Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to China

Direct flight routes to China

Non-stop flights from Australasia to China are limited but available from major cities.

• Sydney to Shanghai – China Eastern Airlines – 10h 30m


• Melbourne to Guangzhou – China Southern – 9h 45m


• Sydney to Guangzhou – China Southern – 9h 30m


• Auckland to Shanghai – Air New Zealand – 12h 15m

Layover/stopover options

Singapore Changi (SIN) – Singapore Airlines hub with typical 2-3 hour connections. Features free city tours for longer layovers and the world-renowned Jewel complex for transit passengers.

Hong Kong (HKG) – Cathay Pacific’s primary hub offering 2-4 hour connections to mainland China. Efficient transit procedures and excellent lounge facilities for eligible passengers.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X hub with average 3-hour connections. Budget-friendly option with extensive shopping facilities in transit area.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Layover options through Southeast Asian hubs often cost 20-40% less than non-stop flights.

Tips and recommendations

• Mid-week departures typically offer lower fares, especially for routes through Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Hong Kong, as many airlines offer free or discounted hotel stays.


• Book connecting flights on the same airline or alliance to ensure protected connections and through-checked baggage.


• During peak Chinese holidays, direct flights fill up quickly – book at least three months ahead for better availability.


• Singapore and Hong Kong connections often provide better departure time options from Australia than direct flights.

• China Eastern consistently offers the lowest fares from Sydney and Melbourne to major Chinese cities, often 20-30% below market average. Their newly retrofitted A330-300s feature improved Economy seats with 32-inch pitch and personal entertainment systems. The Shanghai hub provides excellent connections to second-tier Chinese cities with typical layovers under 3 hours.
• Flying through Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific from Brisbane or Auckland provides superior comfort with their A350-1000 aircraft featuring 32-inch pitch and 18.5-inch width in Economy. While ticket prices are typically 15% higher than direct mainland routes, the airline frequently runs sale fares that bring prices in line with Chinese carriers.
• Using Singapore as a connection point via Singapore Airlines from Perth or Adelaide can result in significant savings, especially when booking 3-4 months ahead. Their wide-body aircraft offer among the best Economy products in the market, and Changi Airport’s facilities make longer layovers more comfortable.
• Xiamen Airlines offers direct flights from Sydney to Xiamen with convenient connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Their Boeing 787 Dreamliners feature better cabin pressure and humidity levels, while fares typically run 15-25% lower than Qantas or Air China on comparable routes.
• Consider Air New Zealand’s Auckland-Shanghai route for travel from New Zealand, featuring their innovative Economy Skycouch option. The overnight schedule allows for efficient connections from other NZ cities, and their partnership with Air China enables seamless ongoing connections throughout mainland China.

1. Defaulting to direct flights only Limiting searches to non-stop flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Shanghai/Beijing can cost hundreds more when convenient one-stop options via Hong Kong, Singapore, or Guangzhou often offer significant savings.
2. Booking too close to Chinese holidays Failing to check major Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year or Golden Week can result in extremely high fares and fully booked flights as millions of overseas Chinese return home during these periods.
3. Assuming all Chinese airports are equal Choosing to fly into Beijing Capital (PEK) instead of the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) can mean longer immigration queues and more difficult ground transportation connections to the city.
4. Not checking airline partnerships Many travelers miss out on earning frequent flyer points by booking with unfamiliar Chinese carriers directly, when the same flights can be booked through Qantas or Air New Zealand’s partner airlines with full points earning.
5. Scheduling tight connections in mega-hubs Underestimating the size of major Chinese airports and booking connections under 2 hours in hubs like Shanghai Pudong can lead to missed flights due to long walking distances and additional security checks.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Superior service quality and reliability with consistently high passenger ratings.

Serves 6 Australian/NZ cities to China (mainly through Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). Flight connections in Singapore are efficient with typical layovers of 2-3 hours. Economy class offers generous 32-inch seat pitch, acclaimed Singapore Airlines hospitality, and high-quality Asian and Western meal selections. Their modern fleet includes A350s and B787s, providing excellent cabin comfort and air quality.

Cathay Pacific

Best for: Most extensive network coverage with maximum flexibility in flight options.

Operates from 7 Australasian cities to China (primarily Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland). Hong Kong hub offers convenient connections with short layovers. Economy class features comfortable seats with 32-inch pitch, responsive entertainment systems, and well-regarded Asian-fusion menu options. Their frequent service schedule allows good flexibility for travel planning.

Qantas

Best for: Direct flights from Australia with familiar service standards.

Serves 4 major Australian cities to China (mainly Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). Offers several direct routes, eliminating connection hassles. Economy cabin provides 31-inch seat pitch with well-padded seats, quality Australian wines, and menu designed by Neil Perry. Their cabin crew consistently receives high marks for attentiveness and friendly service.

Air New Zealand

Best for: Innovative Economy Skycouch option and exceptional Kiwi hospitality.

Operates from 3 New Zealand cities to China (primarily Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch). While requiring stops in either Singapore or Hong Kong, they offer unique Economy Skycouch seating option for added comfort. Their Economy class features 31-33 inch seat pitch, high-quality entertainment system, and meals showcasing New Zealand produce. Particularly good option for families due to their child-friendly service approach.

Using regional airlines for cheaper Australasia-China flights

Savvy travelers can save significantly on flights between Australasia and China by leveraging regional Asian carriers instead of booking direct routes on major airlines. This strategy requires more planning but can reduce costs by 20-40%.

Key money-saving tactics

1. Split the journey in Southeast Asia – Book separate flights to hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Manila using budget carriers like Jetstar or AirAsia, then continue to China on regional airlines like Cebu Pacific or Thai AirAsia
2. Utilize lesser-known hubs – Consider secondary Chinese cities like Guangzhou or Shenzhen as entry points, often served by cheaper carriers with better rates than Beijing or Shanghai
3. Mix and match airlines – Book separate tickets on different carriers rather than codeshare flights, potentially saving hundreds of dollars

Important considerations

Remember to factor in longer transit times, baggage transfer between carriers, and visa requirements for stopover countries. Book with sufficient connection time as separate tickets mean no protection if one flight is delayed. The best savings typically appear when booking 3-4 months in advance.