How to Check In for China Eastern Airlines: Step-by-Step Guide

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Check in for your China Eastern Airlines flight

Getting to your next adventure is a breeze! With China Eastern Airlines (MU), you can easily book non-stop flights from major Australia cities to top destinations across China, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Most international journeys connect seamlessly through the bustling Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

to Shanghai
to Guangzhou
to Beijing
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Facts About China Eastern Airlines

As a proud member of the SkyTeam alliance, China Eastern connects you to the world through codeshare and partnership flights. Plus, with the exciting launch of a new Virgin Atlantic codeshare partnership in January 2024, your travel options are more expansive than ever!

China Eastern Airlines makes getting ready for your trip a breeze with a variety of check-in options, including online, mobile, airport counter, and self-service kiosks. Whether you prefer the convenience of your phone or the personal touch of a counter agent, there's a method to suit every traveler. Read on to discover everything you need to know about checking in with China Eastern Airlines, from timelines and required documents to baggage rules and handy tips for a smooth journey!

Airline name
China Eastern Airlines
Airline code
MU
Airline type
Full service carrier (FSC)
Airline alliance
SkyTeam
Based on Trip.com Historical Data

How to Check In for China Eastern Airlines Flight?

How to Check In

Best For

Availability

Online Check-in

Travelers who value their time

48 hours before departure (24 hours for US/Canada routes)

Mobile Check-in

Digital nomads

Available routes

Checking In at the Airport Counter

International travel & special circumstances

All airports

Self-Service Kiosks

Domestic flights

Choose your airports

Can You Check In for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight on Trip.com?

Can You Check In for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight on Trip.com?

white airplane on mid air Via Unsplash (by John McArthur)

Absolutely! You can easily check in for your China Eastern Airlines (MU) flights booked through Trip.com using our "Smart Check-in" feature, or head directly to the official China Eastern website with your booking details in hand. Just keep in mind that availability can vary depending on your departure city and route. For some flights or airports, you might still need to stop by an airport counter or self-service kiosk to print a physical boarding pass before heading through security. It’s always a good idea to double-check the check-in options for your specific route on the official China Eastern website before you head to the airport.

When Can You Check In Online for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

Your China Eastern Airlines Boarding Pass

Make Sure You’re Ready to Fly: Don’t Miss the Online Check-in Window for China Eastern Airlines

Flight type

Online Check-In Is Now Open

Online Check-In Is Closing

Domestic flights

48 hours before departure (24 hours for US/Canada routes)

45 minutes before departure

International flights

48 hours before departure

60 minutes before departure (times may vary by route)

What You Need for China Eastern Airlines Online Check-in

⚠️ Heads up: Online check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 60 minutes before departure for international and regional flights. To ensure a smooth start to your journey, please complete your check-in well ahead of these deadlines!

  • Ticket number
  • Passenger name
  • Passport details

How Do You Get Your Boarding Pass After Checking In Online for China Eastern Airlines?

  • Grab your digital boarding pass—available as a PDF or mobile version—and you're all set for takeoff!
  • Print your boarding pass from the comfort of home!
  • Need a fresh copy of your boarding pass? Simply head over to an airport kiosk to print it out!

⚠️ Heads up! For many international flights, you'll still need to swing by the airport to pick up a physical boarding pass before you head to your gate.

🎁 Search for flights with China Eastern Airlines, book your perfect stay in China, and grab a fast China eSIM for your trip!

Why Should You Use Mobile Check-in for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

Mobile check-in is perfect for:

  • Paperless boarding passes
  • Get to your flight details in a flash
  • Travelers traveling with carry-on luggage only

⚠️ Heads up! Some international airports don't accept mobile boarding passes, so it's always a good idea to double-check before you head out.

⚠️ Important: Heads up! At many airports, even if you've already checked in online or via mobile, you may still need to stop by an airport kiosk or check-in counter to print a physical boarding pass before heading to security. Be sure to check the official China Eastern Airlines website for a list of airports where a printed boarding pass is required so you can breeze through your travel day!

When to Arrive at the Airport for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

Getting Ready to Fly? Here’s Your Guide to Airport Check-in for China Eastern Airlines

Get Your Trip Off to a Great Start: Arrive Early for a Smooth Check-in on Your China Eastern Airlines Flight

Flight type

Recommended arrival time

Domestic flights

Make sure to arrive at least 2 hours before your departure so you can start your journey stress-free.

International flights

To ensure a smooth start to your trip, please arrive at least 3 hours before your departure.

What You’ll Need for Your China Eastern Airlines Airport Check-in

  • Passport (for international flights)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Government-issued ID (for domestic flights)
  • Booking confirmation or e-ticket

Here’s How Baggage Drop Works After Checking In with China Eastern Airlines

  • Head over to the baggage drop counter
  • Airline staff weigh and tag your luggage, getting you one step closer to your next adventure!
  • Pick up your baggage receipt
🎁 Search for flights with China Eastern Airlines, book your perfect stay in China, and grab a fast China eSIM for your trip!

Everything You Need to Know About China Eastern Airlines Baggage Allowance

📏 Carry-on baggage dimensions: Whether you're flying in any cabin class, you're welcome to bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg, with maximum dimensions of 20×40×55 cm. If your bag exceeds these limits, it will need to be checked in.

Cabin Class

Checked baggage

Carry-on baggage

Economy

1–2 pieces (international); Flexible/Standard fares may allow for 2 pieces

1 piece up to 8-10 kg (max dimensions: 20×40×55 cm)

Business

Increased allowance

1 piece up to 10 kg (max dimensions: 20×40×55 cm)

Domestic

20 kg (weight-based, domestic Economy)

1 piece up to 10 kg (max dimensions: 20×40×55 cm)

Want to Breeze Through Check-in for Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

Get ready for smoother travels! JFK Airport's exciting new Terminal 6 is officially on track to open its doors in 2026.

Give yourself plenty of time and arrive at JFK Airport early to kick off your trip stress-free!

  • For a smoother start to your journey, try to check in online as early as you can!
  • If you can, try traveling with just a carry-on!
  • Get your documents ready ahead of time
  • Make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare

How to Choose the Best Seat on Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

How to Choose the Best Seat on Your China Eastern Airlines Flight?

A commercial jet soars through a bright blue sky, showcasing aviation power. Via Pexels (by Suhas Hanjar)

  • Check in early to unlock a wider selection of seats!
  • Keep an eye on seat maps regularly
  • Unlock exclusive perks by joining China Eastern Airlines' loyalty programs

Shanghai Hotel Recommodations

Shanghai Hotels

5 star

9.3/10Very Good11553 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, right on the pedestrian street, so you can go shopping and dining as soon as you step out. I'll definitely choose to stay here again next time I'm in Shanghai. The hotel service was also great; they enthusiastically upgraded my room, and I could even see the 'Three-Piece Suit' (Lujiazui skyline) from there, which was really nice.
FromUS$ 150
9.5/10Outstanding6734 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from downtown
This hotel is really, really good! The location and service are both top-notch! I hesitated a lot because it was a bit pricier than I expected (it was National Day, so there was a premium), but it was truly the best choice I made! First, the accommodation! It was clean and the view was amazing. I arrived early for check-in and asked if they could give me a room with a good view. They found me the best view room comparable to the one I paid for 😆 Next, the location! Nanjing East Road and People's Square are right in front, which was great for tours (many meeting points are at People's Square) and shopping. Plus, many famous restaurants (hot mala ban on social media, Lu Xuxu butter cakes, crab roe and shrimp dumplings, milk tea, etc.) delivered, and a robot brought the food to my door, allowing me to try a variety of dishes. It saved so much time, it was amazing! The staff's service was also excellent. They helped with my luggage and were incredibly kind. Thank you! Oliver and Riley are the best! I'll definitely come again.
FromUS$ 185
9.6/10Excellent8550 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from downtown
We had a fantastic stay and were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The staff were exceptionally warm and attentive, always even greeting us at the door, opening doors and checking cars for belongings left behind after long shopping trips. The hotel has a beautiful, luxurious atmosphere, with excellent facilities including a very well-equipped gym and separate men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms as well as a pool and hot tub. There is also an onsite spa opened till 2am! The ‘This Works’ bathroom toiletries in the rooms were a lovely touch and smelled wonderful. Breakfast was outstanding, with an impressive selection and freshly prepared omelettes, steamed buns and pancakes. The English-speaking staff were also incredibly helpful throughout our stay and provided great recommendations of places to see and where to eat close by. The location is excellent, within easy walking distance of Nanjing Road and the Bund. Overall, a beautifully presented hotel with genuinely excellent service — we would happily stay here again and am glad we chose to stay here as there are an overwhelming amount of choices available but we feel we made a great choice!
FromUS$ 210
9.3/10Very Good5067 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from downtown
This hotel exudes an old-money charm. I booked a night at the Garden Hotel for a staycation, just to switch things up. It's a classic for a reason – the location is unbeatable; it's a leisurely 15-minute stroll back from the Shanghai Culture Square. Not to mention the stunning large lawn and the gorgeous Art Deco interiors. The service was excellent across the board, the pool was great for a swim, and breakfast offered the usual five-star Chinese and Western options, plus the Garden Hotel's special Japanese breakfast 😎. All in all, a very satisfying stay.
FromUS$ 147
9.4/10Outstanding9956 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from downtown
Overall, it was a very comfortable stay—an understated, reliable five-star hotel. The biggest highlight was the location; having the subway and train station right next door made getting around completely hassle-free, yet it was surprisingly peaceful without the typical hustle and bustle of a transit hub. The room was well-maintained, and the bedding had just the right firmness to instantly relieve the fatigue of travel. The service hit the sweet spot: not overly attentive, but any request was handled promptly. I also managed to check out the heated pool, which was quiet and serene; heading back to the room to rest afterward left me completely relaxed. It is a great choice whether you're traveling for sightseeing or just need a place for a short stopover. All in all, a solid five-star experience.
FromUS$ 120

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Business travel

9/10Good2622 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from downtown
You can't beat the location – right in the heart of Nanjing West Road, bustling outside, yet quiet inside. The hotel is all-suite, with the smallest room being 62 square meters, offering separate living and sleeping areas, so space is definitely generous. Each suite comes with a kitchen (induction hob, microwave, etc.) and a washer-dry dryer, which is incredibly practical for long stays or dealing with the rainy season. The hotel's design has an old Shanghai charm, but it's not overly fussy; the Art Deco details are very appealing. Rooms are comfortable, and the restaurant is pleasant. There are reliable dining options nearby, and it's convenient for business meetings. The gym is outsourced to a chain brand, so the equipment is better than typical hotel gyms; there's also a pool for a relaxing dip. The terrace offers expansive views, perfect for an evening drink. Overall, the facilities are practical and impressive. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Shanghai.
FromUS$ 186
9.5/10Outstanding9465 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from downtown
I originally booked a small family room with no windows through the platform. When checking in, the front desk staff offered us a breakfast discount and a room upgrade. The breakfast for 3 people for 2 days was essentially half price, and we were upgraded to a much larger family suite with windows! The stay was excellent – it was clean, tidy, spacious, and had great natural light and ventilation. Plus, the room number they gave me happened to match my baby's nickname, which was a fun coincidence. The breakfast over the two days had different dishes each time, and it was tasty with a good variety. It felt like great value for money. From the elevator lobby in the hotel, you can see the Shanghai 'Four-Piece Set' (iconic skyscrapers), and it's very close to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, The Bund, and Yu Garden/Chenghuang Temple. When we checked out, they even gave us a small gift of face cream. This is definitely a hotel I'd choose again.
FromUS$ 194
9/10Good8786 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from downtown
Located in Hongkou District, it's a bit far from the Bund, but transportation is convenient. 1. You can see the 'three-piece suit' of Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower, even if it's just a glimpse. It's truly beautiful, especially at night. The open-plan suite has a comfortable layout. 2. The desk flipping open to reveal a vanity mirror is a huge plus. 3. The ceramic jar next to the bed for charging cables is very unique. 4. The welcome snacks have a distinctive Shanghai flavor. They even gave a fridge magnet of a Shanghai landmark at checkout, but I have to complain that it doesn't stick well. I suggest changing the type; this is a minor flaw.
FromUS$ 143
9.2/10Very Good3771 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from downtown
The Westin Bund Center is a five-star hotel with an excellent location. It's within walking distance of Yuyuan Garden Metro Station, Yuyuan Tourist Mart, the Bund waterfront promenade, and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. The hotel is adjacent to the Bund Center, whose lotus-shaped roof acts like a crown for the hotel, giving it a grand and recognizable exterior. The lobby atrium is a design highlight, featuring a 26-meter-high glass ceiling and a glass 'sky escalator' connecting the first to fourth floors, seamlessly integrating natural light – it's absolutely beautiful. The Lobby Lounge, located in the atrium, is surrounded by palm trees and flowing water, evoking a Southeast Asian vibe. It subtly encourages visitors to pause, enjoy the scenery, chat, and sip tea – truly a delightful way to live. While the guest rooms aren't huge, their overall layout is well-planned and facilities are comprehensive. The Heavenly Bed is truly captivating; the soft, delicate, clean, and skin-friendly bedding enhances a deeply immersive dream. Three floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic city views – the more you stay, the more you'll love it! The Stage restaurant offers a bountiful buffet breakfast, with both Chinese and Western options. The omelets are shaped like egg dumplings and taste great, the croissants are quite good, the tofu pudding is delicious, and the latte coffee is also pleasant. We didn't get to try the Chinese restaurant as it was hosting a wedding banquet. The hotel also has a full range of fitness equipment and an indoor heated swimming pool. It's a truly joyful experience to relax and unwind here.
FromUS$ 244
9.2/10Very Good5700 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.9km from downtown
An absolutely wonderful stay! I spent three nights at Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai, and it was truly one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Everything was excellent — the cleanliness, the location, the service, and the overall atmosphere. The staff were very kind, professional, and welcoming, which made my stay even more enjoyable. I would like to sincerely thank the entire team for their excellent hospitality. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Shanghai, and I would definitely come back again. Thank you for making my stay so memorable! ❤️ Guys guys guys this hotel is unique 💞
FromUS$ 198

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Breakfast

9.5/10Outstanding10322 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from downtown
Had a fantastic National Day trip! The hotel's environment is great, and the stay was very comfortable. The room was tidied up perfectly, and there were thoughtful complimentary fruits and red wine. The scenery is lovely, and it's super cool down in the pit. The light show at night with the drone display was truly breathtaking 😆. Finally, a big thanks to our butler Bruce for his attentive service, promptly answering all my questions. I'd love to come back for a second visit! 😍😍😍
FromUS$ 214
9.4/10Outstanding2385 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from downtown
The Junting Hotel (Wujiaochang Branch) is conveniently located, just a 300-meter walk from Exit 10 of Metro Line 10. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making the area very lively. The hotel lobby is small, but the rooms are great, spacious, and the bedding is quite comfortable. The hotel also offers complimentary late-night snacks. Overall, recommended!
FromUS$ 86
9.2/10Very Good512 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from downtown
Location: Conveniently situated, directly accessible from Hongqiao Railway Station underground, after passing through the complex, so there's no need to go above ground to find it. Dining and other amenities are also easily accessible. Hygiene: Satisfied, quite clean. Facilities: Well-equipped, though the air conditioning was a bit difficult to adjust. Service: A big commendation to the front desk duty manager who answered the phone and handled my issue on the evening of March 13th. There was a slight problem with my room type upon check-in, and the duty manager resolved it promptly and with a sincere attitude. Very satisfied!
FromUS$ 83
9.3/10Very Good1790 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from downtown
This hotel boasts an incredible design aesthetic, with a lobby that exudes an artistic vibe. Its location is super convenient, right next to MixC shopping mall and very close to the subway. The room was spotlessly clean, the mattress was comfortable, and the toiletries felt high-quality. The staff were friendly, and both check-in and check-out were seamless. There's also a common area with a lounge bar, perfect for relaxing or getting some work done. With tons of dining and shopping options nearby, it's ideal for both business trips and short stays. Overall, the experience was fantastic and well worth a return visit.
FromUS$ 28
9.7/10Excellent1950 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|8.21km from downtown
A true hidden gem in this modern high-rise. The hotel is in the same building as the Novotel – specifically, Citadines occupies floors 15 to 18. The check-in experience is an absolute 10/10: the team is incredibly welcoming, offering coffee, tea, and small pastries, plus there's a very pleasant coworking space. The rooms feel like compact studios with a kitchenette: microwave, washing machine, dryer, a full-sized fridge, and lots of storage. The bed and pillows are supremely cozy, and the shower… just wow! The water pressure is outstanding – truly a delight. The door goes from floor to ceiling, so steam from long, hot showers stays inside the bathroom. The sink area is a little tight, but perfectly fine for one or two people. Special shout-out: the magnifying mirror and the Japanese toilet – a real touch of luxury that I thoroughly enjoyed. This time was just a long weekend, and we had a fantastic, relaxing stay. The only small drawback: the metro is about 1 km away, maybe slightly farther. But the value for money is so excellent that what you save on the hotel more than covers a taxi ride. In fact, I had a 6:00 am train from Hongqiao and pre-ordered a Didi – it took just 15 minutes door to door, which was incredibly convenient for me. Considering how reasonable the price at Citadines already is, the Didi cost felt like nothing. That sealed the deal for me. This is my third time staying here, and it remains my go-to place in Shanghai. Highly recommended – I'll be back again soon.
FromUS$ 53

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FAQs about China Eastern Airlines Check-in

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Zora

Zora

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Hi, I am Zora from Shanghai, I've explored many spots across China, and also taken me further abroad including Australia, Malaysia, Finland and so on. For me, travel is about connecting deeply with each place. As a true travel enthusiast, I love diving deep into all the travel hacks, from booking secrets and ride-hailing discounts to travel promotions. I'm here to share every trick I know, guaranteed to help you save big and travel smart. Let's explore the world cleverly together!

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China Eastern Airlines Check in