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Trip.com for flights

I’m looking at buying tickets with China Eastern as they offer the best price/schedule option for me.

Usually I buy directly from the airline, but the CE website is simply impossible to work with. It won’t let me complete a booking.

What are my alternatives? I don’t like travel agents etc- I saw Trip.com offer flight booking. Is it reliable? Are there other options?

Thanks!

Trip.com is one of the largest and most widely used online travel agencies for flights within China and internationally. Many travelers, especially foreigners, use it to book tickets on Chinese carriers such as China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China, particularly when the airline websites are difficult to navigate.

Here’s what you should consider when using Trip.com:

  • Trip.com is generally reliable and offers instant booking confirmation, e-tickets, and online check-in links for most airlines.
  • They accept international payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes PayPal, which makes it convenient for foreign travelers.
  • Customer support is available in English, which can be helpful if you need to change or cancel a ticket, though response times can vary.
  • Trip.com may include a small service fee compared to booking directly with the airline, but it often compensates for the ease of use and English interface.

Other alternatives if you don’t want to use Trip.com:

  • Other online travel agencies: Websites like Ctrip (the parent company of Trip.com) or Fliggy (Alibaba’s platform) can also be used, though Fliggy is primarily in Chinese.
  • Booking via international OTAs: Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner can sometimes book Chinese domestic flights, though prices may be higher and support limited.
  • Airport or travel agency in China: If you are already in China, a physical travel agency can assist with bookings, though you mentioned you prefer to avoid this.

In summary, Trip.com is a widely trusted and practical option for booking China Eastern flights, especially if the airline’s own website is not working for you. Just make sure you carefully check ticket rules, baggage allowances, and cancellation policies before purchasing.

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