If Race Across the World has got you going a bit crazy for China (same here), then you might be wondering how to get there. We got our heads together with our aviation nerds here at Netflights HQ to find you the best airlines for flying to China based on availability from UK airports, direct routes, Skytrax ratings, and – most importantly – the on-board experience.

With hubs in Beijing, Haikou, and Xi’an, Hainan Airlines has gained popularity with us Brits over the last few years. The only mainland Chinese airline to hold the Skytrax 5-Star Airline rating (it was voted the number 1 airline in China for 2024!), they offer direct routes to China from multiple UK airports.

Economy Class comes with a decent 31-33 seat pitch, and you’ll get a little amenities kit with all the usual suspects, including a blanket. Your dining options will lean a little more to Asian taste – think lots of noodles, stir-fried beef, and rice – but there’s more international options too, like omelettes and mushroom risottos. The in-flight entertainment leans more towards Chinese customers too, so there’s plenty to help you brush up on your Mandarin before touch down – don’t worry though, there’s still a strong selection of international shows and films for you to make your way through too.

On some 787-9 planes, you’ll be able to upgrade to Premium Economy where the seating is separated from the rest of the cabin for a little bit of that lovely exclusive feeling, and there’s more space between rows for extra cat stretches. There’s also an expanded dining menu for you pick from, an upgraded entertainment system, and – one of the best bits, we reckon – you get to use the Business Class loos.

These are the best airlines for flying to Asia

Business Class on Hainan Airlines means lie-flat seats and memory-foam pillows (including a turn-down service), as well as handy USB ports and amenity kits by Rituals with lip balm, face moisturizer, and hand cream, as well as eye masks, earplugs, and socks. Hain Airlines actually won the 2024 SKYTRAX Best Business Class Airline Onboard Amenities award. You’ll dine on bone china and proper cutlery, and their one of the few airlines to offer 4 course meals. Before you board, you’ll have access to their partner lounges when flying from the UK – for example, if flying from London Heathrow you can make use of the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge.

Network

A mix of domestic strongholds as well as international destinations makes Hainan Airlines especially handy if you plan to travel further within China, as they currently serve 77 domestic destinations within the country, including Sanya, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. From the UK, there’s currently direct connections to both Haikou and Beijing.

Which UK airports does Hainan Airlines fly from?

They have a strong UK presence, with flights available from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh. As of May 2025, there’s a direct service to tropical Haikou from London Heathrow, and they also currently offer the only direct route to Beijing from Edinburgh. Previously there’s been a direct service to Beijing from Manchester, but this is currently paused – we’ll let you know when it comes back!

This way for cheap flights with Hainan Airlines

Economy Class offers a clean and comfortable ride, with seats on their newer aircraft (like the A350 or 787 Dreamliner) clocking in around 32 inches of pitch and 17–18 inches of width. The in-flight entertainment system is available in seatbacks with a decent selection of English-language movies, Chinese blockbusters, and international hits. Meals are hot, substantial, and usually Chinese-western fusion – think rice or noodles with a protein, plus salad, dessert, and drinks, including beer or wine. Amenities in Economy usually include a basic kit with an eye mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush. Cozy, if not flashy.

These are the best airlines for flying to Australia

In Premium Economy – available on select international routes, including London to Beijing and China – you’re treated to a noticeable step up. Seats are wider and recline deeper, and there’s a leg rest to elevate the whole experience (literally). The entertainment screen is larger than in Economy, and you get noise-reducing headphones instead of those plastic-y earbuds. Dining here comes with upgraded presentation too: real cutlery, proper crockery, and an expanded meal selection. Expect better wines and sometimes even a pre-meal drink service. Amenity kits here are more robust – think slippers, lip balm, and a pouch you might actually reuse.

Then there’s Business Class, where China Southern really gets to show off – especially on their flagship A380s and 787s. You’re greeted with warm towels and welcome drinks, and your lie-flat seat comes with direct aisle access on most aircraft. The in-flight entertainment gets a 15-inch+ screen, noise-canceling headphones, and a sleek interface with multilingual options. Dining is on-demand with gourmet choices – Chinese delicacies (think abalone or congee for breakfast), Western favourites, and an international wine list that includes Champagne and Baijiu for the brave. Amenity kits by Salvatore Ferragamo include moisturizer, eye cream, and even cologne. Pajamas are sometimes handed out on ultra-long-hauls.

Network

Currently, China Southern operates several direct routes between the UK and China, including to Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as less frequent services to cities like Wuhan, Zhengzhou and Shenzen.

Which UK airports does China Southern fly from?

You’ve got a few options – London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted – although London Stansted doesn’t currently offer flights to Beijing.

This way for cheap flights with China Southern

One of China’s ‘Big Three’ airlines, Air China’s got an extensive network that allows for a lot of one-stop departures from UK airports, as well as a bunch of direct routes too to cities like Beijing and Shanghai. A Skytrax 4-star airline, and ranked number 8 for China, they deliver a solid (if a bit on the no-frills side) experience with a touch of local culture thrown in for good measure.

In Economy Class there’s a standard 31-33 inch seat pitch on offer, and they come with USB ports on newer planes. The in-flight entertainment system features a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, Chinese cinema, and international flicks (often Korean, Japanese, and European). The selection is solid but not Netflix-deep, so pack a backup show or audiobook just in case you’re not in the mood for Fast & Furious: Beijing Drift.

A step up from Economy is Premium Economy, where you’ll gain a good 5 inches of pitch, with more width and recline as well. You’ll get a footrest and headrest, a larger entertainment screen, and a handy little storage nook for your bits and bobs. The dining options are the same as in Economy, but you’ll get to dine on proper cutlery. Oh, and you’ll get priority boarding too.

When it comes to Business Class, on most of their long-haul aircraft (like the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350), you’re getting lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2-2 or 1-2-1 configuration. Expect power outlets, USB ports, a side table, and enough storage for your gadgets. You’ll get some snazzy slippers, but no PJs. In terms of dining, you’ll enjoy a mix of Chinese and international cuisines, as well as French wines, with white linens and proper cutlery.

Network

China Air offers several direct routes from the UK to major Chinese cities, including London Heathrow to Beijing, London Gatwick to Beijing, and London Gatwick to Shanghai. They also offer the only direct UK-China route to Chengdu, operating three times a week, also from London Gatwick.

Which UK airports does Air China fly from?

At the moment, Air China only flies from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

This way for cheap flights with Air China

Whilst Emirates currently only offer flights to China via their hub in Dubai, it can be worth the longer journey time for two reasons: they fly from more UK airports than most Chinese airlines, and they offer a more luxurious flight experience. If it’s the finer things you’re after when flying, then you might want to opt with an airline like Emirates instead because flying with these guys is a little bit like stepping into a luxury hotel in the sky.

Starting from the back of the plane, Economy Class is surprisingly roomy, with ergonomically designed seats, generous recline, and adjustable headrests. Each seat is fitted with a 13.3-inch touchscreen powered by their award-winning ICE entertainment system, offering a whopping 6,500+ channels of movies, music, and games – plenty to distract you from your own existential musings at 35,000 feet. Meals are regionally inspired and served with metal cutlery (because you’re a grown-up), and you’ll get a choice of wine or spirits even in the back row. Amenity kits with socks, eye masks, toothbrushes, and earplugs are sometimes provided on longer routes too, which is handy.

The airline’s newest baby, launched in 2021 and slowly rolling out across its A380 fleet, Premium Economy is the Goldilocks zone of air travel: not quite First-Class glam, but miles above Economy. The seats are generously sized -about 19.5 inches wide with up to 40 inches of pitch. Think cream leather with elegant woodgrain accents, as well as calf and leg rests, a deeper recline, and six-way adjustable headrests. Oh, and you’ll get a proper fold-out dining table too. Expect multi-course meals served on Royal Doulton china. Wines are curated, and yes, you still get bubbly. Amenity kits vary by route but often include socks, eye masks, and essentials like lip balm and toothpaste. Plus, a plush pillow and blanket come standard.

What happens if you miss a flight?

Move up to Business Class, and you’re entering a different realm entirely. Think lie-flat beds with plush duvets and mattress toppers, direct aisle access (on the A380 and newer 777s), and a privacy level that says, “I’m on a business trip, but I’m not here to network.” The ICE system gets an even bigger screen – up to 23 inches – with noise-canceling headphones and a touchscreen tablet remote so you barely have to lift a finger (unless it’s to raise your privacy divider). Dining is à la carte, plated restaurant-style with fine china and linen, and you can order a meal whenever you feel peckish. Champagne? Of course. Snacks? Available at the bar on the A380, where you can mingle, sip cocktails, and pretend you’re in a Bond film. Amenity kits include Bvlgari skincare products and pajamas on overnight flights.

Then there’s First Class. Emirates’ First is less “premium travel” and more “luxury space capsule.” Private suites with sliding doors, leather seats that convert into fully flat beds, and lovely ambient lighting. The ICE system is maxed out with a 32-inch screen, a minibar at your seat (stocked with soft drinks and water), and yes, you can video call the crew from your suite if pushing the call button is too much effort. Dining is an on-demand, fine-dining experience with everything from caviar to Arabic mezze. On the A380, you get access to the shower spa – actual hot showers in the sky, with fluffy towels and luxury toiletries. The amenity kits? Leather cases filled with Bvlgari and Byredo products, and if you look faintly jet-lagged, someone will probably offer you a warm towel, dates, and a smile that says, “You’ve made it.”

Network

Emirates’ network is massive, but when it comes to China you can reach three different major cities from multiple UK airports – Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou – all via their hub in Dubai.

Which UK airports does Emirates fly from?

If you’re heading to China, you can fly out of London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh – all offer in-direct flights, via Dubai, to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

This way for cheap flights with Emirates