The China Teaching Web

I was not happy as I watched a tube of gel, a glass container of cologne, and a bottle of shampoo that belonged to me get unceremoniously dumped into a trashcan as I passed through security recently at a Chinese airport. I guess I should have known better. It was just that I had flown other times in China and I had never been subjected to such a level of scrutiny. Fortunately, I had another tube of my precious gel in the left pocket of the same bag; apparently that failed to show up on their TV screens.

While the Tibetan uprisings and the Beijing Olympics may have brought tighter security to airports across China this year, flying is definitely the preferred method of transportation in this big country. Traveling by airplane is also the safest way to travel from point to point in China. Unfortunately, just like any other country, the price of an airline ticket in China will definitely lighten your pocketbook.

Fortunately, there are ways to save some serious cash especially when you book your tickets a month or more early and you watch out for certain times of the year when heavy discounts are offered. Ask your friends to tell you when discounts are most frequently available.  

The best way to book a ticket in China is online. I have used both eLong and 9588.com to buy airplane tickets to various locations in China. These two companies provide mostly e-tickets which make it very easy for you to purchase tickets and pick them up at the airport as you depart. Usually, the prices on these two websites are nearly identical. The first price that you are quoted, however, may not be accurate as all travelers must pay a fuel and tax surcharge.

Once you are in the Chinese airport waiting for your flight to depart, it is extremely important to pay close attention to announcements. Most airports in China provide announcements in both Mandarin and English but just like any airport in the world, it is easy to miss gate changes or flight rescheduling information. If you are ever in doubt, you should try to find an information desk where you can usually make an inquiry in English.

Once you have boarded the airplane, you will find that your flight experience is just like flying in any other country. You will be shown how to fasten your seatbelt and what to do in case of emergency. Depending on the length of the flight you will be given beverages and food and perhaps have the opportunity to enjoy an inflight movie. You will discover that many of the Chinese stewardesses can speak English so all of your needs should be taken care of.

Have you flown recently in China? Let us know about your experience and tell us what to expect. Leave a comment below.

Robert Vance and TeachAbroadChina.com have no affiliation with Elong or 9588.com and make no guarantees regarding these two services.