As shown in these search results for Narita-Colombo flights, China Eastern Airlines flights via Chinese cities are unusually cheap compared to direct flights.
When planning international travel, have you ever found airline tickets that are surprisingly cheap? Particularly when using China Eastern Airlines via Chinese cities, you can sometimes reach your destination for half the price of a direct flight, or occasionally even as low as one-fifth of the cost. While this appears to be an attractively affordable option at first glance, you may have seen online reviews saying things like “China Eastern Airlines is sketchy.” In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the reasons behind these astonishingly low prices and important points to note when actually using the airline.
Why is China Eastern Airlines Abnormally Cheap?
The cheap tickets from China Eastern Airlines might seem suspicious at first, but several factors contribute to this pricing strategy.
1. Government Support
The Chinese government provides various forms of support to boost the international competitiveness of its domestic airlines. This includes fuel subsidies and tax benefits. This government backing allows China Eastern Airlines to operate at lower costs than other airlines, resulting in cheaper fares.
2. Labor Cost Differences
Labor costs in China remain lower compared to those in Western countries and Japan. This applies to the aviation industry as well. With lower costs for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, the airline can keep its operating costs down.
3. Hub Airport Strategy
China Eastern Airlines uses Shanghai as its main hub. By concentrating many flights through Shanghai, they can operate more efficiently and reduce costs. Additionally, increasing the number of transfer passengers improves seat occupancy rates, reducing the cost per seat.
4. Economies of Scale
China Eastern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in China. With numerous routes and a large fleet of aircraft, they benefit from economies of scale. For example, they can reduce costs through bulk purchases of fuel and aircraft.
5. Long-term Market Strategy
China Eastern Airlines’ low fares can also be seen as part of a long-term market strategy. They may be prioritizing market share expansion over immediate profits, aiming for future growth.
6. Relationship with Russia
China Eastern Airlines flights boldly cross Russian airspace even in the current global situation
Currently, due to deteriorating international relations with Russia, airlines from Japan and many Western countries are not permitted to fly over Russian airspace, forcing them to take significantly longer detour routes. This increases expenses such as fuel and labor costs, making airfares higher. However, carriers from China, which maintains cooperative relations with Russia, are allowed to pass through Russian airspace, making their airfares relatively cheaper.
Is China Eastern Airlines Reliable? The Reality of Safety and Quality
China Eastern Airlines flights are so cheap it makes you wonder about their quality
Beyond affordability, you’re probably concerned about safety and comfort too. Let’s look at the reality of China Eastern Airlines by examining accident history, online reviews, and incorporating the author’s personal experiences.
Safety
China Eastern Airlines is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and meets international safety standards. It also operates under strict Chinese government oversight.
The most recent major accident was the crash of flight MU5735 in March 2022. However, excluding this incident, there have been no reported passenger fatalities in the past 20 years. According to Aviation Safety Network (ASN) data, China Eastern Airlines’ safety record is comparable to that of major airlines worldwide.
Service Quality
Based on online reviews and the author’s experience, the service quality of China Eastern Airlines is generally rated from “average” to “good.”
In-flight Meals
The quality of in-flight meals seems to vary depending on the route and aircraft. Long-haul international flights tend to receive higher ratings, with options like Japanese and Chinese cuisine being appreciated. On shorter flights, meals may be more basic.
While the in-flight meals are relatively simple, I personally enjoy the Shanghai stir-fried noodles
Cabin Crew Response
Cabin crew members are frequently described as “kind” and “polite” in many reviews. However, there are variations in English proficiency, with some travelers reporting communication difficulties.
Cabin Facilities
Long-haul flights often use relatively new aircraft with well-equipped entertainment systems. However, some aircraft may have older facilities, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
Punctuality
According to FlightStats data, the on-time arrival rate in 2022 was approximately 80%, placing it in the middle to lower range among major global airlines. The airline is reportedly susceptible to delays due to congestion at major Chinese airports and adverse weather conditions.
Customer Service
Customer service generally receives positive reviews. In the author’s experience, when a domestic connecting flight was missed due to train delays, the airline arranged an alternative flight at no extra charge, demonstrating flexibility. Online reviews also praise their responsiveness to schedule changes.
However, language barriers can sometimes slow down problem resolution.
Overall Online Review Assessment
Combining reviews from various travel sites and forums, China Eastern Airlines is often described as offering “good value for money.” In particular, many reviewers note that the quality of service exceeds expectations given the low price.
On the other hand, there are negative comments about “inconvenience during transfers,” “language barriers,” and “occasional delays.” These issues can be attributed to the Chinese airport system and the fact that the airline is still in the process of internationalization.
I’ve also written a detailed flight report in a separate article, which I encourage you to check out as well.
Points to Note When Using the Airline
When using China Eastern Airlines, the following points should be kept in mind:
1. Long Travel Time: Routes via China often take longer. A journey that might take 10 hours on a direct flight could take over 30 hours with connections.
2. Visa Requirements: If your connection time in China exceeds 24 hours, you may need a transit visa.
3. Language Barriers: English is not widely spoken at Chinese airports. It’s helpful to learn some basic Chinese phrases.
4. Risk of Delays: Chinese airports are often congested, with a relatively high risk of delays. It’s advisable to plan your schedule with some flexibility.
Summary
China Eastern Airlines’ budget-friendly fares result from a combination of government support, efficient operational strategies, and long-term market positioning. Regarding safety and service quality, they meet international standards and many users rate them as “better than expected.”
However, there are important considerations such as longer travel times, language barriers, risk of delays, and variations in cabin facilities and meal quality.
Even considering these disadvantages, if significant savings can be achieved, using China Eastern Airlines is certainly worth considering. For those with flexible schedules who enjoy new experiences, it can be an attractive option.
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