7 Best Airlines to Fly to China in 2025

To serve travelers with air transportation needs, numerous airlines provide connectivity to China. Cathay Pacific is considered to be the best airline to fly to China. It offers premium and convenient flights to this region. In addition to it, it has its hub located in Hong Kong.

Hence, this air operator takes off frequently to numerous cities within this country. However, some others, including United Airlines, Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, also operate flights to and from here.

They are considered the top choices due to different aspects like affordability, frequency, in-flight services, etc. With these, fliers can reach the intended location safely and comfortably, too.

7 Best Airlines That Fly Direct to China from the USA

Located in Asia, China invites travelers from all over the world. All year round, several airlines connect individuals to this country. The routes served by them are direct as well as connecting. To save time, the first preference of most travelers is getting a flight route with no stopover. Alternatively, some air operators offer premium services but have one or two layovers in the total journey.

Airlines Flying Directly to China from the USA

Some of the top-rated carriers that fly directly to China are United Airlines, Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. These carriers are well-known for their wide network, on-time procedures, and comfortable services to make long-haul flights a positive experience.

1. United Airlines

United Airlines is the best airline to fly to china

To Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu in China, United Airlines operates flights from the USA. In Shanghai, the arrival airport used is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Here, the flights depart from the major cities of the USA, including San Francisco.

The departure airport used in the journey is San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The time for the shortest route is approximately 14 hours.
The ticket fare’s starting price is $ 1,123.
It can be booked on the Basic Economy travel class.
However, to get premium services, other travel classes can be booked, including:
- Economy
- Economy (with an option of refunding)
- Premium Economy
- Business

2. Air China

Air China is the best airline to fly to china

To get flights directly to Beijing in China from the United States of America, Air China can be opted for. Apart from this city, no other location in China has the facility of arriving directly. This carrier has its hub in the capital city, Beijing, of the country. This is at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Nonstop flights from various US cities arrive at this airport daily, including:
- Los Angeles
- New York
- San Francisco
- Washington DC
The departing airfields utilized for this purpose are:
- Los Angeles International Airport or LAX
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- San Francisco International Airport/SFO
- Washington Dulles International Airport, or IAD

3. Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines is the best airline to fly to china

To the airports in Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing in China, Hainan Airlines offers direct flights from the specific cities of the USA. These American cities are Los Angeles and Seattle. Here, it operates frequent flights. Hence, this air operator is one of the best airlines to fly to China from the U.S. As of now, only 3 routes are there for which direct flights are flown with this carrier from America to this country. The routes are:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)

4. China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is the best airline to fly to china

For budget-conscious travelers, China Eastern Airlines is a good option to go with. Apart from wide network coverage, it offers cheap tickets to travelers for the same routes. Also, it offers plenty of baggage allowance to them. Since it is a Chinese-based airline, it has its hub in Shanghai. Hence, the airport used for arriving flights from the USA is Pudong International Airport (PVG).

At PVG, flights from major US cities arrive, including:
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Chicago
In terms of baggage allowance, China Eastern Airlines is one of the best carriers.
It provides 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Because of low fares, in-flight entertainment options are limited

5. China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is the best airline to fly to china

In terms of flying to China from the USA with direct flights, China Southern Airlines is a good choice to go with. It offers affordable tickets to passengers, along with good service quality. Through its hub in Guangzhou, Guangdong (China), it manages flights from major cities in America.

One of the destinations served by this carrier in the USA is Los Angeles.
Here, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is used as the departure airfield.
Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the arrival point.
The time taken for the shortest itinerary is approximately 15 hours.
However, the cheapest fare availed to flyers is $597 for this travel.

Airlines Flying to China from the USA With a Stopover

Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are among the top carriers flying to China from the US with one or two stopovers. Along with catering to travelers with the best in-flight services and comfort, they are also well-known for serving them during layovers, too. Their hub airports are among the most highly ranked, offering exceptional stopover experiences. Hence, for the flyers demanding a lavish experience before and during their trips, these air operators can be preferred.

6. Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is the best airline to fly to china

With one mandatory stopover in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is the most suitable airline to fly to China from the USA. All flights have to stop in this city. Here, Hong Kong International Airport, or HKG, is used for the same reason. Following it, they are departed to their respective arrival airport. The Cathay Pacific headquarters is also located in the same city. Hence, in case of any query/issue, it can be visited.

In the USA, Cathay Pacific flights from the following cities can be booked to China:
- Dallas
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- New York
After having a layover in Hong Kong, flights to these arrival airports can arrive:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in Shanghai
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou

7. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is the best airline to fly to china

For flyers who want to experience a world-class layover, they can book Singapore Airlines. Besides having the best cabin crew, they cater to their passengers with the best comfort, gourmet dining, and the best-in-class entertainment while flying. Additionally, the hub used as the stopover, Singapore Changi Airport, is consistently ranked among the world’s best airfields.

From the USA, flights from these cities are flown with Singapore Airlines to China:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
To these cities in China, flights can be booked to:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Chengdu
- Chongqing
Geographically, the shortest route is from SFO in San Francisco to TFU in Chengdu.
The longest route is from EWR in New York to CKG in Chongqing.

To conclude, fliers heading to China from the USA have a wide range of airline options. If they prefer direct flights to save time, United Airlines, Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines are good to fly with. However, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific can be booked for connecting flights to have maximum comfort.