On your day of departure, check-in usually begins at 1:15pm, but a line starts forming shortly after 10am. Since seat assignments are only done upon check-in, you should try to arrive as early as possible. Also be sure not to confuse Air China with China Air because China Airlines is a Taiwanese Airline.

To ensure you follow TSA's security procedures, DO NOT lock your baggage when checking in at U.S. airports (domestic or international), unless you have TSA approved locks. Airport Security requires easy access to all bags in case they have to be searched. The only time you MUST LOCK your bags is during transit within China. If your bag is found unlocked during transit in China, they will lock the bag for you, but you will be charged for the lock. So be sure to bring a lock (for each bag) with you to China and lock them before traveling on to the next city. Only the main compartments of each bag must be locked.

We strongly urge passengers NOT to check their bags all the way through to the final destination (Beijing). It's best to claim it in San Francisco and re-check them at the Air China counter because this reduces the risk of losing your luggage. However, if your flight does not arrive into San Francisco airport until after 11:00AM, you may want to check it all the way through to prevent from missing your international flight. Use your best judgment to determine what to do.

For the safety of all passengers, CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China), requires you to follow the regulations listed below. These regulations apply to carry-on bags on domestic China flights.

1) Each passenger may bring on board a maximum of 2 bottles, 500ml each, of non-alcoholic, consumable beverages such as mineral water, juice, tea, milk, etc. However, all items must be purchased within the secured area only (after you have passed the security check point, where the boarding gates are located).

2) Each passenger may bring on board a maximum of 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco. Reminder: Carry-on bag should not exceed 45" or weigh more than 10-15 lbs.

3) Passengers are not permitted to carry on board the plane any liquid containing alcohol (i.e. wine, brandy, whiskey, etc.)

4) Passengers who are bringing liquid medication (for adult or infant) must open the container for inspection.

5) Passengers with prohibited material will be held responsible for any resulting consequences.

For international flights, the maximum allowance of tobacco is 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500g of tobacco. You may also bring up to 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, not exceeding 750ml each.

Keep in mind that airport security has the right to determine whether or not you can bring on board any alcoholic beverages because alcohol is flammable and can be considered dangerous. Therefore, the decision will depend on the level of our current threat advisory alert from Homeland Security.