China Eastern Airlines Check-in Options
How do I check in when travelling on a China Eastern Airlines flight?
You can check in for a China Eastern Airlines flight via:
- Online check-in Check in directly from the airline’s official website
- Airport kiosk check-in Check in and print your boarding pass
- Airport counter check-in Check in directly at the airport
China Eastern Check-in Time
When should I check in for my China Eastern Airlines flight?
China Eastern Airlines check-in times vary, depending on how you check in—and from which city. If you decide to check in at an airport counter, it is recommended that you reach the airport 150 – 45 minutes before departure, depending on your departure city and route.
- China Eastern Online Check-in Time
When can I check in online for my flight?
The online check-in time at China Eastern Airlines depends on your route, as shown below:
- International flights (except U.S./Canada). From 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure.
- From the United States and Canada. From 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
- Domestic flights within China. From 48 hours to 45 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
- From Harbin Airport, China. From 9pm before the departure date to 45 minutes before departure.
Note
You must:
- Go through the airport security checkpoint at least 40 minutes before departure.
- Complete the boarding procedure at least 15 minutes before departure, but 20 minutes before departure at Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao) and Beijing Capital Airport.
- China Eastern Kiosk Check-in Time
You can check in at an airport kiosk (where available) within the following timelines:
- International flights (except U.S./Canada). From 2.5 hours to 90 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
- From the United States and Canada. From 2.5 hours to 90 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
- Domestic flights within China. From 2.5 hours to 45 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
Note
Be sure to:
- Go through the security checkpoint at least 40 minutes before departure.
- Board your flight at least 15 minutes before departure (20 minutes if you’re departing from Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao) and Beijing Capital Airport).
- China Eastern Airport Counter Check-in Time
You can check in at an airport counter within the following timelines:
- International flights. From 2.5 hours to 60 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
- Domestic flights within China. From 2.5 hours to 45 minutes before departure, unless indicated otherwise.
China Eastern Airlines Online Check-in
China Eastern Airlines Online Check-in Process
| Route | Online Check-in Time |
| International flights (excluding the U.S. and Canada) | 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure, unless stated otherwise |
| From the U.S. and Canada | 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure, unless stated otherwise |
| Domestic flights within China | 48 hours to 45 minutes before departure, unless stated otherwise |
| Harbin Airport, China | From 9pm before the flight’s departure date to 45 minutes before departure |
You can web check-in for your China Eastern Airlines flight through the airline’s website as explained below:
- Go to the homepage, CEAir.com
- Scroll down to the Check-in section as shown above
- Enter the following information in the boxes:
- Your Order Number/Ticket Number
- Your First, Middle, and Last Name
- Your Passport Number/ID Number
- The verification code shown on the page
- Click on the Check-in button
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your check-in
- Download and print your online boarding pass
Note. If you don’t have a printer at home, you can print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or check-in counter (as long as you have a valid form of identification).
On the day of departure:
- Check in your baggage at the check-in counter at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Clear the security checkpoint at least 40 minutes before departure.
- Go through the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before departure
(20 minutes if you’re departing from Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao) or Beijing Capital Airport. - For international flights, be sure to get your travel documents checked at the check-in counter.
- If your airport does not support online check-in, check in at the airport counter.
- If you’re unable to catch your flight after checking in, you must cancel your check-in online at least 60 minutes before your flight’s departure.
- To change a seat after checking in, request the check-in counter staff for assistance.
- To check in online, your travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return.
Exceptions. If you require special assistance at the airport, you will not be able to check in online—you must check in at the airport counter.
China Eastern Airlines Kiosk Check-in
How to check in at a China Eastern Kiosk
You can use an airport self-service kiosk to:
- Check in for your flight
- Print your boarding pass
- Select a seat
- Pay for excess baggage
- Manage your frequent flyer points.
| Route | Kiosk Check-in Time |
| International flights (excl. U.S./Canada) | 150 – 90 minutes before departure, or as stated on your ticket |
| From the U.S. and Canada | 150 – 90 minutes before departure, or as stated on your ticket |
| Domestic flights within China | 150 – 45 minutes before departure, or as stated on your ticket |
| Note To avoid missing your flight, you must: • Clear the security checkpoint at least 40 minutes before departure. • Complete the boarding formalities at least 15 minutes before departure (20 minutes if you’re flying out of Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao) and Beijing Capital Airport). | |
China Eastern Airlines Airport Counter Check-in
How to check in at a China Eastern Airlines check-in counter
All passengers with a confirmed booking can check at an airport counter, including those who are not comfortable checking in online or at a self-service kiosk. When checking in at the airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure to avoid last-minute delays.
The check-in counters are open from:
- 2.5 hours to 90 minutes before departure for most international flights.
- 2.5 hours to 45 minutes before departure for most domestic flights within China.
To avoid boarding denial, you must:
- Go through security at least 40 minutes before departure.
- Complete boarding formalities at least 15 minutes before departure, but at least 20 minutes before departure if you’re departing from Shanghai (Pudong, Hongqiao) or Beijing Capital Airport.
Note
Per China Eastern Airlines:
- The waiting time for checking in at most airport counters is:
- 18 minutes for Economy Class
- 7 minutes for Business Class
- 5 minutes for First Class
- Paying for excess baggage at the airport typically takes 5 minutes.
- Returning a ticket typically takes 10 minutes of waiting time.
China Eastern Airlines Boarding Process
The boarding procedures for international and domestic flights start and end differently.
- For international flights, boarding can start 2 hours before departure and end 45 minutes before departure.
For domestic flights, boarding can start 90 minutes before departure and close 30 minutes before take-off.
Frequently Asked Questions on China Eastern Airlines Check-in
No, you will need to check in at an airport counter.
Only passengers holding confirmed E-Tickets are allowed to check in online.
Yes, you can, check in up to 3 passengers online if they’re in the same booking as yours.
Yes, you can. You must check in your baggage at least 90 minutes before departure at the China Eastern Airlines airport check-in counter.
If you’re travelling on an international flight, you must go to the check-in counter, get your travel documents checked, and obtain your boarding pass.
You must print your online boarding pass on a regular letter-sized/A4 paper, as other sizes or textures will not be accepted.
If you don’t have a printer to print your online boarding pass at home, you can receive a printout at a self-service kiosk or a check-in counter (at least 90 minutes before departure) after you present your travel documents.
If you’re unable to print your online boarding pass even though you’re eligible for it, check your browser settings, network, and/or printer. If the problem persists, you will need to check in at the airport counter at least 90 minutes before departure and collect your boarding pass.
If you lose your boarding pass, check in at the airport check-in counter at least 90 minutes before departure along with your travel documents and request a duplicate boarding pass.
If the boarding gate number is not mentioned on your online boarding pass, it is because it wasn’t assigned when you checked in. You will need to check out your flight information from the TV monitors or contact the ground staff for assistance.
You must reach the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time, along with your travel documents. Your travel documents will be checked at the boarding gate, so do ensure all documents are in order or you may be denied boarding.
Can I change my seat after I check in online?
Yes, you can. Request a China Eastern Airlines staff member at the check-in counter for a seat change.
If you can’t board your flight after checking in online, you must cancel your check-in at least 60 minutes before your flight’s departure. You can do this online or by phone through Customer Service. Remember, you can cancel an online check-in up to 3 times and no more.
Yes, you can—as long as you don’t cancel more than 3 times.
If you’re unable to check in online even though you’re eligible for it, check your browser settings, network, or printer and try again. If you’re still unable to check in, you will have to check in physically at the airport counter at least 90 minutes before departure, along with your travel documents.
If you want to cancel your return online check-in, you must do it at least 60 minutes before departure—either online via the airline’s website or by contacting Customer Service.