More Airlines Operating Direct US-to-China Flights

Boeing 777-300ER, China Eastern Airline

With the passenger volume between North America and China continuing to grow, airlines have taken note and are increasing their offerings, with more direct flights between the U.S. and China than ever before. 

Passengers who previously had to transfer in China’s larger cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, to get to other Chinese airports are finding more options, such as the China Eastern Airlines non-stop route from Los Angeles to Nanjing (which starts June 30). 

In Q3 2015, China’s “Big Four” carriers – Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Hainan Airlines – will operate 2,028 flights between the two countries, while American carriers will run a combined 1,853 flights during the same period, according to the Center for Aviation.

Air China recently added new flights to China from Hawaii and Houston, and increased the flights between LA and Beijing to 21 a week. 

China Southern opened two new routes, New York to Guangzhou and San Francisco to Wuhan, and has plans for direct flights between San Francisco and Guangzhou. 

China Eastern will expand its U.S. routes on its new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and Hainan is opening three new routes, including San Jose to Beijing, as well as Shanghai to San Francisco and Shanghai to Boston. 

U.S. airlines are also increasing their flights to China, such as American Airlines’ new daily route from Beijing to Dallas.

Efforts to make getting to China easier, such as the new 10-year visas for Americans and Canadians, and the 72-hour visa-free transit policy in 14 Chinese cities, pair nicely with the new flight routes, making visiting this iconic destination more convenient.