01｜Can foreign tourists use their passports to take domestic flights in China?
Can.
In China, foreign tourists can use a valid passport to take domestic flights. According to the flight document regulations announced by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, foreign passengers can use the following documents to check in for domestic flights:
- Valid passport;
- Diplomatic personnel card in China issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Permanent residence permit for foreigners.
For most foreign tourists traveling to China for a short period of time, passport is the most commonly used travel document.
It should be noted that the same valid document should be used when purchasing air tickets, checking in and passing airport security. **
For example:
- Use your passport when purchasing your ticket;
- Continue to use the same passport when checking in at the airport;
- Show the same passport when going through security.
Do not change documents temporarily after purchasing a ticket, nor use one document when purchasing a ticket and then try to use another document to board the plane after arriving at the airport.
If you change your passport during travel, or find that the ID number is incorrect after purchasing a ticket, you should contact the airline or original ticket purchasing platform as soon as possible instead of waiting until the airport to solve the problem.
Special reminder: The document requirements for domestic flights and international flights are different. Foreign tourists generally do not need to apply for additional Chinese domestic flight visas when taking domestic flights in China, but they must still ensure that their status and duration of stay in China are legal and valid.
Official basis: Article 31 of the Civil Aviation Safety Inspection Rules of the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Common Sense of Air Travel.
02｜When purchasing a domestic air ticket in China with a foreign passport, how do I fill in my name and ID information?
Foreign tourists can purchase domestic flight tickets in China through airline official websites, airline apps, regular travel platforms or ticket agency channels.
When purchasing a ticket, the most important thing is to ensure that your name and passport information are accurate and consistent with the actual flight documents.
How should I fill in my name?
Foreign passports usually contain Surname and Given Names.
When purchasing tickets, you should fill in the fields according to the field requirements of the ticket booking system:
- Last Name/Surname: Fill in the last name on the passport;
- First Name / Given Name: Fill in the name on the passport.
If the passport contains a middle name, it should be filled in according to the field requirements of the airline or booking platform. Do not omit it or adjust the order of the names at will.
There may be differences in the name entry methods of different airlines and booking systems. The safest thing to do is to fill in the information page of your passport and verify your complete name before submitting your order.
How to fill in the passport number and nationality?
When purchasing tickets, you usually need to fill in:
- passport number;
- Country of Citizenship;
- Document type;
- Certificate validity period (if required by the system);
- Contact details.
Some ticket booking platforms may require a mainland Chinese mobile phone number to receive the verification code. Tourists who do not have a Chinese mobile phone number can try the international version of the airline's official website, purchase channels that support foreign passengers' document information, or contact the airline's customer service.
What should I do if my passport information is filled in incorrectly?
If you find that your name, passport number or document type is incorrect, you should contact the ticketing platform or airline immediately.
Do not purchase a new ticket on your own, and do not assume that the airport counter can directly modify all document information. Whether modifications can be made, whether fees are charged, and whether a re-ticket is required depends on the airline's ticketing rules and the specific error type.
Recommendation: When purchasing air tickets, use the passport you will actually carry during your trip, and carefully check your name, document number, departure date and flight information before payment.
03｜Can foreign tourists check in online? Do I have to go to the airport counter?
Domestic flights in China usually provide online check-in services, but whether foreign passports support online check-in depends on the airline, flight, airport and the type of document used when booking.
Some airlines' online check-in systems may not be able to recognize foreign passport information, or require passengers to go to the airport counter for manual verification.
Therefore, it is not recommended for foreign tourists to use online check-in as their only travel preparation.
How to check in at the airport counter?
If online check-in cannot be completed, you can follow the steps below:
- Arrive at the airport departure hall.
- Check the airport flight display to confirm the airline check-in counter.
- Go to the corresponding counter and present your passport and ticket booking information.
- The staff checks passports, tickets and flight information.
- If you have checked baggage, check it in at the counter.
- Receive a paper boarding pass or confirm that an electronic boarding pass has been generated.
If you're not sure which counter to go to, you can show your flight number or e-ticket information to airport staff for help.
What do I need to prepare?
It is recommended to prepare:
- Valid passport;
- Electronic tickets or reservation records;
- Flight number and departure time;
- destination information;
- Contact details available if necessary.
Although some airports and airlines support electronic boarding passes, if you are using a foreign passport to take a domestic flight in China for the first time, it is recommended to reserve time for manual check-in.
04｜How early should I arrive at the airport when taking a domestic flight in China?
It is recommended that foreign tourists arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
This is not a unified legal arrival time across the country, but a relatively safe arrangement after taking into account manual verification of foreign passports, baggage check-in, airport security and walking distance to the terminal.
Check-in deadlines may vary between airports, airlines and flights.
Some domestic flights may close check-in 30 minutes, 40 minutes or 45 minutes before departure. The specific time is subject to the information announced by the operating airline and departure airport.
Do not interpret "30 minutes before departure" as the last time for check-in for all flights.
Recommended airport departure arrangements
| link | Suggested arrangements |
|---|---|
| Arrival at the airport | About 2 hours before departure |
| Check-in | Check in as early as possible upon arrival |
| Checked baggage | Completed simultaneously with check-in |
| security check | Allow sufficient time for queuing |
| Go to the boarding gate | According to boarding pass and airport instructions |
| boarding | Arrive at the boarding gate at the time shown on your boarding pass |
Large airports may have multiple terminals, and some airports require shuttle buses or internal airport transportation. After purchasing a ticket, you should confirm the airport and terminal where the flight actually departs.
If it is a large airport such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc., it is especially not recommended to compress the airport arrival time.
05｜China domestic flight baggage regulations: What is the difference between carry-on baggage and checked baggage?
Baggage rules for domestic flights in China are mainly divided into two categories:
- Carry-on Baggage: carried by passengers themselves into the cabin;
- Checked Baggage: Hand it over to the airline for transportation at the check-in counter, and pick it up at the baggage carousel after arriving at the destination.
Both have different requirements in terms of weight, size and what can be carried.
Carry-on luggage
According to the passenger travel guide published by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the reference limits for carry-on baggage on domestic flights are:
- The total weight of each passenger's carry-on luggage usually does not exceed 5 kilograms;
- The volume of a single piece of luggage usually does not exceed 20×40×55 cm;
- When the specified number, weight or size of items is exceeded, the airline may require it to be checked in.
It is important to note that airlines may have specific carry-on baggage standards based on cabin class, fare product and transportation conditions.
For example, economy class products from different airlines may differ in baggage weight, number of pieces, and size. Baggage restrictions on budget airlines may also be stricter.
When actually traveling, the general conditions of transportation and ticket and baggage regulations of the airline you are traveling on should prevail.
Checked baggage
Checked baggage refers to the baggage that passengers hand over to the airline for transportation when checking in at the airport.
The free checked baggage allowance may vary from airline to airline and may vary based on the following factors:
- airline;
- cabin class;
- fare products;
- route;
- Whether to purchase additional baggage allowance.
For example, some regular economy class tickets on traditional airlines may include free checked baggage, while some low-cost tickets or low-cost airline products may not include free checked baggage.
Don’t judge whether an airline has free baggage allowance just by its name.
When purchasing a ticket, you should check the Baggage Allowance information on the ticket. If it is not clearly shown, you should confirm with the airline.
What items are not recommended in checked luggage?
It is recommended to keep the following items with you or dispose of them in accordance with airline regulations:
- Passports, visas and other travel documents;
- Cash, bank cards and valuables;
- Important electronic equipment such as mobile phones, computers, cameras;
- Power bank and spare lithium battery;
- important medicines;
- Fragile or irreplaceable personal items.
Power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot be placed in checked baggage and must be carried with you in accordance with regulations.
06｜Liquid regulations for domestic flights in China: How are they different from international flights?
The regulations on carrying liquids on domestic flights in China are different from those on international flights, which is something that foreign tourists are particularly likely to overlook.
According to the current passenger travel guidelines of the Civil Aviation Administration of China:
Passengers taking domestic flights are in principle prohibited from carrying liquid items with them, but a small amount of cosmetics for personal use during travel can be carried in accordance with regulations.
Can cosmetics be carried with me?
Yes, but the following conditions must be met:
- Cosmetics for personal use during travel;
- Only one piece of each cosmetic product is allowed;
- The container volume must not exceed 100 ml;
- Placed in separate bag;
- Accept bottle opening inspection by airport security personnel.
The 100 ml here refers to the maximum volume of the container itself, not the amount of liquid remaining in the bottle.
For example:
- 100ml facial cleanser can be carried with you according to regulations;
- A 150ml facial cleanser does not meet the above container capacity requirements even if there is only 30ml left in the bottle.
If you carry a variety of liquid cosmetics, you should organize them in advance and confirm whether they meet the security inspection requirements.
What about drinks, mineral water and other liquids?
Mineral water, beverages, juices, liquid foods and other liquids cannot simply apply the 100ml exception for cosmetics.
If you need to carry it, you should find out in advance whether it can be checked in and whether the packaging meets air transportation requirements.
It is recommended to purchase drinking water according to the actual situation at the airport after passing the security check.
Can liquid medicines be carried?
If you have a disease that requires continuous medication, you must carry liquid medicine with you, and you should contact the airline or airport in advance to confirm.
It is recommended to prepare a doctor's prescription, medical certificate or other materials that can explain the necessity of medication, and cooperate with the security inspection personnel.
Special examination arrangements may also apply to the liquid dairy products required by the infant and the necessary liquid medicines that the patient needs to carry due to illness.
What should I do if I transfer to a domestic flight after arriving in China from abroad?
This is a situation that requires special attention.
If a foreign tourist arrives in China from abroad and transfers to a domestic flight at a Chinese airport, the duty-free liquid items brought into the country must comply with special regulations:
- Place it in a transparent plastic bag with the bag body intact and the seal intact;
- Keep and present proof of purchase;
- You can carry it with you only after the security inspection confirms that it meets the requirements.
Do not open the sealed bags of duty-free goods before transferring, otherwise it may affect subsequent security inspections.
If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, it is recommended to consult airport staff before connecting.
07｜Can power banks, computers and electronic devices be brought onto the plane?
Yes, but you need to distinguish between ordinary electronic equipment, spare lithium batteries and power banks.
Power bank: special attention must be paid to the 3C logo
Starting from June 28, 2025, passengers on flights within China are prohibited from carrying the following power banks:
- Power bank without 3C logo;
- Power bank with unclear 3C mark;
- Models or batches that have been recalled by the manufacturer.
Therefore, when foreign tourists take domestic flights in China, they cannot judge whether they can carry a power bank based only on its capacity.
You should check your power bank before departure:
- Whether it has a clearly identifiable 3C logo;
- Whether the appearance is complete, whether there are bulges, deformations or damage;
- Whether it belongs to the model or batch recalled by the manufacturer;
- Whether the rated energy meets air transport requirements.
Power banks must be carried with you and cannot be placed in checked luggage.
What are the limits on the rated energy of a power bank?
According to the lithium battery transportation requirements announced by the Civil Aviation Administration:
- Not exceeding 100Wh: usually no airline approval is required;
- More than 100Wh but not more than 160Wh: airline approval is required;
- More than 160Wh: Prohibited.
If the power bank is not directly marked with Wh, it can be calculated based on the nominal voltage and capacity:
Wh = V × Ah
in:
- Wh: Watt hour;
- V: voltage;
- Ah: An hour.
For example, a power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a capacity of 20,000mAh:
20,000mAh = 20Ah
3.7 × 20 = 74Wh
However, it should be noted that just because the rated energy meets the requirements, it does not mean that the power bank can definitely be carried. 3C logo, product status, recall status and additional airline requirements are equally important.
How many power banks can each passenger carry?
The quantity requirements for power banks may also be affected by airline specific regulations.
For example, Air China's relevant reminders announced in 2026 stipulate that each passenger can carry up to 2 power banks, and impose additional restrictions on on-board storage, use and charging.
These are the carriage requirements announced by Air China and should not be directly understood as identical regulations for all airlines.
Before taking a flight, you should check the latest requirements of the actual operating airline.
Can I use a power bank on a plane?
Don’t default to yes.
Airlines may impose additional restrictions on the use, storage and charging of power banks on board.
For example, Air China’s current reminder states that power banks are not allowed to be used to power devices during flights, and power banks are not allowed to be placed in luggage racks.
When actually boarding a flight, you should follow the instructions of the crew and the regulations of the operating airline.
Can mobile phones, laptops and cameras be brought on board the plane?
Usually yes.
Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras can be carried with you in accordance with regulations.
It is recommended to put important electronic devices in your carry-on luggage to avoid damage or loss during check-in.
Spare lithium batteries should be protected against short circuit and carried with you in accordance with airline requirements.
08｜China domestic flight security inspection process: How should foreign tourists proceed?
The security check process for domestic flights at Chinese airports is similar to that at most international airports, but foreign tourists need to pay special attention to the verification of passports and boarding passes.
The general process is as follows:
Step one: Find the domestic departure area
After entering the airport terminal, check the departure flight display screen to confirm the location of the airline check-in counter and terminal building.
Step 2: Check in and check in baggage
If you don't have a boarding pass yet, go to the airline counter to check in.
Present your passport, ticket or reservation information to complete document verification.
Step 3: Enter the security inspection area
Go to the domestic departure security check channel.
According to the staff’s instructions, show:
- Valid passport;
- Boarding pass (paper or electronic).
After the staff verifies the identity information, the passengers and their carry-on luggage need to undergo security inspection.
Step 4: Pass the security check
Place personal belongings into the security inspection equipment according to on-site requirements.
Whether computers, tablets, power banks and other items need to be taken out separately should be subject to the instructions of the on-site security personnel.
Step 5: Go to the boarding gate
After passing the security check, go to the corresponding waiting area according to the boarding gate number on your boarding pass.
Large airports may require a longer walk, and some may require internal terminal transportation.
Step Six: Boarding
Pay attention to airport announcements and flight displays.
Some airports will stop boarding early, so don't wait until the scheduled departure time to go to the boarding gate.
If you are not sure where your boarding gate is, you can show your boarding pass to airport staff for help.
09｜Transferring at a Chinese airport: What is the difference between domestic to domestic and international to domestic?
Large airports in China usually have transfer services for domestic flights and international flights, but the procedures for different transfer types are different.
The most important thing is to confirm: whether your flight is a real connecting flight and whether the checked baggage can go directly to the destination.
Domestic flight to domestic flight
For example:
Shanghai → Beijing → Xi’an
If the two flight segments belong to the same connecting arrangement, and the airline has handled through check-in or baggage connection, there is usually no need to pick up the checked baggage at the transit airport.
Passengers can follow the airport transfer instructions to the boarding area for the next flight.
However, if the two flight segments are purchased separately, or the airline does not provide combined baggage service, you may need to:
- Claim your baggage at the first flight destination;
- Go to the check-in counter for your next flight;
- Check-in and check-in baggage again;
- Go through security again.
Therefore, just because two flights connect at the same airport, it does not mean that the baggage will be automatically transferred.
International flight to domestic flight
For example:
Singapore → Shanghai → Chengdu
After foreign tourists arrive in China from abroad and then transfer to China's domestic flights, they usually need to complete China's entry procedures first.
The general process includes:
- Arrive at the China international flight arrival area;
- Complete border inspection and entry procedures in accordance with regulations;
- Pick up checked baggage on international flights;
- Handle customs declarations and inspections as required;
- Go to the domestic flight departure area;
- Handle domestic flight check-in and baggage check-in;
- Pass domestic flight security;
- Go to the boarding gate and wait for your flight.
Even if an airline provides through service or combined baggage transportation, international-to-domestic passengers still need to collect checked baggage and complete immigration and customs procedures in accordance with regulations.
Domestic flight to international flight
For example:
Chengdu → Shanghai → Tokyo
Passengers usually need to complete exit border inspection, security inspection and other procedures at the departure airport of international flights.
Whether you need to collect your checked baggage depends on the connecting flight arrangement and whether the airline provides direct baggage check-in service.
If the baggage is not directly connected to the final destination, you need to pick up the baggage at the transit airport and check it in again.
What is a connecting ticket?
A connecting flight refers to an itinerary in which two or more flight segments are listed in the same contract of carriage.
Need to pay attention to:
- The same order does not necessarily mean that the baggage will be checked directly;
- There may be interline cooperation between different airlines;
- The same airline does not mean that all flight segments can be automatically connected;
- Whether baggage needs to be claimed shall be subject to the information confirmed by the airline.
When purchasing tickets, it is recommended to ask directly:
Will my checked baggage be transferred automatically to my final destination?
Can my checked baggage be transferred directly to the final destination?
How much time should I allow for transit?
Don’t judge adequacy solely based on the time difference between flights.
Actual transfer time depends on:
- Whether it is necessary to collect checked baggage;
- Whether it is necessary to check in again;
- Whether you need to go through security again;
- Whether entry, border inspection or customs procedures are required;
- Terminal layout of transit airports;
- Whether the two flights belong to the same connecting arrangement.
If you are transferring from international to domestic, it is recommended to reserve more time than for ordinary domestic transfers.
If you purchase two tickets separately, you should also consider the risk of the second flight being unable to connect if the first flight is delayed.
10｜What should you do if your domestic flight is delayed, canceled or misses your connection?
Domestic flights in China may be affected by weather, air traffic control, airport operations, airline scheduling and other factors.
When encountering a flight delay or cancellation, you must first confirm the flight status, and then contact the airline for follow-up arrangements.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed:
- Check airport flight displays or airline apps;
- Pay attention to text messages, phone calls or official notifications from airlines;
- Understand expected delays and reasons;
- If you need to adjust your subsequent itinerary, please contact the airline as soon as possible;
- Save tickets, boarding passes and related notifications.
Do not rely solely on airport announcements as flight information may change.
What should I do if my flight is cancelled?
If a flight is cancelled, you should first confirm the reason for the cancellation and then contact the airline for involuntary changes or refunds.
According to the "Public Air Transport Passenger Service Management Regulations":
- If a passenger involuntarily changes a ticket due to the carrier, if there are available seats or the carrier agrees, the airline should handle the rescheduling or endorsement and shall not charge a ticket change fee;
- If a passenger applies for an involuntary refund due to flight cancellation, delay, advance, route change, etc., the airline shall not charge a refund fee;
- Airlines should complete the refund procedures within 7 working days from the date of receipt of a valid refund application, excluding the processing time of financial institutions.
However, if the flight change is caused by non-carrier reasons such as weather, air traffic control, etc., the specific handling methods may be different and should be handled in accordance with the applicable general conditions of transportation and passenger ticket rules.
What should I do if I miss the next flight?
This depends on whether the two flights are part of the same contract of carriage.
Situation 1: The two flights belong to the same connecting arrangement
If there is a change in the first leg of the flight caused by the carrier that prevents the passenger from completing the entire itinerary as scheduled, the contracting carrier or its sales agent shall assist the passenger to reach the final destination or stopover.
Passengers should contact the airline as soon as possible and do not purchase a new ticket on their own and then assume that they can receive compensation.
Scenario 2: Purchase the two flights separately
If the first leg of the flight is delayed, causing passengers to miss the second leg of the flight, the second leg of the flight usually needs to be processed according to its ticket rules.
The airline does not necessarily bear the responsibility for changing or refunding the second leg of the ticket.
Therefore, if you need to purchase air tickets separately, especially if you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight, you should allow sufficient transfer time.
Is there necessarily cash compensation for delayed flights?
uncertain.
Flight delays do not mean that travelers will receive cash compensation in all cases.
Whether meals, accommodation, ticket changes, refunds or other services are provided depends on the cause of the delay, the airline's general transportation conditions and relevant regulations.
Passengers should confirm the applicable service policies with the actual operating airline.
11｜What details should foreign tourists pay attention to when taking domestic flights in China?
In addition to passport, baggage and transfer issues, there are also some practical aspects that are easily overlooked.
1. What should I do if my passport is lost?
If you lose your passport while traveling in China, you should contact the local public security agency and entry-exit administration department as soon as possible to handle the corresponding loss handling and certification procedures.
If you still need to take a domestic flight, you should also contact the airline to confirm the temporary flight certificate it accepts and the processing procedures.
This may vary between airlines and specific circumstances. In the relevant guidelines published by Air China, there are special instructions for domestic flight certification documents for foreign passengers who have lost their passports.
Do not think that ordinary passport photos, copies or passport loss report records can definitely replace valid travel documents.
Recommendation: If your passport is lost, confirm acceptable supporting documents with the immigration administration and the actual operating airline before purchasing a replacement ticket or heading to the airport.
2. What should I pay attention to when traveling to Tibet and other special management areas?
Foreign tourists traveling to some special management areas in China may need to apply for a travel permit in advance or make arrangements through a travel service agency with corresponding qualifications.
For example, foreign tourists traveling to Tibet usually need to go through relevant entry procedures in advance and arrange their itinerary in accordance with regulations.
Purchasing a domestic flight ticket to Lhasa does not mean that you can travel into Tibet without restrictions.
Relevant travel permissions and itinerary arrangements should be confirmed before booking.
3. Do I need to go through immigration procedures again for domestic flights?
If you are already in China and taking a domestic flight in China, you usually do not need to go through China entry procedures again.
However, if the itinerary includes connections between international flights and domestic flights, you still need to complete border inspection and customs procedures when entering China for the first time.
4. Are there English services at the airport?
China's major international airports and large city airports are usually able to provide a certain level of English service, but the English communication skills of different airports, airline counters, and staff may vary.
It is recommended to save the following information in advance:
- flight number;
- Airline name;
- Departure and destination airports;
- electronic ticket;
- Photo of passport information page;
- Hotel address and contact details.
If you need help, you can show your flight information directly to the staff.
5. Can electronic boarding passes be used on domestic flights in China?
Some airlines and airports support electronic boarding passes, but whether passengers with foreign passports can use them directly depends on the airline's system and airport verification requirements.
If online check-in cannot be completed, or the electronic boarding pass cannot be generated normally, you should go to the manual counter.
6. Do I need to arrange airport transportation in advance?
Large airports in China usually have transportation options such as subways, airport buses, taxis and online ride-hailing services.
However, the distance between the airport and the city may be relatively long, especially for some newly built airports.
It is recommended to confirm in advance:
- Transportation methods from the airport to the city;
- Subway or airport bus operating hours;
- Transportation arrangements after late night arrival;
- The terminal building and ground transportation connection location.
If you take an early flight, you should also confirm the departure time from the hotel in advance.
12｜Foreign tourists taking domestic flights in China: Checklist before departure
You can check the following checklist before departure:
Documents and air tickets
- [ ] Passport is valid and consistent with the ID used when purchasing the ticket
- [ ] Name and passport number are filled in correctly
- [ ] Confirmed flight number, departure date and airport
- [ ] E-ticket and reservation information saved
- [ ] Confirmed whether manual counter check-in is required
luggage
- [ ] Confirmed free checked baggage allowance
- [ ] Carry-on baggage meets airline weight and size requirements
- [ ] The power bank has a clear 3C logo
- [ ] The power bank does not belong to the recalled model or batch
- [ ] The power bank is not bulging, deformed or damaged
- [ ] Liquids, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals comply with regulations
- [ ] The backup lithium battery has been protected against short circuit
Airport and Transit
- [ ] Confirmed departure terminal
- [ ] Transportation to the airport has been arranged
- [ ] Sufficient time has been reserved for check-in and security check
- [ ] Confirmed whether the connecting flight is a connecting flight
- [ ] Confirmed whether checked baggage can be checked through
- [ ] Know whether you need to claim your baggage and check in again
Recommendation: Save your passport, e-ticket, hotel address and flight information on your mobile phone, while retaining necessary offline information so that you can still check it when the network is unstable.
13｜FAQ: Frequently asked questions for foreign tourists taking domestic flights in China
Q1: Can foreigners only use their passports to purchase domestic air tickets in China?
Can. Foreign tourists can use a valid passport to purchase domestic flight tickets in China, and use the same passport to go through check-in and security check procedures.
Q2: Do foreign tourists need a visa to take domestic flights in China?
Taking a domestic flight does not require an additional domestic flight visa, but passengers must ensure that their status and duration of stay in China are legal and valid.
Q3: Can foreign passports be self-checked at Chinese airports?
Some airlines and airports support it, but not all foreign passports can be checked in through self-service machines or online systems. It is recommended to confirm in advance and go to the manual counter if necessary.
Q4: Can foreign tourists carry power banks on domestic flights in China?
Yes, but it must comply with the rated energy of the power bank and air transport requirements. Starting from June 28, 2025, domestic flights are prohibited from carrying power banks that do not have a clear 3C logo, are unclearly marked, or are of recalled models and batches.
Q5: Can liquids above 100ml be carried on domestic flights in China?
In principle, carry-on liquid items are prohibited on domestic flights. A small amount of cosmetics for personal use during travel can be carried according to regulations such as one item of each type and the container should not exceed 100 ml. Other liquids should be checked in advance to see if they can be checked.
Q6: Can foreign tourists bring laptops on domestic flights?
Usually yes. Personal electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets and cameras can be carried with you as per regulations. Specific security inspection operations should follow the instructions of on-site staff.
Q7: Do foreign tourists need to claim their baggage again when they transfer on a domestic flight in China?
uncertain. For domestic-to-domestic flights that have gone through through check-in or baggage transfer, there is usually no need to collect checked baggage. If your baggage is not combined, you may need to pick up your baggage at the transit airport and check it in again.
When transferring from international to domestic, you need to go through entry formalities, pick up checked baggage and complete customs procedures in accordance with regulations.
Q8: What should I do if the first domestic flight is delayed and I miss the next flight?
If the two flights belong to the same interline transportation contract, the airline should be contacted as soon as possible to handle follow-up arrangements. If you purchase tickets separately, the second leg of the flight may be processed according to independent ticket rules, and passengers may need to bear the cost of changing or re-purchasing tickets.
Q9: Can I still take domestic flights in China after losing my passport?
An ordinary passport photo or copy cannot be used to determine whether you can board the plane. You should first contact the local immigration administration department, and then confirm with the airline the acceptable temporary flight certificate and specific procedures.
Q10: Can foreign tourists go to Tibet by plane?
Relevant flights can be purchased, but foreign tourists traveling to Tibet usually need to apply for relevant travel permits in advance and arrange their itinerary in accordance with regulations. It is recommended to confirm travel authorization and itinerary requirements before purchasing air tickets.
Conclusion: Confirming the rules in advance is more important than dealing with them at the airport.
Taking domestic flights in China is not complicated for foreign tourists.
As long as you confirm your passport information, air tickets, baggage allowance and airport location in advance, you can usually complete your trip smoothly.
What really requires special attention are the check-in rules of different airlines, 3C marking requirements for power banks, liquid regulations on domestic flights, and the entry and baggage handling procedures when international flights are transferred to domestic flights.
If the itinerary involves multiple cities, it is recommended to confirm whether the flight is a connecting arrangement when purchasing the ticket, and whether the checked baggage can be directly connected to the final destination.
Understanding these details in advance can reduce the time for on-site communication and temporary adjustments at the airport, making travel between cities in China smoother.