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

Direct flight routes to China

Currently, direct flights between Europe and mainland China are gradually resuming to pre-pandemic levels. These are the key non-stop routes:

• Frankfurt – Beijing: Lufthansa/Air China, 9h 30m


• Paris CDG – Shanghai: Air France, 11h 15m


• Amsterdam – Guangzhou: KLM, 11h 25m


• London Heathrow – Beijing: British Airways, 10h 20m


• Vienna – Shanghai: Austrian Airlines, 10h 45m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines hub offering extensive connections to multiple Chinese cities. Average connection time 2-3 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping facilities and free city tours for longer layovers.

Helsinki (HEL): Finnair’s hub specializing in Asia routes. Efficient minimum connection time of 40 minutes. Compact terminal design makes transfers quick and easy.

Dubai (DXB): Emirates’ mega-hub with frequent China connections. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Extensive duty-free shopping and premium lounges available for all classes.

Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways hub with consistent China routes. Average connection time 2-3 hours. Modern facilities and complimentary city tours for layovers over 8 hours.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Flights with layovers often offer savings of 20-40% compared to direct options, with Middle Eastern carriers frequently providing the most competitive rates.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layover flights with a single carrier or alliance to ensure better handling of delays and baggage transfer.


• Consider overnight layovers in Middle Eastern hubs – airlines often offer free hotel stays.


• Flights departing Europe on Tuesday or Wednesday typically offer lower fares.


• Helsinki and Istanbul routes often provide the best balance of travel time and cost for connections to northern China.


• Many Chinese airports offer 144-hour visa-free transit, useful for extended stopovers.

• Finnair’s Helsinki hub offers some of Europe’s shortest routes to China, with excellent connections from secondary European cities. Their A350 and A330 aircraft feature spacious 32-inch pitch in economy, while fares from cities like Warsaw or Prague via Helsinki are typically 15-20% below market average.
• Flying through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines combines competitive pricing with extensive China coverage, serving 7 mainland destinations. Their economy fares from Southern European cities are particularly attractive, averaging €580-650 roundtrip, with generous 23kg baggage allowance and free stopover program in Istanbul.
• The Gulf carrier sweet spot exists on Qatar Airways routes from secondary European airports like Sofia, Belgrade, or Bucharest to Chinese cities via Doha. These routes often price 25-30% below direct flights, while offering superior service and modern aircraft like the A350-1000 with 32-inch pitch.
• KLM’s China routes via Amsterdam maintain consistent pricing year-round and feature favorable morning arrival times in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Their “light” economy fares from European cities like Lyon or Manchester regularly undercut direct options by €150-200, though they don’t include checked baggage.
• Consider Air China’s fifth-freedom routes from London, Paris, and Frankfurt via Minsk or Budapest to Beijing and Shanghai. These less-known connection points often feature fares 30-40% below direct flights, while still offering full-service amenities and convenient 2-hour layovers.

1. Ignoring alternative hub airports Many travelers fixate on flying to Beijing or Shanghai while overlooking cheaper options via Guangzhou, Chengdu, or connecting through Hong Kong or Seoul.
2. Booking during peak Chinese holidays Flying during Chinese New Year, Golden Week, or Mid-Autumn Festival means significantly higher fares and fuller flights, yet many visitors don’t check the Chinese calendar when planning.
3. Missing minimum connection times Booking self-made connections at massive Chinese airports like Beijing Daxing or Guangzhou Baiyun with less than 3 hours between flights often leads to missed connections due to immigration and terminal transfers.
4. Not checking visa requirements before booking Travelers sometimes book non-refundable tickets without realizing they need to obtain their Chinese visa before flying, or that certain transit visa exemptions only apply at specific airports.
5. Wrong terminal bookings at hub airports At major Chinese airports, international and domestic flights often operate from different terminals far apart, yet travelers frequently book tight connections between them without considering terminal transfer times.

Air France

Best for: Most extensive European network with flights to China from 6 different European cities.

Operating from Paris, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Rome, and Madrid to Chinese destinations, Air France offers reliable connections and well-timed layovers in Paris CDG. Their Economy Class features ergonomic seats with 31-inch pitch, French-inspired cuisine, and complimentary champagne. Passengers consistently rate their service 4 out of 5 stars, particularly praising the quality of meals and entertainment options.

Lufthansa

Best for: Most punctual flights and shortest connection times in Frankfurt or Munich.

Serving China from Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna, Lufthansa provides excellent connectivity through their German hubs. Their Economy Class offers 31-inch seat pitch with adjustable headrests, high-quality German and Asian meals, and one of the most modern entertainment systems. Their efficient hub operations mean typical layovers are just 90 minutes, significantly shorter than competitors.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Superior catering and best value for money in Economy Class.

Flying from Istanbul, Paris, and London to China, Turkish Airlines stands out with its award-winning cuisine prepared by flying chefs. Their Economy Class offers generous 32-inch seat pitch, high-quality amenity kits (rare in Economy), and excellent entertainment options. While layovers in Istanbul are typically longer (3-4 hours), their competitive pricing and superior service quality earn them consistent 4.5/5 passenger ratings.

Finnair

Best for: Shortest flight times from Europe to China using northern route.

Operating primarily from Helsinki, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, Finnair takes advantage of polar routes to reduce flight times by up to 2 hours compared to other carriers. Their modern A350 fleet offers comfortable Economy Class with 31-32 inch pitch, Nordic-inspired meals, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The Helsinki hub is praised for its efficiency and quick 35-minute minimum connection times.

Using APAC regional airlines for Europe-China routes

Smart travelers can significantly reduce costs on Europe-China flights by strategically incorporating regional Asian carriers into their itineraries. This approach, known as “segment breaking,” can save up to 40% on standard fares.

Key strategy points

1. Split your journey: Book separate tickets to a major Asian hub like Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur using traditional carriers
2. Utilize budget carriers: From these hubs, use regional airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or Spring Airlines to reach Chinese destinations
3. Consider secondary Chinese airports: Flying into cities like Hangzhou instead of Shanghai can provide substantial savings

Important considerations

When using this strategy, allow at least 6 hours between flights for connection safety. Remember to check baggage policies, as you’ll need to collect and recheck bags between different carriers. Book separate tickets at least 24 hours apart to protect against schedule changes.

Popular regional carriers offering competitive China routes include Thai Lion Air, Cebu Pacific, and VietJet Air. For best results, book these segments 2-3 months in advance when fares are typically lowest.