Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to China

Direct flight routes to China

Currently, only selected routes offer non-stop service between North America and mainland China.

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG) – Air China – 14h 15m


• San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai (PVG) – United Airlines – 13h 45m


• New York (JFK) to Shanghai (PVG) – China Eastern – 15h 30m


• Vancouver (YVR) to Beijing (PEK) – Air China – 12h 25m


• Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG) – Delta Airlines – 13h 55m

Layover/stopover options

Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Korean Air hub offering efficient 2-3 hour connections to multiple Chinese cities. Modern airport with excellent shopping and dining options.

Tokyo Narita (NRT) – JAL and ANA connections, typically 2-hour layovers. Features traditional Japanese cultural experiences within terminals.

Hong Kong (HKG) – Cathay Pacific’s hub with frequent mainland China connections. Known for swift immigration processes and superior lounge facilities.

Taipei (TPE) – China Airlines and EVA Air provide numerous mainland connections. Features world-class local cuisine and duty-free shopping.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Flights with layovers often cost 20-40% less than non-stop options, with longer layovers generally offering the lowest fares.

Tips and recommendations

• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer the lowest fares for both direct and layover flights.


• Layovers of 4+ hours are recommended when connecting through Seoul or Tokyo due to potential weather delays.


• Consider overnight layovers in Hong Kong or Taipei, as these cities offer free airport transit tours.


• Book separate tickets through layover hubs during major Chinese holidays to potentially save 30-40% on total fare.


• Most non-stop flights to China depart in the late morning or afternoon, allowing easier connections from other US cities.

• Air Canada’s YVR-PVG route offers consistently lower fares compared to US departures, often 15-20% below market average. The route uses Boeing 787-9 aircraft with well-rated premium economy seats (38″ pitch, 19.5″ width). Vancouver’s position makes it the shortest North American gateway to China, reducing total flight time by up to 2 hours compared to LAX or SFO departures.
• Flying through Seoul-Incheon (ICN) via Korean Air often yields better value than direct flights, with fares typically $200-300 lower than nonstop options. Korean Air’s A330 and 787 aircraft feature spacious economy seats with 33-34″ pitch. The airline’s generous stopover program allows free breaks in Seoul, effectively creating two destinations for one fare.
• United’s gateway from Newark (EWR) to Beijing Capital (PEK) provides an excellent option for East Coast travelers with competitive pricing and shorter overall journey times. The route utilizes Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring the latest Polaris cabin configuration. United frequently offers flash sales on this route, with prices dropping up to 30% below standard fares.
• Consider Xiamen Airlines’ Seattle (SEA) service for access to secondary Chinese cities, offering surprisingly competitive fares and quality service. Their modern Boeing 787-9 fleet features a comfortable 3-3-3 configuration in economy. Connection times in Xiamen (XMN) are typically under 3 hours, with smooth transfers to over 20 domestic destinations.
• The Detroit-Shanghai route on Delta is consistently priced lower than coastal gateway options, often $150-400 less than comparable flights from LAX or JFK. Delta’s A350-900 aircraft on this route offers among the widest economy seats flying to China at 18.5 inches. The route features morning arrivals in Shanghai, ideal for business travelers and onward connections.

1. Ignoring alternative hub airports Many travelers fixate on Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG) when they could find better deals and connections through Guangzhou (CAN) or Shenzhen (SZX), which often offer cheaper fares from North American cities.
2. Booking during peak Chinese holidays Flights during Chinese New Year, National Day (early October), and other major Chinese holidays can cost up to double the regular fare and are often completely booked months in advance.
3. Choosing tight connections in intermediate hubs When connecting through airports like Seoul (ICN) or Tokyo (NRT), travelers often book minimum connection times without considering potential delays and the extensive security screening required for China-bound flights.
4. Not verifying visa requirements before booking Some travelers book non-refundable tickets without checking China’s strict visa requirements or transit visa rules, particularly when connecting through multiple Chinese cities.
5. Missing the 72-hour check-in window International flights to China require passengers to check in at least 72 hours before departure for document verification, and missing this window can result in being denied boarding.

Air China

Best for: Most extensive route network between North America and mainland China.

Operating from 7 North American cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, Washington DC, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto) with most flights going to Beijing Capital Airport. Known for competitive pricing and direct routes. Economy class offers 32-inch seat pitch and Chinese-style meals with Western options. Passengers rate their service as reliable though not luxurious, with consistent 3.5/5 satisfaction scores.

United Airlines

Best for: Most convenient connections through their extensive US domestic network.

Serves 5 routes to China primarily from their hubs in San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Partners with Air China for expanded reach. Economy cabin features 31-inch pitch seats with personal entertainment systems. Offers standardized service with both Western and Asian meal choices. Passengers appreciate their reliable scheduling and familiar service standards, typically rating flights 3.7/5.

China Eastern

Best for: Value for money with newer aircraft fleet.

Operates from 4 North American cities (Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, and Toronto) mainly to Shanghai Pudong. Features new Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s on most routes. Economy class offers generous 33-inch seat pitch and highly rated Chinese cuisine. Travelers consistently praise their modern entertainment systems and attentive service, earning average ratings of 3.8/5.

Cathay Pacific

Best for: Superior service quality and comfortable layovers in Hong Kong.

Flies from 6 North American cities (Boston, New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver) to multiple Chinese destinations via Hong Kong. Economy class provides comfortable 32-inch pitch seats and high-quality Asian and Western meals. Consistently receives highest passenger satisfaction scores of 4.2/5 for their professional service and overall flight experience.

Regional airline strategy for cheaper China flights

Savvy travelers can save hundreds on flights to China by leveraging Asia-Pacific regional carriers instead of booking direct routes on major airlines. This strategy requires breaking up your journey into segments.

1. Book separate tickets – Find deals to major Asian hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei on mainstream carriers, then book separate regional flights to your final destination in China
2. Target budget-friendly hubs – Airlines like Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, and China United operate extensive networks from Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Taipei Taoyuan at significantly lower prices than direct flights
3. Consider secondary Chinese airports – Regional carriers often fly to smaller cities at better rates than major hubs like Beijing or Shanghai

For example, flying Seattle to Shanghai might cost $1,200 direct. Instead, book Seattle to Seoul ($650) then take a budget carrier to Shanghai ($200), saving $350 even with baggage fees. Key considerations include longer total travel time, separate check-ins, and self-transfer of luggage. Book connections with ample time for immigration and security procedures.

This strategy works best during peak seasons when direct flights command premium prices, potentially saving 20-40% on total airfare.