China Eastern Airlines

The worst airline experience I've ever had. The rudest service you can ever imagine. Terrible food and not enough for all passengers. If you don't speak Chinese, don't expect to understand their English. From observation of service with passangers, I am %100 convinced they are highly racist to white people. The only time I witnessed them smile is as I was leaving. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Show details

Seperated me from my partner with a 1 year old child on an international flight. Ridiculously bad customer service full of agents who couldn't rub two brain cells together if they had them.

Terrible Experience !!!! I recently travelled with China Eastern Airlines from Istanbul to Sydney (Booking Ref: EWVJ9U, Flight MU704 on 06/09/2025). Along with my co-passenger, we had a 15-hour layover in Shanghai. Despite it being standard for… Read more

international airlines to provide hotel accommodation for layovers longer than 8 hours, China Eastern offered no support whatsoever.

At Istanbul check-in, the duty manager claimed he had no idea about accommodation and told me to “check at the airport.” In Shanghai, after 2 hours of asking at multiple desks, staff either denied knowledge or made excuses. One even said I should have uploaded details to the App 24 hours earlier—though our tickets were issued three months ago and the airline itself arranged this long stopover! After a 10-hour flight + 2 hours of chasing staff, I had no choice but to pay for my own hotel.

Honestly, I’m shocked at how a so-called international airline handled this. No responsibility taken, no solutions offered—just passengers left stranded.

Safety seems to be a priority – I have travelled with China Eastern 6 times. Cabin staff are strict on safety. Any turbulance at all and the seatbelt sign is on. Overhead lockers are checked to ensure everything is secured. Prior to takeoff and landing mulitple inspections are made to ensure that the cabin is safe and secure. Safety appears to be the main priority which can only… Read more

be a good thing. Legroom in economy was fine and I liked the food. All flights were on time. My wife flew with crutches on one occasion and was given priority boarding , helped to her seat and checked on for her comfort. The ticket prices are very competitive .

Was a good first flight so far anyway – Flying with this airline today , I’ve had no problems at all. Food was very nice , warm and tasty . Penty of in flight drinks.. the crew members were not very friendly but it just feels like it’s their manner so I didn’t take it personally. Show details

I absolutely regretted booking a ticket with this airline. If you are smart, you will steer clear of this company and buy your air tickets from an honest, reputable airline that follows and adheres to Australian Consumer Law in its business practice.

Not a good company. Something is wrong with management. They don't care about consumers / customers. Avoid this airline at all costs! And if you ever face an emergency or crisis, don't expect them to be of any help whatsoever. Show details

My autistic nephew and his parents were visiting China from Thailand, when their son suddenly became very ill. He was rushed to an ICU in Nanjing, where he stayed for one week and was unconscious for the first few days. His parents exhausted all their savings and realized they had to return immediately to Thailand, where the medical costs would be… Read more

less. I assisted them by paying for their return flights with China Eastern Airlines. Due to the hospital requiring multiple waivers of liability, which took hours, the family were late arriving at the airport. They had 40 minutes until flight departure but the airline counter was closed and they could not board. They were able to get another flight the next day with a different airline, but the child's condition deteriorated somewhat. Upon arrival in Bangkok, the child was rushed into ICU, where he remained for 7 days before release. As I am a pensioner and don't have income, I requested a full refund from the airline, which I intended to give to the child's parents to cover immediate and urgent medical costs. China Eastern Airlines would only refund 50% of the ticket amount. I provided receipts and documents from both hospitals, including photos and brain scan results and tried to help the airline understand that the parents desperately needed the refund for ongoing urgent medical treatment costs, and that the family was only late due to red tape from the hospital in China. My request was refused. I understand that the tickets were not used, which incurred a loss of profit for China Eastern Airlines, but that loss pales in comparison to what the child and his parent experienced. None of my emails and attempting to explain the vulnerability of the family and extreme trauma had any effect on this company. They are pretty hard-hearted, with no room at all for any love, mercy, or kindness. Very disappointed in this company and will never book with them again. They certainly showed their true colors.

Hello All, This is to inform you who wish to travel with China Eastern Airline in future, I complained on airline email and shared my experience on multiple platforms like this website but so far no one contacted me from airline. It shows airline customer care attitude. So be careful to book with this airline.

Worst airline ever. Positives: Cheap? Check. Got me to destination on time? Sure did. As for the rest...Food terrible, seats awful, Alcohol? Almost non existent. Cart is travelling down aisle with two lousy beers on it. At least in most economy type airlines you can buy a beverage. This flight just didn't have anything on board! Service? Wow… Read more

!I've never been scolded by a flight attendant before while I'm trying to put my bag away. Didn't try to help. Just chastised me for taking too long. On the flight home attendant shushed my wife because they decided she was talking too loud. It's 4pm in the afternoon! Worst experience I've ever had on with an airline. I'm flying next week on another airline that's costing me twice as much as China East. Worth every cent. Would pay three time the price if it means I never have to fly China East again

Very bad experience. When I booked my flight it showed one stop but in reality we had 2 stops. Not food for vegetarians or Halal. When I asked one of the crew that I need to eat something and for my 3 years-old daughter, there was nothing to be offered (This was for 31 hours trip)!! When asked for assistance or help with the heavy luggage AND MY 3… Read more

YEARS-OLD daughter. They said can't do anything for me. It was so frustrating not to don't get any good service or support from them, altough I paid 2300$.

We were Refused on board, told eticket issue by booking staff manila.. No help no empathy from Cinese E I asked them to cancel my ticket then and connection , did not, , they were useless. They couldnt speak english, in AUSTRALIA. Ruined my Holiday, shocking. They just don't care. They need teaching how to overt eticket code issues. Airport… Read more

staff are either inexperienced or no empathy. I saw their leader bully staff and lots of arrogance at Brisbane airport. Mu716 10.3.25 12 hr plane delay the day prior thus no connection fir my next leg. Just a mess.

China Eastern Airlines would not allow me to board my flight, despite having a valid ticket and authorized and approved visa. I was then forced to purchase new tickets. My travel agent contacted 3 departments and all refused a written letter/email stating they would not allow me to board, even though I did arrive 3 hours early for my flight. Show details

Flew from Brisbane to Shanghai, then Shanghai to Rome. On re.checking in at Shanghai our large blue, Yamaha motorcycle gear bag was flagged and we were asked to open the bag to look at its contents. This was done and they were satisfied, and the bag was re-checked in. We watched it go back on the conveyor belt with all the correct tags on it.… Read more

During this process the China Eastern staff in the security room saw the expensive and very valuable motorcycle racing gear in the bag. My son races in the world championship and some of this gear has huge sentimental value due to winning a world championship race in it.

On arrival in Rome, our bag did not arrive. There are no notes on the system of the bag having been stopped from going in the plane, no trace at all of the bag, and we are now 3 days later. It seems someone at China Eastern in Shanghai decided that over $10k worth of motorcycle racing gear was theirs to steal.

Very disappointing China Eastern. Not possible to lose such a huge, very distinctive looking bag. Can only have been stolen.

Worst airline – Worst airline ever We traveled from Brisbane (Australia)to Shanghai and then Shanghai to Istanbul On return we had twelve hours delay Absolutely disgusting food and it wasn't edible The leg room was so tight we couldn't move the legs The entertainment was only 7 movies and nothing else We will never fly with that airline again even though it is cheaper Show details

Bad flying experience – One of the worth airlines I have ever experienced from service,Food and communications with air hosts..return flight Sydney - Amsterdam June 2024 Show details

Terrible Experience – Without a doubt, the worst company I have ever seen in my life, the staff is unpleasant and with no willingness to help you, the worst experience I have had in my life, I don't know how they can continue working with the terrible service they offer, in My case was with an airline official at the Bangkok airport. If they are not willing to serve… Read more

their customers, customers who have paid a lot of money for their tickets, let them go do something else. The company moves at the pace of the type of client it has. My opinion for them is 0. I will never fly with this company again, before flying with them again, I will walk anywhere.

Incompetent – This is my comment on China Eastern Airlines. During the three-day holiday, I was late for the first stop, causing me to miss the connecting flight. The offer is to stay at the hotel until the next day, then fly to another city, and fly to the destination at 11:30 p.m. In this way, I will lose 2 out of 3 days. I had to book another flight to my… Read more

destination, and they also cancelled my return ticket. I have to buy another ticket to go home. Basically, I have to buy 3 tickets and stay in the city of my choice for 3 days. It cost me three times as much. China Eastern Airlines is required to refund the last stop and round-trip tickets. They will refund a small part of the tickets. The worst airline I've ever taken. Be careful of their connecting flights.

First time customer very upset disappointed – I book a flight to moscow paid for 3 hours waiting time in shanghai pudo airport to travel to moscow after 3 weeks they reschedule my flight to 13.5 hrs wait because I have no choice I already book another flight from moscow I accept the changers .. now I looking to cancel both flight loosing Loosing some money try calling the offices in… Read more

Australia good luck with that even right on ope time no one takes the phone I've emailed on many attempts to ask for a complimentary hotel due to long wait 3 emails no one reply .. as a first time customer very disappointed better with emirates ethihad customer service can't compare

Worst airline ever – Flying with and dealing with China Eastern Airlines was an experience I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. From the moment you step foot onto the aircraft, you're greeted with an atmosphere of indifference and inefficiency. The staff seem to have perfected the art of apathy, displaying a remarkable lack of concern for passenger comfort or… Read more

satisfaction. There is ZERO customer service and the majority of staff do not even know how to speak the most basic english. Phone calls, emails and online form submissions go unanswered. When you get to the airport check in counter they plead ignorance by saying they are merely the check in staff and to take it up with their office. Absolutely no accountability from any of their incompetent staff.

Once onboard u will find limited leg room making the seating uncomfortable, the food is average, and the entertainment options are laughably outdated. Delays are the norm rather than the exception, leaving you stranded in the purgatory of airport terminals for hours on end.

In particilar they are the worst when it comes to those in need of assistance. Requesting wheelchair assistance with them is akin to begging for frustration and disappointment. Their dismal service and utter lack of empathy make every step of the journey a nightmare. From unexplained delays to indifferent staff, China Eastern Airlines sets a new low for air travel.

In short, flying with China Eastern Airlines is a surefire way to turn your travel dreams into a nightmare. Avoid at all costs unless you enjoy subjecting yourself to unnecessary suffering.

As far as im concerned, they have no place in Australia if they can't even meet the most basic customer service standards. China Eastern Airlines you should be ashamed of yourselves.

No customer service – I purchase a ticket premium economy , they swap the aircraft from Shangai to Rome and no premium economy available anymore. No communication to advice that no premium economy available, didn’t make any effort was made to upgrade to business, no any responsibility for they own mistakes and pore communication . Show details

Scam Airline – My sister booked a flight from Amsterdam to Sydney with a layover in Shanghai. A day after buying the ticket she got an email that the flight from Amsterdam to Shanghai has been cancelled and they've rescheduled her to the following day. Unfortunately the leg from Shanghai to Sydney has not been updated. She cannot get it sorted out with any… Read more

representative in Europe and similarly the Australian office won't help either.

We've been told to contact the office in America or China. The phone numbers to China, America, Brisbane and Melbourne are incorrect. The Sydney office number is correct but they refuse to help as the ticket was paid for in USD.

The airline is completely uncontactable.

Back to the dark ages? – Can't believe how far backward this airline is compared to others. I flew return Melbourne to Shanghai as part of a TripADeal Tour to China. Only old movies like Lalaland, very limited options in beverages, no alcohol, except beer and terrible food. I had vegetarian, no butter or margarine for the rolls, no salt and pepper, 2 of the same dessert,… Read more

which was cut up melon and the main dish was just awful. At the end of the flight back in Melbourne they sprayed the cabin 3 times!! This whole experience made TripADeal look bad as well.

Anti westerners staff – This has to be the worst airline on the market flight melb shanghai no beer and unfrendly staff if you are not chinese and it was a qantas co chair Only 8 western movies the newest was interstela 6 years old Show details

Worst experience ever – 1. I booked through myTrip where the information they gave them was incorrect and I could not check in online through their website. 2. There was an 18.5-hour layover with no rooms or lounges in Pudong airport transit and the agents incharge said that we need to get our own accommodation outside and need to go through customs and… Read more

return back through customs for our flight. We had to pay ¥800 to stay a few hours at Pan Hotel attached to the airport, and the wifi would not load any websites or work on any apps.

3. During our return to the airport, we had to go through customs again which took us over an hour because the customs agents refused to put us in a separate line for transit flyers.

4. We were asked to go out again to scan a health check QR code but the airport wifi would not load the QR code or any other website. When we asked the agents why, they said it is because we don’t have a Chinese sim card!!! This was ridiculous! What does wifi have anything to do with sim cards? We could not contact anyone because only people with Chinese sim cards have the right to connect to the internet???

5. Then we were asked to use a machine to fill in the health check instead which requested a Chinese contact (with a Chinese phone number). We are in Transit!! We had not been in the country to visit anyone! And the guard there kept saying it doesn’t matter, just skip it…. Which the machine refused us to do.

6. After 5 mins the guard told us to go to another kiosk just for them to ask me to use “AA” as the contact’s name, and “0000000000” as the contact number and just choose any city and province. We wasted all this time just to fill in a form with bogus info which was requested by the airport personnel.

7. After all this, during our bag scan, the agents said that I cannot take my power bank with me on the plane because it was too big! I had bought the power bank 3 weeks prior for the sole purpose of my travels and paid AUD$ 120. Over the past 2 weeks I had taken this on every flight from Australia, to Qatar, to Spain (2 cities and flights), to Germany, and to the Netherlands with no issues and suddenly, your airline refused to allow me to take it on the plane where 5 other countries were perfectly fine with this? After telling this to the agents one shouted at me that THIS IS CHINA!! And the other told me that if I want to take it, I have to fill a form and to do this I had to go out of the customs again, fill the paperwork, and line up through customs again (which would have taken at least another hour to get back in). I said that I will not go through that whole line again at which point the security said follow me, went to another kiosk and they said they just called China Eastern Airlines and an agent will be there shortly.

8. I waited for a while and each time I asked what happened they told me that the agent was coming and to stop asking them. After another half hour of waiting, I couldn’t take it any longer. I had a gout flare, both my feet were swollen 3 times the size, I had a nosebleed, and including the wait through customs, had close to 20 hours of layover. I was exhausted and starving so I just asked for my boarding pass back from the security agent and to give me the email address for the complaint department of ECA. He said that he doesn’t have the email, and that’s when he finally told us that the agent from Eastern China Airlines said that they refuse to come thro. He said that he had got this information 10-15 minutes earlier (but for some reason refused to tell us until I requested my boarding pass and asked for an email for complaint).

9. Exhausted, agitated, and starving, I finally got on the train, went towards the gate and asked the shop owners where to eat and they told me “Oh everything is closed”. What kind of international airport does not have a 24 hour or late-night restaurant? And this type of info should be given beforehand.

10. Finally, we are on the plane, we take off and I take out my usb cable to charge my phone via the entertainment system (since my power bank was wrongfully confiscated). And ofcourse, your entertainment system didn’t work. The USB input was so loose that it would not charge the phone and the cable would fall out with a slight touch of the finger (see video). Even when watching a movie, the touchscreen didn’t work half the time (see video)

11. Finally, I see on the information system that there is a 1-hour delay (landing at 13:20 instead of 12:20. I asked one of the airhostesses and she said that the information system on the screen is wrong, and that in fact we will be arriving at 11:20. I used the 10 minute in air wifi to message my friend who was picking me up at the airport that the plane will arrive an hour earlier. It took 10 mins for message to get through. An hour prior to the supposed landing the same air hostess said that yes in fact the on-screen info is wrong, and we will reach in 3 hours!!! Which means the info was right all along, there was an hour of delay, and that because of the air hostess, I had told my friend to pick me up earlier where I should have told to pick up an hour later because of the delay. When I asked the air hostess again, she said “oh I thought you meant what time we land in Shanghai time”! Why would anyone need to know the time at the starting point instead of the destination? Also, why would she say that the info on the screen is wrong?

12: When I complained and send the exact message I sent here, they said that the ticket has been used and I'm not entitled to anything.

Do not waste your money on ECA

China Eastern Airline, after reading reviews I was worried, but pleasantly surprised – Flew from Sydney-Shanghai and on from Shanghai -Amsterdam Return in the month of June 2023. I was looking for a cheap trip to visit my family in Netherlands. My family of 4 was able to purchase return tickets for $1200 each which was more than half price from anything else I could find online. After my purchase I looked into the reviews which were… Read more

awful and off-putting and I started to worry. I called the China Eastern Airline office in Sydney and talked to a very friendly respectful staff member (without having to wait). She checked my booking reserved my seats for free and answered all the questions I had. A great experience. The flights were fantastic modern planes, comfortable, plenty of regular food services, good quality (well airplane) food, no issues very friendly on every legg of the flights. Movies were ok not too many, but we had a lot of flying time. I would recommend this airline to anyone. Some issues we experienced were not related to the airline, but to chinese health regulations (Covid) and emigration and visa requirements which I personally found a but confusing and daunting, but all worked out fine. Friendly helpful people all along our trip. Booking process was straight forward. Great trip great company

Price gauging. If we didn't need you we wouldn't use you. I will actively speak poorly of your company.Very capitalism