China Southern Airlines is one of China’s major carriers and is a go-to option for overseas travelers.
With a large route network, affordable fares, and new planes, it’s a comfortable choice for passengers traveling to and from destinations around the world. But how does it stack up in terms of service, comfort, and overall experience?
This review will break down the pros and cons of the airline, helping you decide if it is the best airline for you.
Overview of China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is one of the biggest and most well-known airlines in China. They cover a lot of ground, with routes to Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Based in Guangzhou, the airline is known for being reliable with good coverage of routes, making it a favorite for travelers in and out of China.
Part of the Sky Team global alliance, China Southern, partners with numerous international carriers, providing travelers a lot of opportunities for easy connections.
But what is a China Southern flight like? What’s it like to go through the booking, check-in, and onboard experience flying the airline?
Is it any good? Let’s take a deeper dive into what you can expect when you fly with them.
Pros and Cons of China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines offers a solid travel experience for passengers, but like any airline, there are both strengths and areas for improvement.
Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your journey to everywhere.
Pros
Wide Network: This airline has an extensive network, connecting you to most cities in China and throughout the world. It’s a useful airline to have while in China.
New Planes: The airline has a new, modern fleet that offers a smooth, comfortable flying experience.
Decent In-Flight Service: On long-haul flights, you get okay entertainment, meals, and a relatively attentive crew.
Competitive Pricing: China Southern is typically priced cheaper than a lot of other international airlines, which makes it a budget traveler’s dream airline.
Cons
Limited English: This has gotten better but there are still some miscommunications at times especially if you don’t understand Chinese.
Economy Varies: Economy seating can be a bit tight in some cases and offer less comfort depending on the aircraft — especially older aircraft.
Inconsistent Service: Service standards can differ according to the route and staff, and passengers may have a very different experience depending on their crew.
Comparison of China Southern Airlines with Other Chinese Airlines
If you’re looking to fly one of the Chinese airlines, it’s nice to know where China Southern ranks compared to its rivals.
So, how does China Southern Airlines stack up compared to other Chinese airlines like Air China and China Eastern Airlines? Below you’ll find everything you need to know.
Aspect | China Southern Airlines | Air China | China Eastern Airlines |
Fleet Size | Over 600 aircraft, one of the largest fleets in China | Over 400 aircraft | Around 600 aircraft |
Route Network | Extensive network across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania | Strong network to Europe, North America, and Asia | Focus on domestic routes, expanding to international destinations |
In-Flight Service | Good service with decent in-flight entertainment and meals | Generally good, with a reputation for premium service | Solid in-flight service, with entertainment options and meals |
Comfort in Economy Class | Decent, though some older aircraft may feel cramped | Similar to China Southern, with more focus on premium service | Comparable to China Southern, with varying comfort levels |
Pricing | Competitive pricing, often more affordable for international routes | Slightly higher, especially for international routes | Similar pricing to China Southern, often with discounts |
Loyalty Program | Sky Pearl Club (part of SkyTeam alliance) | PhoenixMiles (part of Star Alliance) | Eastern Miles (part of SkyTeam alliance) |
Overall Service Quality | Reliable with occasional variation in service quality | Consistent but can be more expensive | Generally good service but can vary depending on route and aircraft |
China Southern Airlines Comprehensive Review Summary
One of the large airlines in the world fleet, China Southern Airlines connects travelers to many places around the globe.
By early 2025, the airline has continued to grow routes, especially within Europe, as it further develops its network, taking advantage of the strategic position it has due to Russian airspace, providing better routing at lower costs than many Western airlines.
Customer reviews for China Southern Airlines are mixed.
Some passengers have praised the airline’s seats and service, especially the professionalism and service-oriented attitude of the flight attendants, and the quality of the inflight entertainment.
However, other travelers have experienced issues, especially in terms of customer service and communications.
Trade evaluations provide a wider view of how the airline is doing. China Southern Airlines is a 4-Star Airline according to Skytrax, an airline review company. Meaning – it’s up to a good standard when it comes to seat comfort, cleanliness, and staff service .
Overall, China Southern Airlines has a robust route and affordable fares, making it a great option for many flyers. Although the airline has made progress improving in-flight comfort, travelers should still note the varying reviews and factor in their own needs and expectations before booking this carrier.
FAQ
1. Does China Southern Airlines offer Wi-Fi on its flights?
Wi-Fi is available on select planes, though the availability and cost vary depending on the plane and route.
2. How do I earn and use miles with China Southern Airlines?
Passengers can accrue miles with the Sky Pearl Club frequent flyer program that they can put towards award flights, upgrades, and more.
3. What is China Southern Airlines' baggage policy?
The baggage policy is determined by the class of your ticket and your specific route. Passengers in economy class usually get a free checked bag, though passengers in business and first class all receive more baggage for free.
Conclusion
China Southern Airlines has a large number of routes, budget pricing, and dependable service, so it’s a good choice for most travelers.
While it’s great at staying connected and upgrading its fleet, there’s still room for improvement, particularly in the consistent service and communication departments.
In the end, it’s still a solid airline, particularly if you are looking for a cheap but well-run carrier.