China Express Airlines

What China Express allows today

On China Express Airlines, the baseline is straightforward: pets (cats and dogs) are generally not accepted in the cabin, while properly crated pets may travel in the temperature‑controlled hold as special checked baggage on eligible flights. The key exception is for trained assistance animals: guide dogs and other service dogs may travel in the cabin at no charge, provided they are harnessed, well trained, and documents are in order. Space for animals in the hold is limited and subject to aircraft type, seasonal conditions, and station capability, so you’ll need to request approval in advance and wait for confirmation. Because rules may evolve quickly within China’s domestic market, and differ by route, it’s wise to confirm acceptance with G5 at least 48 hours before departure and again on the day of travel.

Carriers, sizes, and weight limits

For hold transport, your pet must travel in an IATA‑compliant, hard‑sided kennel with a secure metal door, ample ventilation, and space to stand, turn, and lie down naturally. Food and water containers must be attached inside and accessible from outside, with an absorbent lining on the floor; cable‑tie the door after inspection and label the kennel with your name and contact details. As a working rule used by many Chinese carriers and reflected in G5’s handling guidance, the kennel’s total size (length + width + height) should not exceed about 203 cm (80 in), and the combined weight of pet and kennel should be within 32 kg (70 lb); larger or heavier setups usually must go via cargo. Regional aircraft and peak‑heat periods can trigger tighter limits, so if your kennel is near these thresholds, discuss options with the airline before you book. Only one animal is typically accepted per kennel; pregnant, nursing, or very young animals are not permitted.

Paperwork and health rules

For domestic China itineraries, you’ll need the original Animal Quarantine/Health Certificate issued by the local Animal Health Supervision authority, usually dated within 7 days of travel, plus a Rabies Vaccination Certificate showing a shot administered at least 30 days prior and still valid on the travel date. Pets must be healthy, clean, and at least 8 weeks old; sedation is discouraged because it can increase in‑flight risk. International connections introduce extra layers: a microchip (ISO 11784/11785), official veterinary health certificate (often within 5–10 days of arrival), and import permits depending on the destination. For service dogs in the cabin, carry training/qualification proof, vaccination records, and ensure the dog can remain at your feet without blocking aisles. Always bring the originals—photocopies are rarely accepted at Chinese airport checkpoints.

Fees, breed limits, and route restrictions

Expect a special‑handling fee for pets in the hold, calculated per kennel and commonly based on weight and route; it’s collected at the airport and doesn’t count toward your free baggage allowance. China Express may embargo pets during extreme temperatures or on routes without appropriate ground handling, and flights have a per‑flight quota—book early. Only cats and dogs are accepted; snub‑nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) are frequently restricted due to elevated breathing risk, and many carriers in China decline them entirely during warm months. Birds, reptiles, rabbits, and rodents are not accepted as checked baggage. If your trip involves another airline or a codeshare, every carrier on the itinerary must approve the animal, and the strictest rule will apply.

How to prepare for a smooth trip

Think of this as a team effort between you, your vet, and the airline. Crate‑train your pet for at least a week so the kennel feels familiar; schedule a light meal 4 hours before check‑in and provide water without overfilling bowls. Choose flights with fewer connections and milder temperatures, arrive at the airport early for document checks, and keep a calm, unhurried routine your pet can mirror.

• Pre‑flight checklist: IATA‑compliant kennel and fasteners, absorbent bedding, water/food cups, copies and originals of health and rabies certificates, contact labels, a small leash (not left inside the kennel), and a photo of your pet for identification.

If plans change, call the airline rather than assuming acceptance can be shifted to a new flight—animal space doesn’t automatically rebook. And because policies do evolve in China’s domestic market, keep an eye on updates and re‑confirm details with China Express 24–48 hours before departure. With the right paperwork, a compliant kennel, and realistic expectations about fees and limits, you and your companion can navigate G5’s process smoothly.

Age categories on G5 flights

For China Express Airlines (G5), your child’s age is calculated on the day of travel, not at booking. An infant is under 2 years old and may travel on your lap or in a purchased seat. A child is from 2 years up to (but not including) the 12th birthday and must occupy their own seat. An adult is 12 years and older for fare and check‑in purposes, which can surprise families moving up from child to adult pricing. Bring proof of age—passport for international routes and, for domestic China travel, a household registration document or other government ID—since staff may ask to verify eligibility.

Seats and tickets for infants

Most families choose the lap‑infant option, which uses a special infant ticket and a supplemental loop belt provided by the crew during cruise as directed; it’s simple but not the safest choice. Buying a separate seat for your infant lets you install an approved child restraint, offering the most secure setup during turbulence and giving you both more space. Only one lap infant is permitted per accompanying adult; if traveling with two babies, the second infant must have their own seat with an approved restraint. Certain rows—like exit rows, and any seat with an airbag seatbelt—are not suitable for child restraints, and cabin crew may reseat you for safety. On regional aircraft commonly operated by G5, oxygen‑mask positions can limit the number of lap infants in a row, so seat assignments sometimes shift at the gate.

Baggage for little travelers

When a child has their own seat, their carry‑on and checked baggage generally mirror the allowance of the fare you purchased, so the rules for your ticket type apply to them too. Lap infants typically do not receive a separate checked baggage allowance, but a small diaper bag with essentials is usually accepted in the cabin as part of the adult’s allowance. Strollers and car seats are commonly checked free of charge and do not count against your standard baggage, though size and handling vary by airport. If your fare is a "no‑checked‑baggage" deal, plan to travel light and confirm fees in advance. Always check your e‑ticket receipt for the exact allowance, especially on itineraries involving partner airlines, where the most restrictive rule can apply.

Strollers, bassinets, and child restraint devices

Compact strollers can often be taken to the aircraft door and gate‑checked; fold them before boarding and attach a name tag so they find their way back to you on arrival. Dust covers or padded bags help protect wheels and frames in the hold, and it’s wise to keep fragile accessories in your cabin bag. On arrival at smaller regional stands, strollers are typically returned at the aircraft door, but sometimes they appear on the baggage belt—listen for crew instructions.

China Express Airlines (G5) is a regional specialist connecting secondary and emerging cities across China. If you’re wondering how loyalty works on these routes, the first thing to know is simple: as of the latest public information, China Express does not operate a standalone frequent flyer program. There’s no G5 account to join, no published status tiers, and no native mileage currency to collect. That may sound limiting, but you still have smart ways to earn and redeem through partners, bank points, and codeshares. Think of G5 as the operating carrier that can fit into a broader rewards strategy you already use.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

China Express Airlines does not publish its own membership tiers, so there’s no direct path to elite status with G5. Instead, status qualification typically runs through a different airline’s program when your trip is ticketed under that airline’s code and happens to include a G5‑operated segment. In those cases, your flown miles and any tier points are governed by the marketing carrier’s rules, not by G5. Alliance‑wide recognition is limited because G5 itself is not part of a global alliance. For certainty, always confirm accrual eligibility for your exact fare class before you buy, as some codeshare fares do not earn.

Earning miles or points

Without a proprietary program, the most reliable way to “earn” on G5 flights is to attach a frequent flyer number from the marketing carrier when your itinerary includes a G5‑operated leg. If the ticket is sold under another airline’s code, miles generally post according to that airline’s accrual chart for your fare class; a pure G5 ticket typically won’t earn. When airline accrual isn’t available or attractive, consider earning bank or travel‑portal points by booking through a credit card portal or a major online travel agency that rewards purchases—those flexible points can later fund flights across many airlines. Keep receipts and boarding passes until credit appears, since regional segments may require manual claims. It can also be worth pricing both a pure G5 ticket and a partner‑marketed option; paying slightly more for a codeshare can be justified if it unlocks mileage credit and better protections.

Redeeming rewards and upgrades

Because there’s no G5 mileage currency, you can’t redeem “G5 miles” for award seats or upgrades. Instead, redemptions follow the program where you earned: some frequent flyer programs allow mixed‑carrier awards that include a G5‑operated segment when the ticket is marketed by their airline, though availability and rules vary and may be limited. If that route isn’t viable, using bank points through a travel portal to purchase G5 cash tickets is a practical, often predictable‑value alternative. Upgrades on G5 are usually offered as paid options at check‑in or online rather than via miles. Non‑flight rewards (hotels, rail, shopping) will come from your bank or partner program ecosystem, not directly from China Express.

Fleet at a glance

As of late 2024, China Express Airlines (G5) runs a tightly focused regional fleet built around the Bombardier (MHI RJ) CRJ900 and the domestically produced COMAC ARJ21-700. The airline fields roughly 60–70 aircraft, with the CRJ900 still operating the bulk of daily flights across western and central China. A growing sub‑fleet of ARJ21 jets is joining each season, pushing the average fleet age downward while preserving the 90‑seat niche the airline favors. The small CRJ200s that launched G5’s story have been retired, and there are no widebodies or long‑haul aircraft in the lineup.

This two‑family strategy keeps pilot training, maintenance, and spares logistics efficient, which is especially valuable on short sectors with quick turns. For you, it means cabins that feel familiar from route to route and schedules built on frequency rather than sheer size. While exact counts shift as deliveries arrive and older frames cycle out, the direction is clear: more modern ARJ21s alongside mission‑proven CRJ900s. In practice, you’ll most often board a CRJ900 today, with an increasing chance of stepping onto a new ARJ21 tomorrow.

Aircraft types and cabins

The workhorse CRJ900 typically flies with about 86–90 seats in a single‑class, 2‑2 layout—no middle seats anywhere. Seat pitch generally sits around the low‑30‑inch range, tuned for one‑ to two‑hour hops, and the compact cabin speeds boarding and deplaning. Overhead bins can be snug on CRJs, so roller bags may be gate‑checked during peak flights; soft bags fit more easily. You’ll notice tall windows and a relatively quiet cruise, traits that pair well with the hot‑and‑high airports common in the southwest.

The newer COMAC ARJ21-700 brings a slightly wider cabin and a different feel: five‑abreast seating in a 2‑3 layout, usually totaling around 90–95 seats. Some aircraft may feature a small forward comfort zone, but G5 generally prioritizes efficient all‑economy configurations to keep utilization high. The ARJ21 introduces updated lighting and larger bins, plus performance designed for China’s interior climate and terrain. If you prefer to avoid the middle seat on the ARJ21, choose the two‑seat side; on the CRJ, every row is a two‑and‑two by default.

• CRJ900: 2‑2 seating, no middle seats; overheads are tighter—be ready to gate‑check larger rollers.
• ARJ21-700: 2‑3 seating; pick the two‑seat side to avoid the middle; bins are roomier.
• Power availability can vary by tail, so carry a charged power bank just in case.
• For a quieter ride on both types, seats forward of the wing are typically best.

Flying within China on China Express Airlines (G5), you’ll find the onboard food and drink designed for short regional schedules. Most flights are under two hours and the airline predominantly operates a single‑class economy cabin, so service is streamlined and consistent. Expect practical, packaged options that travel well, with an emphasis on getting you something small to enjoy without slowing the flight. Here’s what that looks like in practice—and how to plan ahead.

What’s served on board

On very short sectors (roughly under 75–90 minutes), crews typically offer a beverage service—bottled water, hot tea, and sometimes juice—paired with a packaged snack such as a biscuit, nut mix, or small cake. On flights closer to 90–150 minutes, you may see a slightly broader snack selection and a second beverage pass when time permits. Because many regional aircraft have limited galley equipment, service is built around shelf‑stable items; it’s generally not a full hot meal. Overnight and very early departures may be limited to water and a simple snack.

Service is largely the same throughout the cabin because G5’s domestic flights are typically single‑class. Seating choices (like extra‑legroom rows) do not change the food offering, only your space and boarding priority.

Dietary accommodations and allergies

Given the snack‑based service and compact galleys on CRJ/ARJ‑type aircraft, a formal special‑meal program (VGML, GFML, KSML, etc.) is limited or unavailable on most routes. If you keep vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, or gluten‑free diets, plan to bring your own food. It’s wise to contact China Express customer service at least 48 hours before departure to ask what’s stocked on your specific flight—availability can vary by route and aircraft.

For allergies, crews cannot guarantee a nut‑free environment or the absence of cross‑contact. Carry necessary medication, keep it accessible, and inform the crew once seated so they can advise you on the items served. When packing your own food, remember security rules: liquids over 100 ml won’t pass screening, so opt for solid, sealed snacks.

Beverages and alcohol

Non‑alcoholic choices typically include bottled water, hot tea, and occasionally juice; coffee availability can vary by aircraft and route. Expect one main beverage round on short sectors, with refills time‑permitting.

, and consuming your own alcohol onboard is not permitted under CAAC regulations. If alcohol appears on a particular route (for example, beer during a longer daytime sector), treat it as an exception rather than a guarantee.

What to expect onboard with G5

China Express Airlines (G5) focuses on short‑haul, regional flying across China, and the onboard experience reflects that mission. You’ll find practical cabins—especially on the CRJ900 fleet, with some Airbus A320 family aircraft in the mix—designed for efficiency rather than gadgets. Expect a straightforward setup with no seatback screens and, on most aircraft, no overhead video beyond safety information. A simple in‑flight magazine may be available in the seat pocket, offering route maps and light reading, though availability can vary by aircraft and season. As always, equipment and amenities can change, so treat this as a helpful guide and confirm details with the crew if you’re unsure.

Types of entertainment you’ll find

Because there’s no built‑in IFE system, the classic categories—movies, TV series, curated music channels, or onboard games—aren’t provided as a formal library. Your “programming” will be self‑guided: reading, podcasts, and shows you bring along, plus the underrated pleasure of the window view. Cabin announcements (primarily in Mandarin, with English on some routes) provide flight updates and destination information rather than entertainment. Think of the experience as quiet, minimal, and distraction‑free, which can be a welcome break for catching up on a book or a downloaded playlist. If you’re traveling with kids, plan a few offline activities ahead of time to keep the flight smooth.

Access and using your own devices

There isn’t a wireless portal for streaming, so access is entirely through your personal phone, tablet, or laptop. Download what you want to watch or listen to before boarding, and keep devices in airplane mode for the duration of the flight. Power outlets and USB ports are not guaranteed on G5 aircraft, so start with a full charge and consider a small power bank. For compliance with Chinese aviation rules, carry power banks in your cabin bag only and ensure the capacity is clearly labeled (commonly up to around 100 Wh is accepted). Bluetooth headphones are generally fine at cruising altitude when the crew permits, but bring a wired backup just in case instructions differ on the day.

Cabin and class differences

China Express typically operates single‑class cabins on its regional jets, and entertainment provisions are the same for everyone. On any aircraft that may feature a small premium or extra‑legroom section, there’s no separate entertainment system or exclusive content—just more space. That means your preparation strategy doesn’t change by seat: the best experience still comes from what you bring. It’s an even playing field, which makes planning simple.