Flights to Tibet from China Mainland and Nepal

For all domestic and foreign tourists, it is necessary to have a certain knowledge of the regulations on baggage. Tibet Odyssey Tours offers the following baggage guides for your reference.

According to the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, all passengers’ luggage must undergo the security check.

The passengers' free baggage allowance (including carry-on baggage and checked-in baggage)varies according to the class of the ticket. You can refer to the following table:

Electronic products containing lithium batteries can only be carried around, and the battery capacity should not exceed 160Wh. Lighters, sticks, controlled knives and other restricted articles are prohibited to carry. Other knives, liquids and excess baggage can only be checked. If your baggage weighs heavier than the maximum weight allowed, you need to pay a penalty. The staff will stick a note on your boarding pass and you can pick up the baggage with this note. Please do not leave immediately after receiving the note. You shall wait for the broadcast to confirm your baggage has been successfully checked before entering the waiting area and waiting for boarding.

From Air China,only for reference.

Excess Baggage Charges

Each airline has its own policy for excess baggage charges. If your baggage is overweight, you’ll be charged for the the extras. And you will need to fill in the excess baggage receipt. Usually, you need to pay 1.5% of the economy class fare (RMB) per kilogram.

Prohibited items

According to the Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China and international regulations, the following items are prohibited from being carried or placed in checked-in baggage:

Dangerous goods:

1. Explosive materials, gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidants and organic peroxides;

2. Toxic, infectious, radioactive, corrosive substances;

3. Lithium battery (mobile power / Charge Pal);

4. Guns (including any invasive weapons such as simulated guns and gun-like lighters, except gym fitness equipment);

5. Weapons, police equipment, and controlled knives;

6. Living animals (except for small animal and guide dogs);

7. Other restrictive items.

The following items are not recommended to be checked in:

Important documents, stocks, money, drafts, jewelry, precious metal products, silver items, valuables, antiques and paintings, fragile or damaged goods, perishable goods, samples, and travel documents.

Restricted items

The following goods can only be transported with the carrier's consent.

1. Precision instruments, electrical appliances, etc. should be transported as cargo. If you want to check in such items, you shall pack them properly. And the items are not included in the free baggage allowance.

2. Fitness equipment. For example: sports guns and ammunition;

3. Small animals (pet cats or dogs)and guide dogs;

4. Diplomatic credit and confidential files;

5. Folding wheelchair or electric wheelchair;

6. Tools other than control knives, such as kitchen knives, fruit knives, table knives, etc;

7. Dry ice, liquid beverages, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, liquid cosmetics and daily necessities.

You are welcome to contact the airline prior to boarding to confirm that whether the items can be transported and how many items you are allowed to carry.

How to check in your baggage:

According to the relevant regulations, you need to decide whether your baggage needs to be checked. Do not put any prohibited items in your baggage lest you be get in additional troubles.

You shall arrive at the airport early and check in at the counter of the airline operating your flight. The staff will weigh your baggage and conduct a security check. After landing, you should claim your baggage according to instructions.

Please note:

Travel suitcases, bags, handbags and other items must be locked;

Two or more packages cannot be bundled together;

No other items can be attached to the baggage;

Bamboo baskets, mesh bags, straw ropes, woven bags, etc. can be used as outer packaging materials;

The passenger's name, detailed address, telephone number, etc. should be indicated on the baggage.

For baggage that does not meet the packaging requirements, the airline has the right to refuse to carry and doesn’t bear the responsibility for damage.

If your baggage does not arrive in time, or is damaged, you can complain at the baggage service counter. For more information on compensation and appeal, please contact the airline as soon as possible.

You can also call the airline service hotline for further assistance.

Foreign tourists can book air tickets from Beijing to Lhasa through ticketing platforms or ticket agents. It is not recommended to buy the tickets on the official website by yourself, cause you will be required to present your Tibet Entry Permit. Normally, the permit can be issued only 7 days before your tour to Tibet.

Actually, different people may have different reactions. In fact, when a person raised up to an altitude of 3,000 meters or above will more or less have the symptoms of altitude sickness, which has nothing to do with the way of entering Tibet. Take a plane into Tibet only takes a short period, the person's mental state will be better, can quickly adapt to the altitude of the plateau. However, take the train entering Tibet, takes longer, and the person may get tired relatively from the long distance trip. Yet, the advantage of entering Tibet by train is during the trip, the altitude rises up gradually. Therefore, each way has its advantages, and the best way to prevent altitude sickness is to maintain fitness and obmistic attitude.

Apart from the Gongga airport in Lhasa, there are also direct flights from cities in mainland China to Nyingchi Mainling Airport, Shigatse Peace Airport, Ali  as well as Nagri Gunsa Airport. It is known that there are direct flights from Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Xi 'a to Nyingchi, among which flights from Shenzhen to Nyingchi will stop in Xichang and some flights from Xi 'a to Nyingchi will stop at Lanzhou.

Yes, all the foreign tourists must show their passports and original entry letters when they fly into Tibet. Generally, once we get the original copy, we will express it to the hotel that booked by the guest in the entry city. In this way, when the guests check in, they can get the original Tibet Travel Permit. In special case, such as when we need to express the Tibet Travel Permit to a designated person, the tourists should communicate with the travel agency in advance.

In this case, we can only arrange to send the original copy of the Permit to our co-worker and have them deliver the Permit to the customer at the airport. It is important to note that the time between flights should be at least 3 hours or more while booking such transit flights.

If you want to travel Tibet by train, your priority is to book the flight. Faced with different choices, tourists are always confused at when and where to book flights. Don’t worry, the following tips can help you out.

Make a detailed plan to Tibet

We recommend you to make a detailed plan before booking your ticket lest you make some changes later. In addition, you need to consult the travel agency whether you can get Tibet Entry Permit in time. You’d better make all these arrangements as soon as possible and turn to a travel agency for Tibet Entry Permit.

Currently, you can take a domestic flight to Lhasa from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Kunming, Xining, Guangzhou and other cities. If you just want a pure trip to Tibet, Beijing, Chengdu and Chongqing are your best transferring choices. Because you can easily fly to these three cities (especially Beijing) through many international flights. If you want a longer trip in China, you’re provided with different tourist routes, including Chengdu- Tibet Tour, Beijing- Tibet Tour, Xi'an- Tibet Tour, Shanghai- Tibet Journey and Xining- Tibet Tour.

It is also very convenient to take an international flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa in just 1.5 hours. In addition, there are many routes flying to county-level cities in Tibet, such as: Chengdu- Shigatse route, Urumqi- Ali route, Chengdu- Nyingchi route, Chongqing- Nyingchi route, Chengdu- Changdu route and Chongqing- Changdu route.

Which airlines is recommended to take while fly to Tibet?

Some cities (such as Chengdu and Chongqing) provide direct flights to Tibet from early morning to evening. You can choose your preferred airline or departure time. In fact, all airlines flying to Tibet,especially Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines and Air China, have mastered the ability to operate aircraft in the highlands, and are experienced.We recommend you to choose an earlier flight so that you have more time to adapt your body to the high altitude environment.

There are several ways to book a flight to Tibet:

1.Through the official websites of airlines

Each airline has its own official website where passengers can book their own tickets. Many airlines having flights to Tibet use Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian and French on their websites, including Sichuan Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Some airlines use Chinese and English, such as Xiamen Airlines and West Air's website. Some airlines use Chinese only, including Tibet Airlines and Luck Air.

Notice:1)If you cannot find “Lhasa”as your destination, try “Lasa”.2)The official website of Tibet Airlines uses Chinese only, so you’d better book tickets through other ways.

2. Through an online ticketing agent

Today, there are many online ticketing agencies that offer ticketing services such as Booking.com, Expedia, Flying Pig, Ctrip and Where to Go. By booking from a ticketing agency, you can compare the fare prices of different airlines and choose the preferential one. These sites all have their own English versions. However, their ticket information is not up-to-date. You may not get a timely response, when there’s no ticket available.

3. Through the airport

Buying tickets at the airport is the least recommended. Most airports are located away from the city centre, so you may waste time on the way to the airport. In addition, the ticket must be booked in advance. Even if you arrive at the airport, you can only book flights that take off many days later.

4. Through Tibet Odyssey Tours- strongly recommended!

The Tibet-based Tibet Odyssey Tours can provide you services including applying for Tibet Entry Permit, transferring, sightseeing and accommodation. Our professional travel consultant can design you a perfect travel plan and book tickets in the most favorable prices. As an experienced travel agency, we have long cooperated with a number of airlines and ticketing agencies, and we have more ways to book cheaper tickets. In addition, we will provide you with the best travel experience in Tibet, both enjoyable and rewarding. According to your interests and budget,you can choose a well-designed private customized trip, a fixed group trip, or a specially tailored trip.

Once you have arranged your travel plans, you can book your flight. Passengers can book tickets one year in advance. But the fare changes all the time. Therefore, if you book too early, you will not get a discount; if you book too late, there will be no tickets available. According to our experience, you can get the highest discount booking the ticket 15 to 50 days before departure. However, during the peak season (May to September), the fare is always relatively high.

Once you have booked your ticket, you will receive an e-ticket in the email or SMS box. The e-ticket contains your flight information, such as flight number, departure airport and terminal, departure time and etc. There is no need to print it. Once you arrive at the airport, go directly to your scheduled airline counter. Show your passport to the staff, and the staff will give you a boarding pass and help you check in. With the boarding pass and the Tibet Entry Permit, you can board the plane.

If your travel plan is delayed, you can make changes, according to the airlines’ rules on flight changing. You can change your flight in advance through the airline's website or through a third-party website. If you are at the airport, you can go to the counter and handle the relevant procedures.

Normally, you can only change your flight to another flight of the same airline with the same departure airport and destination. If you want to upgrade to a higher class or take a higher-end flight, you need to make up the difference. Unfortunately, if you have purchased a discounted ticket, the airline usually doesn’t refund it. Sometimes, depending on the airline's regulations, additional fines (except for the difference) are required.

In the event of an accident that prevents you from continuing your travel, you can also cancel your flight. You can only cancel your flight through the way how you book it. Once you get your boarding pass, you can't cancel your flight. Some airlines stipulate that you cannot cancel a flight within 2 hours or less before the flight takes off. Cancellation of the flight requires a fine, which is subject to the airline’s regulations.

About decades ago, only one airline operated flights to Tibet- Air China, which was also the only one offering flights departing for and from Tibet within one week. As tourism and the economy rapidly develops since the 1980s, more and more airlines began to operate flights to Tibet.The following are some major airlines operating flights to Tibet. They have plenty flights to Tibet and provide professional aviation services.

Notice: If you book tour from Tibet Odyssey Tours, you don’t have to worry about booking flights. Cause our professional travel advisers will arrange you detailed plans and book all the tickets needed for you. In addition, our patient tour guide and the experienced driver will pick you up at the airport.

Sichuan Airlines

Though it is not on the top 10 in China, Sichuan airlines is the most important airline in southwest China, especially in Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet.Headquartered in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. Its main base is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Chengdu, with a hub at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG).Currently, it is the most popular airline flying to Tibet, with more than 20 flights departing from Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming and Xi 'an to Tibet.

IATA: 3U | ICAO: CSC

Member of Sky Team

Tibet Airlines

Tibet Airlines, established in July, 2011, is China's first airline based in southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region.Tibet Airlines is headquartered at Konggar Airport in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, providing domestic cargo and passenger services. Tibet airlines mainly serves Lhasa, Ali, Qamdo, Nyingchi and other cities in Tibet, and also provides flights to and from cities in western China, such as Chengdu, Kunming, Yushu and Xining.

IATA: HU | ICAO: CHH

Member of Fortune Wings Club

Air China

Air China is one of China's most important airlines, headquartered at Beijing Capital International Airport. It operates flights from west to east and from south to north , including most areas in China. Passengers can take Air China from more than 50 international cities and regions to Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese inland cities. As for flights to Tibet, Air China provides flights from Lhasa to Beijing, Xi 'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu and Kathmandu.

IATA: CA | ICAO: CCA

Member of Star Alliance

China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is one of the “three giants of China's aviation industry”.Headquartered in Shanghai, the most developed city in China, it was founded in 1957. And now, it has become one of the most important airlines in China. It has received more than 100 million passengers annually in the past 50 years.For travelers transferring from Shanghai to the rest of the world, China Eastern Airlines is the best choice.For flights to Tibet, it operates routes departing from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi 'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Lijiang to Lhasa,Urumqi and Ali.

IATA: MU | ICAO: CES

Member of Sky Team

China Southern Airlines

Headquartered in Guangzhou, China Southern Airlines is one of the “three giants of China's aviation industry”. It boasts the largest number of aircraft, traffic and routes. China Southern Airlines’ annual passenger volume ranks first in Asia and third in the world.It is also the first airline to operate both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787. As for flights to Tibet, China Southern Airlines mainly operates flights from Guangzhou to Tibet.

IATA: CZ | ICAO: CSN

Member of Sky Team

Shenzhen Airlines

Shenzhen airlines is founded in the fast-growing city- Shenzhen.Since its establishment in 1992, the airline has maintained a record of 14 years of safe flight and 13 years of continuous profitability.By the end of 2015, it has boasted more than 170 passenger aircraft, including Boeing 737, Airbus 320 and 319, and more than 200 domestic and international routes. As for flights to Tibet, it provides flights from Shanghai, Xi 'an and Chongqing to Tibet.It also operates flights between Nyingchi, ali and Lhasa.

IATA: ZH | ICAO: CSZ

Member of Star Alliance

Infants under 2 ( to the departure date) can enjoy 90% discount. Children aging 2-12(subject to the departure date ) can enjoy 50% discount and they are provided with seats. When buying child ticket, you should provide the valid certificate of the birth date of the child, including birth certificate and household register. And the ID information of the kid has to connected with that of the adult guardian.

For foreign tourists departing from mainland cities to Tibet, the following documents are necessary.

-China visa. It’s the indispensable document for you to enter China. (Please make sure that your visa is valid during your stay in China lest your trip be influenced due to the expired visa)

-Valid passport. It is required in many situations: booking airline tickets, checking in at a hotel, checking in at a border station in Tibet, etc.Please bring your original passport.

-Tibet Entry Permit. When you board the plane at the airport, you have to offer the original Tibet entry permit.

Lhasa Gongga Airport (IATA: LXA, ICAO: ZULS) is the airport serving Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is about 62 kilometres southwest of the city in Gonggar County of Shannan. At an elevation of 3,570 metres (11,710 ft), Lhasa Airport is one of the highest in the world. It covers a relatively small area. There are relatively small amount of flights flying to other cities in the country. There is only one entrance to the Gongga Airport Terminal and one exit for arrivals.

You can take the airport shuttle bus from the Lhasa city to Lhasa Gongga Airport. The bus departs from Civil Aviation Authority, No. 1 Lhasa Niangre Road and arrives at the airport in about one hour.

Bus fare: 30 yuan; Bus Time: 6:30-19: 30;

Taxi from Lhasa city to 0the airport (1) Taxi price: 150 yuan - 200 yuan (2) Travel time: about 45 minutes.

According to the current regulations, foreign tourists need to be accompanied by a tour guide to the airport by a standard tourist vehicle.

Necessary Documents

1. Original passport and visa to China

A valid original passport and a Chinese visa are necessary for all foreign tourists to travel within China.

2. Tibet Entry Permit

Tibet Entry Permit is the primary pass for foreign passport holders to enter Tibet. It is only issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can only be applied by travel agencies. After obtaining the permit, the travel agency will send it to your hotel. If you fly to Tibet from mainland China, you will have your original Tibet Entry Permit checked before boarding. If you depart from Kathmandu, you can get a scanned copy of the Tibet Travel Permit.

3. Tibet group visa (only needed for departing for Tibet to Nepal)

The Tibet Group Visa is a special Chinese visa that is only available for flights from Nepal to Tibet. Your travel agent will apply it for you at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You need to provide your original passport and a complete visa application form with your signature and a bareheaded photo. Your Tibetan group visa will also be checked when you check in at the airport. With such visa, you can visit any other city in China. Please note that you need to specify the city you’re to visit on the visa application form, if you wish to visit other cities in China other than Tibet. The general validity period is one month.

4. Border Permit

Tourists traveling in the border areas of Tibet must obtain a pass to the border (commonly known as: Border Permit). If you fly to Ali and Changdu, the border permit is an essential document. If you fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, a scanned one is also allowed.

5. Military Permit

Military Permit is needed if your itinerary included some military sensitive places, including Ngari (Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc), Nyingchi (Pomi, Rawu, etc.) and some remote places in Shannan area. Issued by the Military office in Lhasa, this permit is applied through travel agency before you entering Tibet.

To the right airport and terminal in advance

Since some cities (such as Beijing and Shanghai) have more than one airport, you must find the one that corresponds to the ticket. The flight to Tibet took off from Beijing Capital International Airport. Both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have flights to Lhasa. In addition, airports usually have more than one terminal. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has two terminals. The flights operated by Sichuan Airlines took off from Terminal 1, and other flights to Tibet took off from Terminal 2. You need to double check your e-ticket and arrive at the correct airport and terminal. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.

The boarding pass

After you’ve booked a ticket, you will receive an e-ticket. Please check your e-ticket and check in at the counter of the airline operating your flight . With an e-ticket and the passport, the staff will give you a boarding pass with your name, flight number, departure place, destination, boarding gate, boarding time and seat number.

Checking in your baggage

You need to check in your baggage in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Electronic products containing lithium batteries can only be carried around, and the battery capacity should not exceed 160Wh. Lighters, sticks, controlled knives and other restricted articles are prohibited to carry. Other knives, liquids and excess baggage can only be checked. If your baggage weighs heavier than the maximum weight allowed, you need to pay a penalty. The staff will stick a note on your boarding pass and you can pick up the baggage with this note. Please do not leave immediately after receiving the note. You shall wait for the broadcast to confirm your baggage has been successfully checked before entering the waiting area and waiting for boarding.

Security Check

All passengers and their hand luggage must pass security screening. After you have checked your baggage, you can go to have the security check. The queues waiting for security checks are long, especially during the peak season. Please bring your passport and boarding pass, and the staff will check them and take photos before security check. You need to take off your jacket and put it with the electronic products, umbrellas, keys and other items you carry in a safety tray. Then put the safety tray and your carry-on baggage on the conveyor belt. At some airports, you need to take off your shoes and belts.

Waiting for boarding

After you pass the security check, you’ll arrive at the waiting hall. And then sit down in the appropriate waiting area and wait for boarding. There are also small shops and cafeterias in the waiting hall where you can enjoy your meal. Please read the boarding pass information carefully and find the boarding gate. Please pay attention to your flight broadcasts. Some airports may only read boarding notifications through Chinese audio speakers, so you need to pay close attention to the bulletin board to make sure you don't miss any important information.

Boarding

Usually the boarding gate is open to passengers 30 minutes before departure. Staff will be waiting to check your boarding pass at the gate. After boarding the plane, you need to find your seat and place your carry-on baggage on the rack above the seat. If you have any problems with your luggage, please ask the flight attendants for assistance. Please note: 1) Do not use electronic equipment during flight; 2) Don't forget to enjoy the view from the window.

Baggage Claim

Due to the high altitude and strong airflow in Tibet, turbulence may occur before landing. If it happens, please relax. Do not turn on the electronic devices until the aircraft stops moving. When you hear the broadcast of taking off the plane, you can unfasten the seat belt and line up the queue to get off the plane. Please remember to bring your carry-on baggage. According to the instructions, you can easily find the baggage claim area. Sometimes you need to wait a little longer to pick up your checked baggage. Please bring your boarding pass with you.

Travel with Tibet Odyssey Tours

We will help you handle everything you need for travelling to Tibet. Please scan your passport 30 days in advance (with a clear and highly recognizable image), we will apply for your visas and book your flights for you. Our local guides and skilled drivers will escort you to the airport and pick you up at the airport. There’s nothing you should worry about. Travel with Tibet Odyssey Tours, you can enjoy a pure Tibetan tour.

The air fare from Beijing to Lhasa is higher than fares from other places to Lhasa. The ticket price is about RMB3260, and the fuel cost and airport charge is RMB50. Therefore, it costs about RMB3310 to fly from Beijing to Lhasa. Due to the small number of flights from Beijing to Lhasa, there are not so many discounts all year round. And during the peak season, you have to purchase the tickets in advance, lest all is sold out.

The direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa takes 4 hours and 40 minutes; the stopover flight takes about 7 hours and 35 minutes.

There are three flights from Beijing to Lhasa every day. The earliest flight departs from Beijing Capital International Airport at 07:35 and the latest one takes off at 14:55.

Beijing currently boasts six airports, namely, Xijiao Airport, Nanyuan Airport, Shahe Airport, Liangxiang Airport, Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport. Flights from Beijing to Lhasa take off from the Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3.