Air China
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Air China is generally viewed as a functional, budget-friendly option for long-haul travel, but it is frequently criticized for poor customer service and a frustrating digital infrastructure. While the in-flight experience is often described as standard or average, users report significant difficulties with online check-in, ticket verification, and managing bookings made through third parties.
Pros
- Competitive pricing for direct long-haul routes
- Generous baggage allowance (often 2x23kg for international flights)
- Decent in-flight food and professional crew for standard operations
- Lenient enforcement of carry-on size and weight limits reported by some
Cons
- Extremely difficult customer service regarding refunds and cancellations
- Unreliable website and app (issues with foreign passports and SMS verification)
- Inability to manage bookings or select seats online if booked through a third party
- Limited English-language in-flight entertainment options
- Frequent failures of the online check-in system
Caveats
- Security at Chinese transit hubs is very strict regarding electronics like power banks and speakers
- Flight cancellations may be attributed to vague 'Air China reasons' with little recourse
- Expect long physical check-in lines as a result of digital system failures
Best for
- Budget-conscious travelers on long-haul routes
- Passengers with significant luggage requirements
- Direct flights to major Chinese hubs
Avoid if
- You require reliable online booking management or digital check-in
- You are traveling with multiple high-capacity power banks
- You want a wide selection of Western entertainment
- You are concerned about responsive support during flight disruptions
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 18-month half-life. The evidence comes from 30 mentions in r/travel with a median age of approximately 190 days.
Sentiment
7 positive (23%) · 6 mixed (20%) · 17 negative (57%)
Trust + time weighted score: -38% · raw score -33%
What redditors said (10 of 30)
I actually could add my number and create an account, but as I read online, they seem to have an issue with foreign documents and passports. They did not accept my passport even if i NFC scanned it or sent a photo.
I can't get Air China to verify my ticket.
Nothing to complain, it is inferior to Korean air or Emirates, but on par with northern American Airlines.
Flyed Air China multiple times. Its a good one.
They suggested I buy a new ticket myself, and only *after* I finish the trip would they consider refunding the original one. But here is the catch: Economy is now sold out. They told me I have to buy a Business Class ticket at my own expense, but they would only refund me the price of my original, cheap Economy fare.
I’m sharing this nightmare experience hoping for advice or simply to warn others about Air China’s current customer service standards.
When I asked what *kind* of proof they expected me to provide for a verbal conversation I didn't have, they literally said: 'We don’t know, but you need to prove it.'
They cancelled my entire trip without my consent. Even worse? They didn't even follow the policy they quoted: they processed a refund of only €71 for a full international booking!
Turns out I have ended up with a super economy ticket with Air China from Hong Kong International, transferring at Chengdu Tianfu and arriving into Milan Malpensa.
My first transiting through China, those BASTARDS took my two power banks and my bluetooth speaker. Just told me, “You can’t have these.”
Compare
Air China vs Virgin AtlanticAir China vs All Nippon AirwaysAir China vs Changi Airport
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