern since 2009, but operates separately with own AOC. Both share SkyTeam benefits and frequent flyer program.
