China Eastern vs Air China: Which Airline to Choose?

Flying to or within China? China Eastern and Air China are the two biggest options. Here's how they compare.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Air China	China Eastern
Hub	Beijing	Shanghai
Alliance	Star Alliance	SkyTeam
Routes	Strong to Asia, Europe	Strong to Asia, Americas
Service	Average	Average
Fleet age	Mixed	Newer on average
Lounges	Better in Beijing	Better in Shanghai

Air China

Overview

China's flag carrier, based in Beijing.

Strengths:

• Beijing hub (capital connections)
• Star Alliance member (United, Lufthansa miles)
• Strong routes to Europe
• Political importance means reliable

Weaknesses:

• Older fleet on some routes
• Service can be inconsistent
• Beijing airport congestion

Best For

• Flying into/out of Beijing
• Star Alliance members
• European connections
• Northern China travel

Routes

International hubs:

• Beijing to major world cities
• Strong European network
• Good Asian coverage

China Eastern

Overview

China's largest by fleet, based in Shanghai.

Strengths:

• Shanghai hub (business center)
• SkyTeam member (Delta miles)
• Newer aircraft on many routes
• Strong US West Coast routes

Weaknesses:

• Shanghai airports busy
• Service similar to Air China
• Less government backing than Air China

Best For

• Flying into/out of Shanghai
• SkyTeam/Delta flyers
• US West Coast connections
• Eastern China travel

Routes

International hubs:

• Shanghai to major world cities
• Strong Americas network
• Good Asian coverage

Service Comparison

Reality Check

Both airlines:

• Full-service carriers
• Meals included on long flights
• Entertainment systems on international
• English announcements
• Professional but not exceptional service

Neither matches the best Asian carriers (Singapore, Cathay), but both are perfectly adequate.

Economy Class

Similar experience:

• Standard legroom
• Acceptable meals
• Basic amenities
• Reliable service

Business Class

Improving on both:

• Lie-flat seats on newer aircraft
• Better lounges
• Priority services
• Still below top global carriers

Safety

Both airlines have:

• Modern safety records
• International certifications
• Standard safety protocols
• No recent major incidents

No meaningful safety difference.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Air China (Phoenix Miles / Star Alliance)

Transfer partners:

• United MileagePlus
• Lufthansa Miles & More
• Singapore KrisFlyer
• All Star Alliance carriers

China Eastern (Eastern Miles / SkyTeam)

Transfer partners:

• Delta SkyMiles
• Air France-KLM
• Korean Air
• All SkyTeam carriers

Choose based on: Which alliance you already collect with.

Price Comparison

Generally similar on comparable routes.

Tips for cheap flights:

• Book on Chinese sites (Trip.com)
• Be flexible on dates
• Consider positioning flights
• Check both airlines

Domestic Flights

For flights within China:

• Both have extensive networks
• Prices similar
• Choose based on schedule
• Both perfectly fine

Which to Choose?

Choose Air China If:

• Flying to/from Beijing
• You're Star Alliance member
• Connecting to Europe
• Northern China is your focus

Choose China Eastern If:

• Flying to/from Shanghai
• You're SkyTeam member
• Connecting to Americas
• Eastern/Southern China focus

It Doesn't Matter If:

• Neither hub is your destination
• You don't collect miles
• Price/schedule more important
• You're flexible

Other Options

China Southern

Third major carrier:

• Guangzhou hub
• SkyTeam member
• Strong Asian network
• Good for Southern China

Hainan Airlines

Best Chinese carrier for service:

• Not in major alliance
• Better service reputation
• Limited routes
• Worth considering if available

The Bottom Line

Air China and China Eastern are more similar than different. Choose based on:

1. Your destination city
2. Your frequent flyer alliance
3. Available schedules
4. Price on your dates

Both will get you there safely and adequately.

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