Founded in 1993, Hainan Airlines is China's biggest privately owned air carrier and is one of only eight airlines to have received a five star rating from Skytrax. It is headquartered at Haikou Meiland International Airport in its home province and namesake, Hainan. It also has hubs at Beijing Capital International Airport and at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, as well as seven further focus cities in China. It currently operates a fleet of more than 160 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Hainan Airlines flies to more than 100 destinations, both within China and around the globe. Domestically, it serves cities such as Chengdu and Guilin plus many more. Some of its most popular international routes include Berlin, Seattle, Toronto, Moscow and Singapore. The company has negotiated codeshares with Westjet, Aigle Azur, Uni Air, Air Berlin, S7 Airlines, American Airlines, Korean Air, Brussels Airlines, JetBlue, Czech Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Virgin Australia and EVA Air but has yet to join any airline alliance.

Online check-in

Online check-in is an option for passengers travelling on Hainan Airlines flights. The time that this service opens depends on the passenger's departure airport but can be as early as 42 hours prior to take-off. Passengers should check exactly when online check-in for their flight opens, as the service normally closes 2 hours ahead of a flight's scheduled departure.

Infants and passengers who need assistance at the airport cannot check in online, however those with checked luggage can still check in online but should drop off their luggage at one of the airline's counters when they arrive at the airport. To check in online, passengers need their name and ID number.

Hand luggage allowance

On a domestic Hainan Airlines flight Economy passengers can bring 1 item of hand luggage weighing up to 5 kg while Business and First class passengers can bring 2 items each weighing up to 5 kg. The size of these items is limited to 20 x 40 x 55 cm. On an international flight, Economy passengers can bring 1 item weighing up to 10 kg while Business and First class passengers can bring 2 items each weighing up to 10 kg. On these flights the combined width, height and length of hand luggage must not be greater than 115 cm.

Checked baggage allowance

Checked baggage allowances on a Hainan Airlines flight are dependent upon the route, so it's recommended that passengers check their allowance with the airline before flying. As a general rule, Economy class passengers can check in 1 item weighing up to a maximum of 23 kg, while Business and First class passengers can check in 2 items each weighing up to 32 kg. Infants can check in 1 item weighing up to 10 kg in addition to a stroller or car seat. Excess baggage charges will be applicable to any passenger who exceeds his or her allowance.