Can You Fly to China from the USA?

Can You Fly to China from the USA?

This is a question I hear a lot, especially in the last couple of years with all the uncertainty around international travel, COVID-era restrictions, political tensions, and all the headlines that make it sound like flying between the US and China is either impossible or insanely complicated. But the simple answer is: yes, you absolutely can fly from the United States to China. Flights are running, people are traveling, and as of 2025, things are more open and smooth than they’ve been in years. That said, there’s a lot more to the story, and if you're seriously thinking about making the trip, there are some real things to keep in mind.

Let’s start with the basics. As of now, there are direct commercial flights between major cities in the US and several cities in China. For example, you can fly nonstop from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), Seattle (SEA), Dallas (DFW), and even Chicago (ORD) to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and sometimes Chengdu or Xiamen depending on the season and airline schedules. 

The major airlines that typically operate these routes include United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines on the US side, and Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern on the Chinese side. There are also some code-share flights with airlines like Hainan Airlines, XiamenAir, and others. Ticket availability has improved dramatically since the COVID lockdown days, when only a handful of flights were allowed per week under China’s old "circuit breaker" system. That’s all gone now. Things are mostly back to pre-pandemic levels, although the full frequency hasn’t completely returned.

Flight prices? Well, that depends on when you’re going. During peak seasons—like summer, Chinese New Year, or around major Chinese holidays—ticket prices can get steep. We’re talking anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 for a round-trip economy ticket. Off-season? Sometimes you can score deals under $800, especially with early booking or flexible dates. One thing I’ve noticed lately is that more Chinese airlines are offering competitive prices, especially on less direct routes with layovers in cities like Qingdao or Wuhan. If you don’t mind a longer journey, it can save you hundreds.

Now, let’s talk about entry requirements, which is where it used to get tricky. During the pandemic, China had some of the strictest entry policies in the world—mandatory quarantines, daily COVID tests, green health codes, pre-flight testing within 48 hours, and it honestly felt like you needed a small miracle to be allowed in. But here’s the good news: all of that is pretty much gone. As of late 2023 and well into 2025, China no longer requires quarantine, and the PCR testing rules have been scrapped. You still need a valid visa, and that’s something people still get confused about.

If you’re an American citizen and you’re going for tourism, family visits, or business, you’ll need a Chinese visa, usually the L (tourist), M (business), or Q (family visit) visa. China resumed issuing tourist visas again in 2023, and the process is very manageable. You typically apply through your nearest Chinese consulate or through an authorized visa service center. The requirements are pretty standard: passport with at least six months validity, a recent passport photo, completed application form, travel itinerary or invitation letter, and possibly proof of accommodation. Some people report having to submit flight tickets or a hotel booking, though that varies. The turnaround is usually about 4–7 business days unless you pay for express service.

Once you’ve got your visa and your flight, you're good to go. Arriving in China is a fairly routine process now. You land, go through immigration (which can still take time depending on the airport), get your fingerprints scanned, have your passport stamped, and then you’re on your way. No more health declarations, no more quarantine hotels. Just make sure you register your address within 24 hours of arrival. If you’re staying at a hotel, they’ll do it for you. If you’re staying with friends or in a private residence, you have to go to the local police station with your passport and host, which might be a bit of a hassle but it’s the law.

Something to know, though—it’s not just about logistics. Flying to China as an American can be an eye-opening experience. There’s a bit of a culture shock, especially if it’s your first time. Airports like Beijing Capital International or Pudong in Shanghai are massive, modern, and efficient, but the signage may not always be intuitive if you don’t speak or read Chinese. It helps to have translation apps downloaded ahead of time (especially since Google Translate won’t work unless you have a good VPN), and you should definitely download WeChat, because it’s used for literally everything in China—messaging, scanning QR codes, making payments, even booking train tickets.

You also need to be aware of the internet situation. Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many Western media outlets are blocked by China’s Great Firewall. That’s not a myth—it’s a daily reality. If you rely on those tools, you’ll need to set up a reliable VPN service before you arrive, because once you land, it’s nearly impossible to download one.

One last thing: don’t expect much in the way of American-style customer service or airport convenience. Delays are common, communication can be spotty, and things don’t always run on the same “customer-first” mindset you might expect from US-based carriers or airports. But in terms of getting from the USA to China, the route is open, the process is streamlined, and once you know the steps, it’s very doable.

So, can you fly to China from the USA? Absolutely. Thousands of people are doing it every week for business, study, tourism, and family reasons. The skies are open again, the visas are being issued, and while it’s still not quite the same as hopping on a plane to Europe or Mexico, it’s more accessible than it’s been in years. All you really need is a little planning, the right paperwork, and a sense of curiosity—and maybe a VPN.

If you’re thinking about going, don’t let the headlines scare you off. Just do your homework, pack smart, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.