China Eastern Airlines Singapore to China: Baggage Airline Comparison & More

Planning a trip from Singapore to mainland China? When people think about flying, they usually think of Singapore Airlines or the low-cost airline Scoot. China Eastern Airlines is also a great choice. It is one of the full-service airlines in China and is part of the SkyTeam alliance. It offers flights from Changi to many cities in China.

What Is China Eastern Airlines?

China Eastern Airlines (IATA code MU) is one of China’s three state-owned full-service carriers. It is based in Shanghai.

• The airline has two core hubs: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA).
• China Eastern Airlines joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2011. Its miles are valid across all alliance partners.
• The airline was the launch operator of the COMAC C919. The C919 started service in May 2023.
• China Eastern Airlines operates a fleet of than 680 aircraft. This includes A350s, Boeing 787s and, C919s. On busy international routes the airline uses wide-body aircraft. These planes often have lie- business seats and inflight Wi-Fi.

Which Chinese Cities Can You Fly to Directly from Singapore by China Eastern Airlines?

China Eastern offers flights from Singapore to multiple Chinese cities. The main flight schedule throughout the year is as follows:

Note that schedules flex with the season. During peak times, China Eastern Airlines has added flights to cities like Changsha, Nanjing and Yantai. Always check frequencies because schedules can shift with the season.

What Is It Actually Like to Fly China Eastern Airlines from Singapore?

Economy Class

• Complimentary hot meals on the Singapore sector offering Chinese-style dishes along with options, plus drinks and light snacks.
• Bilingual. English safety and cabin announcements on every flight that leaves Changi.
• Personal in-seat entertainment on widebody aircraft, featuring Hollywood, Asian and Chinese movies and television.
• In-flight Wi-Fi on A350 and 787 services, so you can stay connected on the long sectors.

Business Class

• Lie-flat seats on A350 and 787 services with priority check-in and boarding.
• Access to the SATS Premier Lounge at Changi. Lounge access across the SkyTeam network if you have status or a business ticket.
• A wider cabin crew service throughout the flight.

What Baggage Can You Bring on China Eastern Airlines from Singapore?

On Singapore routes China Eastern follows a piece-based policy, and the allowances are generous for a full-service carrier. The headline figures:

Checked baggage (international flights from Singapore):

• Economy: one piece up to 23 kg, total dimensions not exceeding 158 cm.
• Premium economy: two pieces up to 23 kg each on many services.
• Business class: two pieces up to 32 kg each.

Carry-on baggage (economy):

• One cabin bag up to 10 kg, sized about 55 cm × 40 cm × 20 cm.
• Plus one free personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Always read the exact allowance printed on your e-ticket, because fare class changes it. On a light fare the checked allowance may be lower, and the same caution applies on the return leg.

How Does Online Check-in and the Changi Experience Work?

China Eastern's digital tools are more polished than many travellers expect, and they work well for Singapore departures.

• Online check-in: available from about 24 hours before departure through the China Eastern website, the mobile app or the airline's WeChat service. International online check-in closes 60 minutes before departure.
• Automatic check-in: if you have pre-selected a seat, the airline can auto-check you in around 48 hours ahead and send your boarding pass details by SMS, saving you a queue at the airport.
• Seat selection: choose your seat when you book or at online check-in; exit-row seats require approval and cannot be auto-assigned.
• Mobile boarding pass: after online check-in you can hold your boarding pass on your phone and head straight to baggage drop if you only have carry-on.
• At Changi: China Eastern departs from Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 depending on the service, so check your terminal on the ticket. Self-service kiosks and baggage-drop counters speed things up, and you must clear security at least 45 minutes before departure; gates close about 15 minutes ahead.
• Special meals: request halal, vegetarian or gluten-free options at least 24 to 48 hours before departure through Manage Booking or the app.

How Does China Eastern Airlines Miles Frequent Flyer Programme Work?

Eastern Miles is China Eastern's free-to-join frequent flyer programme. 

• Earn miles on China Eastern flights, on SkyTeam partners such as Delta, Air France, KLM, and on hotel stays, credit-card spend and car rentals.
• Redeem miles for reward flights, upgrades, extra baggage and lifestyle awards across the SkyTeam network.
• Qualifying for SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status, which unlocks lounge access, priority boarding and extra baggage when flying any SkyTeam member airline.
• Since Singapore Airlines is in Star Alliance and not SkyTeam, KrisFlyer miles do not credit here, so this mainly suits frequent China Eastern flyers or SkyTeam loyalists.

How Does China Eastern Airlines Compare with Singapore Airlines and Scoot?

When China Eastern Wins?

If your goal is a full-service fare that saves money compared to Singapore Airlines and you’re travelling to Shanghai, Kunming, Hangzhou or somewhere else across China’s domestic network, then China Eastern is the better choice. You get meals and a checked bag included in the ticket. Eastern Miles lets you use the whole SkyTeam network, which is useful if you’re flying internationally.

When Singapore Airlines Wins?

If you care about the consistent premium service in the industry, you fly often, and want to earn KrisFlyer miles, then Singapore Airlines is the way to go. It’s also the pick if you’re willing to pay for premium economy or business class on a carrier known for excellent service and comfort.

When Scoot Wins?

If price is your concern, you travel with just a carry-on, and you’re okay with paying extra for luggage, meals and seat selection, then Scoot is your best bet. Scoot’s base fares are the lowest. Once you add checked bags and a meal, the total cost can get close to what China Eastern Airlines charges.

Any Practical Booking Tips for Singapore Travellers?

• Book through an English- platform like Trip.com Singapore to get 24-hour support during Singapore time.
• For flights connecting inside China, always book a through-ticket so your luggage is checked through automatically and the airline takes care of rebooking if your first flight is delayed.
• Download the China Eastern app. Make sure your mobile boarding pass is ready before you arrive at Changi.