Founded in the Hainan Province of China in 1993, Hainan Airlines offers services across 500 routes to more than 90 cities including Beijing, Seattle, Berlin and Brussels. The airline operates out of its main hub in Haikou, but also has bases in Beijing, Xi'an, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Dalian and Shenzhen. As of 2011, it is a SkyTrax 5-star airline.

Hainan Airlines operates as a part of the Fortune Wings Club, the frequent flyer program for Grand China Airlines, Lucky Air, Tianjin Airlines, West Air, Capital Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Express Airlines. It is also a codeshare partner with Air Berlin. Hainan Airlines aircraft have a trademark yellow symbol on a red tail and wingtips.

Hainan Airlines Ticketing and Check-in Information

Hainan Airlines offers three easy options for check-in:

Airport Counter Check-in: Check-in for your flight when you arrive at the airport at any of Hainan Airlines counters. This is the best option if you need any advice or assistance with special requirements or clarifications.

Next Day or Advance Check-in: This option lets you check-in for a flight from 14:00 hours on the day before your flight. You can access the online check-in for flights at Hainan Airline’s website (http://global.hnair.com/en/Classlist.php?id=Manage_My_Trip/Online_Check-In.html). Enter your name and departure airport, choose your seat, and print your boarding pass. Please check the airline website to see a complete list of departure airports for which you can check-in online. If you have any baggage to check, there are drop-off counters at the airport from where you can proceed directly to security. For any further information and questions, check Hainan Airlines’ FAQ page (http://hnair.travelsky.com/huet/bc10/static/sm/FAQCHECKIN/index.html).

Self-Check-in Kiosks: If the lines at the counters are daunting, head to Hainan Airlines self-check-in kiosks which are currently available at more than 20 airports in China. These are located near the counters and you can check-in between 180-45 minutes prior to scheduled departures.

Hainan Airlines Baggage Information & Restrictions

Checked Luggage Restrictions for Hainan Airlines

Fortune Wings Gold and Silver Card members are allowed an additional piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg in Business Class and 23 kg in Economy Class. Each should not measure more than 158 cm.

For a full list of checked luggage allowances for all routes on Hainan Airline visit the airline website at (http://global.hnair.com/en/Classlist.php?bo=bottom/Faqs/booking_ticketing.html).

Carry-On Baggage Restrictions for Hainan Airlines

Carry-on Baggage restrictions depend on the route you’re flying. For China-USA routes, the carry-on baggage is limited to one piece of baggage and one personal article (handbag, briefcase, computer case, diaper bag, etc) for all passengers. The baggage should be less than 10 kg, with a total dimension (L+ W + H) of 115 cm while the personal article should not exceed 38x28x15 cm.

For domestic routes within China, the weight for Economy Class passengers cannot exceed 5 kg and dimensions of 20x40x55cm. First or Business Class passengers on these routes may carry on two items of baggage.

For all other routes, First and Business Class passengers can carry two bags, each weighing not more than 10 kg and not exceeding more than 38x28x15 cm. Economy passengers are restricted to one item of baggage not exceeding 10 kg and measuring 20x40x55 cm. Coats, umbrellas, walking aids, cameras, etc, are not counted towards this allowance. For a full list of baggage allowances, check Hainan Airlines page on cabin baggage (http://global.hnair.com/en/Classlist.php?id=Hainan_Experience/Before_The_Flight/Baggage/Cabin_Baggage.html)

Hainan Airlines Special Luggage Requirements

If you’re travelling with recreational firearms or bulky sporting equipment, Hainan Airlines has allowances for this baggage which is outlined on its website (http://global.hnair.com/en/Classlist.php?bo=bottom/Faqs/booking_ticketing.html).

Hainan Airlines Seating Options

Hainan Airlines offers three options for seating on their flights:

Economy Class

Economy class on the A330-200 and Boeing 767-300 has a distance of approximately 81.2 cm between seats, while the Airbus 340-600 has between 81.28-86.3 cm. All Airbus seats have a personalized entertainment system (22.6 cm on A330-200, 22.8 cm on A340-600) and are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration.

Business Class

Business Class (Premium Business Class on China-US flights) has a seat gap of 187.9 cm on the Airbus A330-200, 152.4 cm on the Airbus A340-600, and 119.3 cm on the Boeing 767-300. In-flight entertainment can be enjoyed on a 26.4 cm LCD screen on the A340-600, and on a 26.9 cm screen on the A330-200. Seats are arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. Seats on the A330-200 have laptop power outlets, recline to 180°, and passengers can ask for extra silk pillows or slippers, and screen dividers between seats.

First Class

Eight First Class flatbed seats are offered on the Airbus A340-600 with 200.6 cm spacing between seats. The seats recline to 180° and are equipped with a 26.4 cm LCD screen.

Traveling with Pets on Hainan Airlines

If travelling with a pet, remember to have all your paperwork in order at least a week before you leave and ask the airline for pet air transportation at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. This service is restricted to domestic dogs and cats, and is allowed only on some routes. To see further details on authorized pet containers, quarantine paperwork, and which pets are allowed to travel inside the aircraft cabin, visit Hainan Airlines’ Travelling with Pets page (http://global.hnair.com/en/Classlist.php?id=Hainan_Experience/At_The_Airport/Worldwide_Airport/city.html).

Hainan Airlines In-flight Service, Beverages, and Meals

Depending on which route you’re flying with Hainan Airlines, a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options are available. For a complete list of flight options on all Hainan Airlines flights, visit the airline website. (http://global.hnair.com/en/classlist.php?id=Hainan_Experience/Before_The_Flight/Baggage/Cabin_Baggage.html)

Economy Class on the A340-600 is equipped with a Panasonic 3000 system with more than 50 movies, 30 TV programs, and music from 100 albums. The A330-200 features the THALES i4000 digital system which operates in English, Chinese, and French and stores global classic movies, TV programs, video games, music, and an in-flight camera. The Boeing 767-300 has a system with six channels encompassing movies, TV shows, and music stations. Food and beverage availability depends on the flight, but special requests can be made for children’s meals or special dietary requirements.

Premium Classes (First and Business) have the same in-flight entertainment options as in Economy Class but on larger screens. Also on offer are a wide range of beverages, gourmet Chinese and Western entrees, and side dish options. International routes may have the departure country’s food on the menu as well. A ‘Savouring Tea’ service provides passengers with the opportunity to sample a wide range of Chinese teas.

Hainan Airlines Fleet

Hainan Airlines operates a fleet of 104 aircraft consisting of 88 Boeing 737-300s, three Boeing 767-300s, seven Airbus 330-200s, three Airbus 330-300s, and three Airbus 340-600s.

Hainan Airlines Lounge

Hainan Airlines First Class Lounges are available to Gold Card members of the Fortune Wings Club and Silver Card members can access the Business Class Lounges. For a full list of airports where Hainan Airlines has lounges, please visit the airline website (http://www.hainanair.us/fortune-wings-club.aspx).