China Eastern Airlines

Pros

• Highly competitive pricing and frequent 'cheap deals' for international travel
• Generous baggage allowances, often including two 23kg checked bags
• Generally lenient enforcement of carry-on weight limits according to some travelers
• Decent legroom and food quality reported on domestic flight segments

Cons

• Official website is frequently described as difficult to navigate or a 'nightmare'
• Customer service can be very hard to reach, often requiring phone calls as the only reliable method
• Flight delays and cancellations are reported as relatively common
• Compensation for issues may only be offered via WeChat Pay or Alipay, which can be difficult for international travelers to access

Caveats

• Strict credit card verification: Passengers may be required to show the physical card used for booking at check-in or face boarding denial
• Routes may fly over Russian/Siberian airspace, which differs from many Western carriers
• Transit through Chinese hubs like Shanghai (PVG) may require specific visa-free transit eligibility or onward flight proof

Best for

• Budget-conscious travelers prioritizing low fares over service
• Passengers traveling with significant amounts of luggage
• Travelers comfortable navigating Chinese payment ecosystems like WeChat or Alipay

Avoid if

• You require a reliable and easy-to-use online booking and management system
• You have tight connections where a delay could cause significant disruption
• You are unable to present the physical credit card used for the original booking