FAQ
Before Booking
Available destinations, booking from Mainland China, booking requirements
- How many destinations can I fly to within China?
- Can I book flights to international destinations from Mainland China?
- Can I book flights to Mainland China destinations from abroad?
- What documents are required to book and travel in mainland China?
- What are the requirements for travel to Tibet?
- Do I have to be a member of eLong to make a booking ?
- What should I do if I have more than 3 destinations?
Passenger types, special requirements, traveling with pets
- Can I make bookings for other people?
- Can pregnant women fly on airplanes?
- Can infants fly on airplanes?
- Can I travel with a pet?
Booking hours, booking methods, ticket classes and types
- How can I book flights through eLong?
- What are your service hours?
- How many types of flights can I book through eLong?
- What ticket classes can I book?
- How do I use electronic tickets?
Searching for Flights
Flight tickets, prices, discounts
Surcharges, extra fees, price changes
Submitting booking requests, required information, credit card payment
Billing and Confirmation
Payment options, credit cards, receipts
Post-Booking
Booking records, flight check-in, luggage allowance
Changes, cancellations, refunds, lost tickets
Airline schedule changes, delays,
cancellations, disruptions
Available destinations, booking from Mainland China, reservation requirements
1.How many destinations can I fly to within China?
With eLong.net, you can fly to about 60 destinations in greater China, including most provincial capitals and major cities in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
2.Can I book flights to international destinations from Mainland China?
Of course! You can conveniently search for international flights by clicking on the 'International Flights' tab on the eLong.net main page. If you are unable to find a flight for the dates you selected, you may also call our 24-hour reservation hotlines at 4006-171717 (within mainland China) or +86-10-8457-7827 (from other areas around the world). Please note that, in our system, flights to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are considered international flights, so you can navigate the International Flight page to search for flights to these locations as well.
3.Can I book flights into mainland China destinations from abroad?
Yes, but currently you need to do that through our Call Center since, at the moment, our online service does not include booking for flights into Mainland China from departure sites abroad. Please call our reservation department at +86-10-8457-7827 (from outside China) or 4006-171717 (within mainland China) to make these reservations. You can also fill in our International Flight Inquiry Form to book such flights.
Of course, you can use our web site to make reservations departing from mainland China to international locations. We highly encourage mainland-China-based passengers to book roundtrip tickets online for more convenience and greater savings.
4. What documents are required to book and travel within mainland China?
To travel within mainland China, you will need to show your official government ID and visa at all hotels and airports. These official government IDs may include Passports (for foreigners), People's Republic of China Resident ID Cards, Home-Visiting Certificates (for compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao), Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificates, Residence Permits, and other Travel Permits. If you are traveling to Tibet, a special Tibet Visa is also required.5.What are the requirements for travel to Tibet?
Citizens of mainland China can purchase tickets to Tibet with their government ID card. Other passengers need to purchase tickets to Tibet with both a passport (or other appropriate government ID) and a special Tibet Visa. Please note that, if you arrive at the airport without this special Tibet visa, you will not be allowed to board the plane.
6. Do I need to be registered with eLong to make a reservation?
You don't need to be a registered member with us to make a reservation. After selecting your flight/s online, if you skip the member sign-in process, a courtesy account will be automatically created once the reservation is complete, and you will receive an email containing your account information.
7.What should I do if I have more than 3 destinations?
At the moment, our system can only reserve 3 flight destinations at once. If you need to fly to more than 3 locations, we suggest you make multiple sequential bookings. We are constantly upgrading our systems though, so we hope to be able to provide this service in the near future.
1. Can I make bookings for other people?
Yes. You can book up to 9 adult tickets at a time. However, please be aware that reserving the maximum number of tickets will limit the availability to flights to those that have at least 9 seats. For flight deals, we also cannot guarantee that all passengers in a single booking will be able to take advantage of the special discounted price, because airlines limit the number of tickets available at the these low prices.
2. Can pregnant women fly on airplanes?
It is generally thought to be safe for pregnant women to fly, and airlines do not usually restrict pregnant women up to their 7th month of pregnancy. However, for their safety, airlines often require that pregnant women in their 8th month of pregnancy or later should not fly without medical certification.Women in their 8th month of pregnancy or above can usually only board after receiving airline pre-approval. If the flight is necessary, you should bring two copies of a signed doctor's permission letter together with any relevant application form to the airline. The doctor's letter should include the passenger name, age, pregnancy date, expected delivery date (EDC), journey date, and any special care needed.
3. My children are traveling with me. How do I buy tickets for them?
This can usually be done quite easily on our web site. After first filling in the adult passenger information, click the "Add" button just below that section to reveal a second passenger input form, and change the pull-down menu designation to "Child" or "Infant". To qualify for the "Child" category, a child needs to be less than 12 years old on the date of departure. Prices for Child tickets are usually 50% of a full adult price. To qualify for the "Infant" category, an infant needs to be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Prices for Infant tickets are usually 10% of a full adult price. However, we are currently only able to provide one-way "Infant" tickets on our web site, so you should call our 24-hour customer service center at +86-10-8457-7827 (international) or 4006-171717 (within mainland China) to make two-way reservations for infants. Airlines sometimes require proof of age before boarding, so be sure to bring along a birth certificate or passport for your infant.
4. Can I travel with a pet?
Yes, airlines often allow this. However, eLong is not authorized to make such travel arrangements, so it is best for you to contact the airline directly with these requests. Some airlines will allow passengers to take pets on board; others allow them as unaccompanied baggage. Rules may vary according to the size, age, and breed of your pet. Health certificates and other documentation may also be required. Please apply with the airline at least 3 days before your flight and follow their indicated procedures. For the health and safety of your pet, we advise you to also visit a trusted veterinarian to assess if your pet is fit for air travel.
1. How can I reserve flights through eLong?
The easiest way to book a flight is by logging on to www.elong.net, and making the reservation online. You may also call our Service Center hotline at 4006-171717 (inside Mainland China) or +86-10-8457-7827 (in other areas around the world) to make reservations.
2. What are your service hours?
eLong flight reservation services are available 24 hours every day, both online and through our call center. The only restriction is that we cannot book domestic tickets less than 2 hours before the departure time or international tickets less than 8 hours before the departure time.
3. How many types of flights can I book through eLong?
You can book one-way, roundtrip, or multiple-destination flights through eLong. Roundtrip is defined as flying from one location to another and then back to the first location. Roundtrip flights may include charter fares. One-way is defined as flying from one location to another without booking a return flight at the same time. One-way flights may also include charter fares. Multiple-destination means you visit several locations and therefore need to choose flights between each of those locations. You cannot book charter fares on multiple-destination tickets.
4. What ticket classes can I book?
We offer Economy, Economy Plus, Business and/or First Class seating on most flights, depending on availability. Please note that these designations are generalizations, and individual airlines may use different names to describe their classes of service. Economy-class seating is in the main cabin area. These seats are usually the least expensive. Business Class seating features roomier seats that recline further and provide more leg room, and upgraded meal service. Other perks can include shorter lines at check-in and use of the airline's VIP lounge. Business Class tickets cost more than Economy but less than First Class tickets. Note that, when searching for Business Class fares, First Class fares may be shown if Business fares are not available. First Class seating is usually in the area nearest the front of the aircraft. It accommodates the fewest and most comfortable seats and offers upgraded meals. Other perks can include shorter lines at check-in and use of the airline's VIP lounge. First Class fares are almost always the most expensive and are not available on all aircraft.
5. How do I use electronic tickets?
Electronic tickets (e-tickets) are now offered by all airlines in China. They allow you to travel very conveniently without a paper ticket, carrying just a Passport or other required government ID. This eliminates the inconvenience of possibly leaving your tickets behind, and also allows for faster changes, cancellations or refunds if you need them.
When flying on an e-ticket, you simply check in at the airline's airport counter or kiosk to receive your boarding pass. You can also check-in and print a boarding pass on the airline web site within 24 hours of the flight. Of course, whether you fly with a paper ticket or an e-ticket, we always recommend you confirm your itinerary online within 24 hours of your scheduled departure to ensure that your flight information has not changed.