Why I Fly Air China to China (And Why You Should Too)
The smartest way to fly from Europe to China in 2025 — shorter flights, lower prices, and why European airlines are no longer your best option
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Quick Facts:
✈️ Flight Time: 9-11 hours direct (2-3 hours shorter than European carriers)
💰 Typical Price: 500-800 CHF return from Geneva
🧳 Baggage: 2x23kg checked bags included
⭐ Alliance: Star Alliance member
🍜 Meals: Included (Asian and Western options)
👨👩👧👦 Family Verdict: Great value, bring your own snacks for picky kids
As frequent fliers from Switzerland to China, we have flown with many different carriers transfering from different cities. At first we didn‘t think the airline choice matters as much, but we quickly realised that AirChina flights are much shorter on any direct route. Why?
This isn't a coincidence. It's the new reality of flying between Europe and China.
Over the past two years, European airlines have been quietly retreating from China routes. British Airways suspended London-Beijing. Lufthansa cancelled Frankfurt-Beijing. Virgin Atlantic dropped their Shanghai service. SAS ended their Copenhagen route. The list keeps growing.
Meanwhile, Chinese carriers like Air China have been expanding — and they now offer something European airlines simply cannot: the shortest, most direct route between our two continents.
I've flown Air China multiple times with my husband and two young kids, and it is very often a no-brainer choice. Not because it's perfect, but because it makes the most sense for how we travel.
In this post, I'll explain why Chinese airlines deserve your serious consideration — especially if you're flying from Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe — and share what the experience is actually like.
The Europe-China Flight Map Has Been Redrawn
If you haven't booked flights to China recently, you might be surprised by how much has changed.
Here's what happened: Since February 2022, European airlines have been banned from flying over Russian airspace due to sanctions. This forces them to take long detours south — over Turkey, Central Asia, and Mongolia — adding 2-3 hours to every flight to East Asia.
Chinese carriers face no such restriction. They fly the direct route through Siberia, the same route everyone used before 2022.
This might sound like a minor detail, but it's created a massive competitive imbalance. European airlines now burn more fuel, need more crew hours, and spend longer in the air — all of which makes their China routes financially painful to operate. One by one, they've been pulling out.
The result? Chinese carriers now operate over 80% of all flights between Europe and China. For many city pairs, they're simply the only direct option left.
For Swiss travelers specifically: SWISS operates a Zurich-Shanghai route, but good luck finding it under 1,000 CHF. On the same dates, Air China from Geneva to Beijing often costs 500-700 CHF. That's not a small difference when you're booking for a family.
The Flight Time Advantage Is Real
Let me show you what the Russian airspace situation means in practice:
| Route | Air China | European Alternative | Time Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva → Beijing | ~10h 30min direct | 14-16h (one-stop) | 3-5 hours saved |
| Frankfurt → Beijing | ~9h 30min | ~11h+ (before Lufthansa cancelled) | ~2 hours saved |
| London → Beijing | ~10h | 13h+ (before BA suspended) | ~3 hours saved |
| Paris → Beijing | ~10h | ~12-13h (Air France via alternative routing) | ~2-3 hours saved |
When you're traveling with kids, those 2-3 hours matter enormously. It's the difference between arriving tired but functional versus arriving as zombies. It's one less movie you need to keep them entertained. It's less time for someone to have a meltdown at 10,000 meters.
Even traveling solo, arriving 2-3 hours earlier means better adjustment to the time zone, less jet lag, and more usable time at your destination.
Air China's European Network: More Options Than You Think
Air China operates direct flights from over 18 European cities to various destinations in China. Here are the routes most relevant for travelers in Western Europe:
From Switzerland:
- Geneva → Beijing (approximately 4x weekly) — This is our go-to route. It's the only direct flight between Switzerland and mainland China at a reasonable price.
From nearby hubs:
- Frankfurt → Beijing (daily)
- Munich → Beijing (daily)
- Paris CDG → Beijing (daily)
- Milan → Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Wenzhou (31 weekly flights combined — Milan has become surprisingly well-connected)
- London Heathrow → Beijing (daily)
- London Gatwick → Beijing and Shanghai (multiple weekly)
Expanding network:
- Copenhagen upgraded to daily flights in March 2025
- Brussels launching daily Beijing service in March 2026
- Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, Budapest, and Stockholm all have regular service
Once you land in Beijing, Air China's domestic network makes onward connections straightforward. Beijing is their main hub, so connecting to secondary Chinese cities is usually seamless.
What Flying Air China Economy Is Actually Like
I'll be honest with you: Air China isn't Emirates or Singapore Airlines. But I think the reviews online often miss the point. Here's what the experience is really like — the good, the different, and the genuinely annoying.
What I Genuinely Like
Flight time. This must be the number 1 reason why AirChina is our primary choice — it makes a huge difference to be on a 9-10h flight and a 12-13h flight.
Modern aircraft on European routes. Air China uses their newer planes — A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners — on most long-haul European routes. These have decent legroom (comparable to any European carrier in economy), mood lighting, and reasonably comfortable seats.
Star Alliance membership. If you collect miles with United, Lufthansa, or any Star Alliance carrier, you can earn and redeem on Air China. Gold status gets you lounge access too.
Generally punctual. Our flights have departed and arrived on time pretty much every time. Beijing airport operations are efficient.
Competitive pricing. Let's be real — this is why most of us consider Air China in the first place. And the prices genuinely are significantly lower than European alternatives for comparable routes.
The "Different" That's Actually Fine (My Perspective)
The entertainment selection is heavily Chinese. You know what? Good. If you're flying to Asia, embrace it.
On my last flight, I watched three Chinese movies I never would have discovered otherwise — and genuinely enjoyed all of them. It felt like the trip to China started the moment I boarded.
Yes, there are Western movies too, but the selection is smaller than on European carriers. My honest take: most people fly with laptops or iPads loaded with their own content these days anyway. The seatback screen is a backup, not the main event.
The food is... airline food. The meals lean Asian — expect rice dishes, noodles, and Chinese-style preparations alongside a Western option (usually pasta or chicken with potatoes).
Here's my view: economy class food is economy class food, regardless of airline. I've had quite awful meals on Lufthansa, AirFrance and British Airways. The difference is Air China often costs 200-400 CHF less per ticket. That's a lot of sandwiches you could buy at the airport if you're really concerned about the food. But I have never been a plane food snob — I cannot afford flying business and I know what you get in economy is… not great.
Pro tip: If you have dietary concerns, Air China offers special meals — vegetarian, vegan, and other options — that you can pre-order when booking. These are often nicer since they're prepared with higher concern about ingredients.
For families: I always bring backup snacks and a simple sandwich for the kids. Children can be picky about plane food regardless of the airline, and having familiar options reduces stress for everyone. Pick a children‘s meal in the special meals menu — those are usually simple and as all special meals are served first.
The crew's English is functional but basic. They can handle all normal interactions — meal service, requests, announcements — but don't expect lengthy conversations. If you speak any Mandarin, this is a great time to practice.
The Genuinely Annoying Parts
The website and booking systems are frustrating. Air China's online experience feels about a decade behind European carriers. The interface is clunky, and some changes require a phone call rather than online self-service.
When we needed to update our daughter's passport number after booking, we couldn't do it online — it required calling their service center. The call itself was fine and the staff helpful, but it's the kind of thing you'd expect to handle with two clicks on most airline websites in 2025.
That said, our actual bookings and check-ins have worked without issues. It's more annoying than broken.
Beijing airport connections require time and patience. If you're connecting through Beijing to another Chinese city, here's what to know: many European flights land around the same time (early morning Beijing time). This means the passport control queues can be long — expect at least 45 minutes wait.
I recommend minimum 3 hours for international connections, even if the booking shows a shorter connection as possible. You'll go through immigration and navigate between terminals. It's manageable, but not rushed.
The Price Reality
Let's talk numbers. Here's what I typically see when searching for Switzerland to China:
Geneva → Beijing on Air China:
- Low season: 600-700 CHF return
- Peak season (summer, Chinese New Year): 700-900 CHF return
Zurich → Shanghai on SWISS:
- Rarely under 1,000 CHF
- Often 1,200-1,500 CHF in peak periods
One-stop alternatives via Middle East carriers:
- Often competitive on price (600-900 CHF)
- But add 5-8 hours to your journey
For a family of four, the difference between 600 CHF and 1,200 CHF per person is 2,400 CHF. That pays for a lot of hotels and experiences in China.
When to book: I find the best prices 2-4 months before departure. Don't wait until the last minute, but don't book a year ahead either — prices don't drop that dramatically for early bookers.
Booking tip: I often search on Skyscanner to compare prices, then book through Trip.com. They're the main international platform connected to China's travel ecosystem, and they're also where you can book Chinese train tickets for travel within China — essential for most itineraries.
Practical Tips for Your Flight
Seat selection: If you can, choose seats toward the front of economy for slightly faster deplaning in Beijing (helpful when you're facing immigration queues).
Pack in your carry-on:
- Your own entertainment (loaded tablet, book, downloaded content)
- Snacks you actually like
- Comfortable layers (cabin temperature varies)
- Basic toiletries for freshening up before landing
- For kids: activities, familiar snacks, comfort items
Beijing arrival: Follow signs for immigration, be patient in the queue, have your passport and any visa documentation ready. The airport is well-organized once you know where you're going.
Transit without a visa: Beijing offers 240-hour visa-free transit for many nationalities if you're continuing to a third country. This can be useful for adding a Beijing stopover to your trip.
When Air China Might Not Be Right for You
Let me be fair about when you might choose differently:
If you need maximum schedule flexibility: Air China has fewer frequencies than major hub carriers. If your travel dates are rigid and the Air China schedule doesn't align, you might need alternatives.
If you're collecting miles with non-Star Alliance programs: Air China is Star Alliance, so it won't help your OneWorld or SkyTeam status.
If premium cabin experience is your priority: For business class, other Chinese carriers like Hainan Airlines often review better. Air China business class is comfortable but not exceptional.
If you need extensive English support: For travelers who want more hand-holding throughout the journey, a European carrier might feel more comfortable (though you'll pay significantly more for that comfort).
If you prefer night flights: many of AirChina flights are daytime flights leaving the departure city shortly after noon. This means you don‘t get the benefit of sleeping through the flight and when you get tired they already start serving breakfast. On the way to Europe, flight are often sometime between 1-3a.m. making it also a more tiring journey.
Other Chinese Carriers to Consider
Air China isn't your only Chinese option:
China Eastern: Strong network from Shanghai, serves many European cities. Similar value proposition to Air China.
China Southern: Based in Guangzhou, good for connections to southern China and Southeast Asia.
Hainan Airlines: Often rated the best Chinese carrier for service quality. Their business class is excellent. Smaller European network but worth checking for your specific route.
All Chinese carriers benefit from the same Russian airspace advantage, so the flight time savings apply across the board.
The Bottom Line
The Europe-China flying landscape has fundamentally shifted. Chinese carriers aren't just "an option" anymore — for many routes, they're now the most practical choice.
Air China gives me what I value most: direct flights, shorter journey times, and affordable prices. The experience won't win any luxury awards, but it's comfortable, reliable, and gets my family to China without breaking the budget.
The website is annoying. The entertainment skews Chinese. The food is airline food. But I save 2-3 hours in the air, several hundred francs per ticket, and I arrive fresher than I would on a longer routing.
For me, that math works every time.
Ready to plan what you'll do once you land? Check out my guides to Beijing and other incredible destinations across China. The flight is just the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air China safe? Yes. Air China is China's flag carrier and maintains safety standards equivalent to major international airlines. They operate modern aircraft and have a solid safety record.
Is food included on Air China? Yes, meals and drinks are included on all long-haul flights. You can also pre-order special meals (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) when booking.
Can I transit through Beijing without a Chinese visa? Many nationalities can use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy if you're continuing to a third country within that window. Check the specific requirements for your nationality.
Is Air China part of a frequent flyer alliance? Yes, Air China is a Star Alliance member. You can earn and redeem miles with any Star Alliance partner airline.
How early should I arrive at Beijing airport for connections? I recommend minimum 3 hours for international connections. Many European flights arrive around the same time, leading to longer immigration queues.
Can I choose my seat in advance? Yes, seat selection is available when booking and during online check-in, though some seats may require an additional fee.
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Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
