CAAC

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is the government agency under the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China, responsible for all civil aviation oversight in the country. Its jurisdiction encompasses aircraft certification, crew licensing, flight safety regulation, air traffic management, and the protection of consumer rights within the aviation sector. As of 2026, the CAAC exercises authority over all airports in mainland China, domestic airlines, and regulates the operations of foreign carriers crossing or operating within Chinese territory, focusing on the digitalization of the passenger experience and environmental sustainability.

• Since 28 June 2025 — power banks: on domestic flights in China it is forbidden to carry a power bank without the Chinese 3C (CCC) certification, with an illegible mark or from a recalled model.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

The CAAC requires absolute transparency in price displays.

• Transparency: Airlines are required to display the total ticket price (including taxes and surcharges) at the time of inquiry.
• Baggage Allowance: There is no mandatory national standard for free allowance, which is left to the airline's discretion, but the CAAC requires the policy to be clear at the time of booking.
• Prohibited items: power banks only in hand baggage, up to 160 Wh; on domestic flights, since 28 June 2025, they are only accepted with a visible Chinese 3C (CCC) certification. Smart luggage with a non-removable battery is forbidden.

Pet transport in the cabin is restricted and varies by carrier, with transport in the cargo hold being the prevailing norm.

• Health Regulations: Presentation of a vaccination certificate (especially for rabies) and a quarantine certificate issued by the local veterinary authority is mandatory.
• Flight requirements: the animal must travel in a container that meets the IATA standard (Live Animals Regulations); cabin or hold, weight and accepted breeds depend on each airline.
• Exceptions: Trained service/assistance dogs are guaranteed entry into the cabin, provided they have official training documentation and identification.

• Seats: ask for seats together when booking; whether seat selection is charged depends on the airline and the fare.
• Equipment: Foldable strollers are generally allowed up to the aircraft door (subject to cargo hold capacity). Car seats (baby seats) must be certified by the CAAC or equivalent international standards for onboard use.
• Bassinets: available on long-haul international flights, depending on the aircraft; request them in advance (many airlines ask for 48 hours).

• Obligations: Airlines and airports are required to provide ground assistance (wheelchairs, assistance with check-in and boarding) at no additional cost, provided it is requested 48 hours in advance.
• MEDIF: For passengers with medical conditions, a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) must be completed and validated by the airline between 48h and 72h before the flight.
• Priority: under the CAAC rules on air transport of persons with disabilities, airlines and airports must assist these passengers, for example with boarding and disembarking; older passengers can request assistance from the airline.

• CAAC — official website in English
• CAAC — official website in Chinese