 |
 |
FAQ
|
|
|
Tips on the flight booking
1. How many destinations can I fly to within China?
You can fly to around 60 destinations which covers most provincial capitals and other top cities in Mainland China.
2. Can I book flights to international destinations from Mainland China?
Yes. You can search for international flights online. In case you find that the information is incomplete or you are unable to find a flight for the dates you selected, please send us your travel plan, you would be given the up-to-date information and rates of international flights. Please note that flights to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are considered international flights. You may navigate the International Flight page to search for your flights.
3. Can I book flights to Mainland China destinations from abroad?
At the moment, Miaocity does not provide flights to Mainland China from abroad
4. If I am traveling within Mainland China, what is required to book and travel through Miaocity?
To travel within Mainland China, you have to show your visas and valid IDs for flying and lodging. The IDs include People's Republic of China Resident IDs, Passports, Home-Visiting Certificates for Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificates, Residence Permits, or Travel Permits. If you are traveling to Tibet, a Tibet Visa is also required.
5. What are the requirements for travel to Tibet?
For citizens of Mainland China, passengers can buy tickets to Tibet with their ID card. Other passengers have to buy the tickets with both a passport and a Tibet Visa.
6. Do I have to register to make a booking?
Not at all. After selecting your flight/s online, you can choose the "Non-Members Booking" option to skip the sign-in process. However, we encourage frequent travelers to create an account to make future booking experiences faster and smoother.
|
|
|
Passenger types and special requirements
1. Can I make bookings for other people?
Yes. You can book up to 9 adult tickets at a time. Simply enter a passenger name for each airline ticket you book on the Passenger Information page.
2. Can pregnant women fly on airplanes?
It is safe for pregnant women to fly. There are no restrictions on pregnant women up to their 7th month of pregnancy. However, for their safety, pregnant women in their 8 month of pregnancy or later are recommended not to fly; if the flight is necessary, 2 copies of a signed doctor's permission letter must be filed together with an application form to the airline. The doctor's letter should include the passenger name, age, pregnancy date, Expected Date of Confinement (EDC), journey date, and special care needed. Women on their 8-month of pregnancy or above can only board after receiving airline approval.
3. Can infants fly on airplanes?
An infant is defined as a child younger than 2 years old. An infant ticket is 10% of the cost of the regular adult airfare and no seat is provided. Passengers may only buy one infant ticket for each adult ticket purchased. If one adult needs to buy more than one infant ticket, the purchase of a child ticket is required. Infants younger than 14 days are not allowed to fly.
4. Are seriously ill but not contagious patients allowed to fly?
Yes, but the patients need to show written permission from a doctor when buying a ticket in order to obtain the airline's boarding approval.
5. Can I travel with a pet?
Some airlines will allow passengers to take pets on board or as unaccompanied baggage. We encourage you to call the airline directly to find out more details. 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 the indicated procedures. For the health and safety of your pet, we advise you to visit a trusted veterinarian to assess if your pet is fit for air travel.
|
|
|
Booking hours, booking methods and ticket type
1. What are the service hours?
Domestic Flight Bookings service is available between 08:00 am and 19:00 pm (GMT+8 hours) daily. Bookings made after 19:00 pm will be processed the next business day. Please note that due to availability and delivery considerations, all domestic tickets booked less than 2 hours before the departure time will not be processed.
International Flight Bookings service is available between 09:00 am and 18:00 pm (GMT+8 hours) daily. Bookings made after 18:00 pm will be processed the next business day. Please note that due to availability and delivery considerations, all international tickets booked less than 8 hours before the departure time will not be processed.
2. How many types of flights can I book through Miaocity?
You can book one-way, roundtrip flights from Miaocity.
Roundtrip means you will fly from one location to another and then back to the first location. Roundtrip flights may include charter fares.
One-way means you will fly from one location to another and will not return to the first location. One-way flights may include charter fares.
3. What ticket classes can I book?
In addition to Economy Class seating, many flights offer Business and/or First Class seating. Please note that the following descriptions are generalizations; some airlines may use different names to describe their classes of service.
Economy Class- class seating is in the main cabin area. These seats are usually the least expensive.
Business Class seating- features roomier seats that recline farther, provides more leg room and offers upgraded meal service. Other perks can include shorter lines at check-in and use of the airline's airport business lounge. Business Class tickets cost more than Economy Class tickets but less than First Class tickets. Note that when searching for Business Class fares, First Class fares may be shown if Business Class fares are not available.
First Class seating- seating is usually in the cabin 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 airport business lounge. First Class fares are almost always the most expensive and are not available on all air crafts.
4. What are electronic tickets?
Electronic tickets (e-tickets) are now offered by major airlines in China. They allow you to travel without a paper ticket, thus eliminating the inconveniences of leaving your tickets behind. An e-ticket confirms your airline ticket purchase without requiring a paper record. The only record of an e-ticket sale is in electronic format in the airline's computer system.
5. How do I use electronic tickets?
Passengers can use e-tickets in the same way as paper tickets. Passengers holding e-ticket receipts can check in the same way as passengers holding paper tickets. Passengers using e-tickets without receipts must check in at the designated counter and present a valid ID or passport. After the passenger is identified by the airline, the staff will issue the receipt along with the boarding pass and baggage tags. E-tickets are not available for infants, pregnant women and other passengers with special needs due to the additional procedures required.
|
|
|
Flight tickets, prices, additional fees
1. How many tickets can I book in one transaction?
You can book up to 9 adult tickets at a time. However, please be aware that selecting the maximum number of tickets will limit the availability to flights that have at least 9 seats. For flight deals, we cannot guarantee that all passengers in a single booking can avail of the special discounted price. Low-fare tickets usually have limited availability.
2. How do I find the lowest fares?
As a rule of thumb, fares on weekdays are lower than those on weekends and fares during the early morning or late evening are lower than the rest of the day. Please remember that the lowest fares are usually flight tickets that have the most restrictions. This means cancellations and changes are either not allowed or will incur fees that are higher than other tickets.
3. How far in advance should I book my flight tickets to get the lowest fares?
As a general rule, you get the full price of flight tickets if you book too far in advance. This is because our airline partners start giving discounts when most of the booking volume can be anticipated. To get the best fares for domestic flights, start booking 2 to 3 weeks before your departure date. To get the best fares for international flights, start booking 4 weeks before your departure date. For international peak seasons like Christmas and New Year, start booking 2 to 3 months in advance. Although Hong Kong and Macau destinations are considered international flights, pricing trend follows that of domestic flights more closely. Please remember that low-fare tickets sell fast. Therefore, after the 2 to 3 week-period (in the case of domestic flights) or 4-week period (in the case of international flights) has passed, most low-fare tickets will be sold out and the ticket prices may become more expensive again. We would like to remind you that these are general guidelines. Actual pricing may vary according to the pricing rules set by our airline partners.
4. Which months of the year offer the lowest fare flight tickets?
Lowest fare domestic flight tickets are usually available during off-peak season. These are March, mid-May to June, and November. You may expect fares to drop 2 to 3 weeks after the Spring Festival Holiday, May Holiday, and October holiday. We would like to remind you that these are general guidelines. Actual pricing may vary according to the pricing rules set by our airline partners.
5. Which days of the week offer the lowest fare flight tickets?
For domestic flight tickets, routes that are considered business routes (e.g. Beijing to Shanghai) would be very busy on Fridays and Sundays. Therefore, the lowest fare flight tickets would typically be available from mid-day Monday to Thursday. We would like to remind you that this is a general guideline. Actual pricing may vary according to the pricing rules set by our airline partners.
6. Which times of the day offer the lowest fare flight tickets?
Majority of the demand comes from morning and evening because many travelers would like to maximize their stay in one city. Because of this, the lowest fares would typically be available during more awkward hours such as early morning (before 06:00 am) and late evening (after 21:00 pm) and mid-day. We would like to remind you that these are general guidelines. Actual pricing may vary according to the pricing rules set by our airline partners.
7. Does the price shown on the search results page include taxes and fees?
No. The initial search results show all possible tickets currently available in our system. Prices shown do not include the Airport Construction Fee, Fuel Tax and additional fees charged by the airlines. Once you have selected your flights, you will be able to see the fees and the corresponding categories. Please note that accurate total prices are subject to the final confirmation of the Miaocity agents.
8. Are there discounts for infant or child tickets?
Many airlines offer discounted fares for infants, children, and seniors. Discounts vary by the airline, flight, and seat availability during your time of travel. They also vary by travelers' ages. To find out if your fares are discounted, view the breakdown of ticket prices on the left-hand side of the Flight Details page.
9. Why does the child ticket cost more than the adult ticket on some flights?
Children between 2 and 12 years old can buy children's tickets which are 50% of the full price. On some occasions, special deals for adult tickets may have discounts greater than 50%, resulting in the children's ticket price being higher than the adult ticket price.
|
|
|
Surcharges, extra fees, price changes
1. What are the Fuel Surcharge regulations?
All domestic flights are subject to the following surcharges: CNY 50 will be charged for each passenger for flight routes less than 800 kilometers. CNY 80 will be charged for each passenger for flight routes that are 800 kilometers or more.
2. Why does the Airport Construction Fee have three different prices: CNY 10, CNY 50 and CNY 90?
Airport Construction Fees are included in the price of all tickets sold after Sept.1, 2004. For domestic regional routes flown by the airplanes below, the Airport Construction Fee of each leg is CNY 10. For all other domestic flights not flown by the planes below, the Airport Construction Fee is CNY 50. For all international flights, the Airport Construction Fee is CNY 90.
3. Do children need to pay the Fuel Surcharge and Airport Construction Fees?
For domestic flights, a child has to pay a fuel surcharge of CNY 20 for routes less than 800 kilometers and CNY 40 for routes that are 800 kilometers or more. Infants' tickets that are 10% of the adult fare will be exempt from Fuel Surcharges. Neither children nor infants are subject to pay the Airport Construction Fees.
4. What extra fees are added to the international flight ticket price?
The international flight price is determined by the airline, flight class, validity period, and ticket policy including ticket price, tax, and additional fees. The Flight Tax is subject to change and the amount indicated on the Miaocity website should be used for reference only. The final rate of the Flight Tax is set according to the exchange rate of the day tickets are issued.
The Fuel Surcharge is charged by the airline company. The final rate of the Fuel Surcharge is determined by the airlines.
The Airport Construction Fee is CNY 90 (about US$11) for international flights including flights to Hong Kong and Macau.
Children and infants are exempted from the Airport Construction Fee.
The new immigrant flight prices are only available for Mainland Chinese passengers while selected student flight prices are also available for non-Chinese passport holders.
5. Why has the ticket price changed since my booking submission?
The ticket prices indicated on the Miaocity website should be used for reference only. Discounted flight tickets sell fast, so it is important that you act quickly when you see a rate you like, or you risk losing it. The perception of price change occurs when the flight tickets with the price you selected have been sold out or cancelled before the tickets are issued. It is the prerogative of the airline to cancel tickets that have not yet been issued. In general, you have a window of a few hours from booking to ticket issuance. During peak seasons like the Golden Week holidays, however, tickets can be sold out or cancelled in a matter of minutes. The best way to avoid price change is to have the tickets booked and issued upon confirmation of the Miaocity agent.
6. Why do I have to provide my contact information?
You should submit your accurate contact information to validate your booking request. Please provide the contact information that you use the most- whether this is your mobile number, office phone number, home number, or email address. Booking requests with invalid contact information will be cancelled automatically. Check the accuracy of the contract information you provide us. If we are able to reach you, you are able to lessen the risk of ticket price change.
|
|
|
Payment and Invoice
1. How can I pay for my tickets?
You can pay by credit card through Paypal. An extra service fee is charged by Paypal. Miaocity does not have any add on service charge on the payment transaction.
2. Can I get a receipt or Invoicefor my flight ticket purchase?
Receipts or Invoice is available upon request for the international ticket. Please send your payee’s name and mailing address to service@miaocity.com. Please be noted that the invoice might be issued from the travel agency who has the alliance relationship with Miaocity.
|
|
|
Booking records, flight check-in, luggage allowance
1. How do I view my flight booking records?
Once you have successfully signed in, click My Profile along the top of any page on the Miaocity website. Simply click on the flight booking records link to review your itineraries.
2. What do I need to check in to my flight?
To check in to your flight, you must present your valid ID and paper ticket. If your ticket is an e-ticket, simply show your valid ID at the designated e-ticket counter of the airline. Valid IDs include People's Republic of China Resident IDs, Passports, Home-Visiting Certificates for Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificates, Residence Permits, and Travel Permits. When buying infant or child tickets, a valid certificate with the birth date of the infant or child must be provided. Passengers with serious illnesses are required to present the written permission of his/her physician for the airline boarding approval. Please check with the airline for policies on special requests.
3. What is the latest check-in time?
The check-in process of most airlines stops 45 minutes before departure. Miaocity strongly advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. For international roundtrip tickets, passengers should contact the airlines to confirm the return flight 72 hours before take off. Allow more time if you have special requirements.
4. What types of identification can be used for boarding?
Valid IDs that can be used for boarding are the same valid IDs used for checking in. These include People's Republic of China Resident IDs, Passports, Home-Visiting Certificates for Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificates, Residence Permits, and Travel Permits. Passports, departure cards and other related documents may also be required for international flights.
5. What should I do if the airline has no record of my booking?
Please call us at 86- 21-51086201 ext 609 to verify that all the flight information you have on record are correct. We advise you to keep the details of your booking and double-check the dates of your departure to ensure you have the correct flight and departure time.
6. What items will be checked for outbound passengers?
Outbound passengers or passengers leaving Mainland China are required to present their passports, departure cards and other related documents.
7. What are the carry-on baggage regulations for domestic flights?
For domestic airlines, First Class passengers can take 2 pieces of carry-on baggage. Business Class and Economy Class passengers can take 1 piece of carry-on baggage. Each carry-on baggage should be no larger than 20*40*55cm and no heavier than 5kg.
8. What are the free baggage allowances for domestic flights?
For adult and child passengers, the free baggage allowance for each passenger is 40kg for First Class ticket holders, 30kg for Business Class ticket holders, and 20kg for Economy Class ticket holders. There are no free baggage allowances for infant tickets.
9. What are the baggage compensation rules?
The maximum compensation rate for lost or damaged baggage is CNY 50/kg.
If the baggage value is lower than CNY 50/kg, the compensation will be made according to the actual loss.
If the baggage value is higher than CNY 50/kg, passengers need to claim the baggage value (up to CNY 8,000/kg). The compensation will be made according to the claimed value deducted by 0.5% of the amount over the maximum compensation.
The complete amount of overweight fees will be returned.
10. What are the free baggage allowances for international flights?
There are two common standards of free baggage allowances for international flights. Standard 1: First Class 40kg (88 lb.), Business Class 30kg (66 lb.), Economy Class 20kg (44 lb.).
Standard 2: Each passenger may have 2 pieces of free baggage. For First Class and Business Class, the weight of each piece should be less than 32kg and the dimensions (LWH) of each piece should not exceed 158cm. For Economy Class, the LWH of the 2 pieces of baggage cannot exceed 273cm.
For both standards, no free baggage allowances are given for infant tickets. Please use these regulations as a guideline only. Airlines may decide to change their regulations as they see fit.
|
|
|
Changes, cancellations, refunds, lost tickets
1. What happens if I need to change my flight arrangements?
To change or cancel your flight, please call 86- 21-51086201 ext 609 or service@miaocity.com . The change or cancellation is free of charge if your tickets have not yet been issued. For tickets already issued, fees may be incurred according to applicable airline regulations and/or ticket policies. The policies for reroutes and refunds differ among airlines and classes. We advise you to understand the terms and conditions of your tickets before making the purchase.
2. Are electronic tickets changeable, endorsable or refundable?
The terms and conditions of your tickets are not dependent on whether these are paper tickets or e-tickets. The restrictions apply according to the ticket price and ticket type you purchased.
3. What should I do if my paper tickets are lost or stolen?
Passengers can report lost tickets at the original ticketing agency, another agency authorized by the airlines, or any airline ticket office. When you report a lost ticket, you need to submit your valid ID. If the claimer is not the passenger, the passenger's written authorization and the valid ID of both the passenger and the claimer are required. The claim should be in written form with a detailed description of the loss. You also need to fill out the Lost Ticket Form and present a certificate issued by the local Public Security Bureau.
4. What are my options if the airline moved my flight to a time that is not convenient for me?
We strongly recommend that you contact the airline directly on the day of departure to verify the status of your flight. In case of flight change, check your ticket policy and find out if you can choose another flight by the same airline at no additional cost. The airline offerings may depend on the reason of the flight change. As a rule of thumb, airlines bear no responsibility for weather changes, political uprisings, and other situations beyond their control.
5. What should I do if my flight is cancelled, delayed, or overbooked?
In the event of a flight disruption on the day of the flight, see an airline representative for instructions immediately. Each airline has its own policies for handling disruptions. If you wish to change your flight to another day, you may call us at 86- 21-51086201 ext 609 or service@miaocity.com to seek other viable options.
|
|
|
Privacy Security
Your information is safe when you book on Miaocity. This information includes your name, phone number, email address, mailing address, ID, credit card information etc. We make every effort to use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the security of your online transactions. Safeguards in place secure the information we collect online,prevent unauthorized access or disclosure,maintain data accuracy and ensure the appropriate use of information.Our powerful Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology protects sensitive information from unauthorized parties. SSL encrypts your credit card number, name, address and phone number before it travels over the Internet. Miaocity is firmly committed to the safety and security of your online transactions. Without your permission, Miaocity will never share or sell your personal information to any third party or for any commercial purpose.
|
|
|
Departure and Arrival Procedure
|
|
|
Domestic Airport
Departure from Domestic Airport：Check in --> 2.Security --> 3. Boarding
1. Check in
Please complete the boarding and luggage check in procedures at the right airline/ flight counter with your air ticket (no need in case of e-ticket) and the valid identity certificate, meanwhile getting your boarding pass there.
2.Security
Please prepare the boarding pass, air ticket (no need in case of e-ticket) and valid identity certificate, and hand them over to the security inspector. For the security of flight, the passenger need pass through the detecting gate. The carry-on luggage will be inspected by the X-ray machine.
3. Boarding
Now you can wait at the relevant departure lounge, in accordance with the departure gate number on your boarding pass. Usually, the boarding will start 30 minutes before the departure. Please listen to the broadcasting carefully.
The boarding pass should be presented when boarding, please get it ready by then.
Arrival at Domestic Airport：1.Arrival --> 2.Luggage Claim --> 3.Leaving Airport
1.Flight Arrival
If you arrive at the terminal building by the airport shuttles, you could follow the sign to the luggage claim sector.
2.Luggage Claim
There is the sign to show up your flight number.
The luggage cart is available with no charge
The luggage card/number is required at the exit.
3.Leaving the Airport
Airport shuttle bus, or taxi is available with the specific signs
Currency exchange is available at the Exit
Note:
It is suggested that you start the check in 1.5 hours before the departure. The check in is usually terminated 30 minutes before the departure. (Some airlines may have special stipulations on that time)
Please keep with you the passport, visa and travel certificate, cash etc.
|
|
|
International Airport
Departure from International Airport：1.Customs Clearance --> 2. Check in --> 3. Health Check up --> 4.Border Inspection --> 5.Security --> 6. Boarding
1.Customs Clearance
Complete the customs procedures and go through the red channel if the declaration is needed
Go through the green channel if there is nothing o declare.
2.Check in
Please complete the boarding and luggage check in procedures at the right airline/ flight counter with your air ticket (no need in case of e-ticket) and the valid identity certificate, meanwhile getting your boarding pass there.
In the case that your flight will stop over other domestic airport(s), please consult the service staff at the check-in counter.
3.Health Check up
In case that your stay abroad exceeds 1 year with Chinese nationality, the valid health certificate is required;
In case that your destination is in an epidemic area, you need take the necessary vaccination.
4.Border Inspection
In the case that you are a foreign traveler, your valid passport, visa and exit registration card should be presented for verification, and your exit should not exceed the duration specified on your valid entry visa.
In the case that you are a Chinese traveler (including the residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), your valid passport, visa, exit registration and the entry & exit certificate issued by the relevant institution should be presented as well.
5.Security
Please prepare the boarding pass, air ticket (no need in case of e-ticket) and valid identity certificate, and hand them over to the security inspector. For the security of flight, the passenger need pass through the detecting gate. The carry-on luggage will be inspected by the X-ray machine.
6.Boarding
Now you can wait at the relevant departure lounge, in accordance with the departure gate number on your boarding pass. Usually, the boarding will start 40 minutes before the departure. Please listen to the broadcasting carefully.
The boarding pass should be presented when boarding, please get it ready by then.
Arrival at Domestic Airport：1. Arrival --> 2.Heath Check up --> 3.Border Inspection --> 4.Luggage Claim --> 5.Customs --> 6.Leaving Airport
1. Arrival
Entering the terminal building, you can claim your luggage at the first floor through the entry corridor on the 3rd floor and complete the following procedures on the way.
2. Heath Check up
Fill in the Entry Health Quarantine Application Card;
For the travelers from the Yellow-Fever affected areas, the valid certificate of vaccination against the yellow fever should be presented to the inspection and quarantine staff.
3.Border Inspection
Please following the sign to go through the right channel
The entrance registration card, passport, and valid visa need be prepared at the border inspection station for inspection and verification.
4.Luggage Claim
There is the sign to show up your flight number.
The luggage cart is available with no charge
The luggage card/number is required at the exit.
5.Customs
In the case that you have goods to declare, please pass through the red channel and complete the procedures at the Customs;
In the case that you have nothing to declare, please pass through the green channel.。
6.Leaving the Airport
Airport shuttle bus, or taxi is available with the specific signs
Currency exchange is available at the Exit
Note:
It is suggested that you start the check in 1.5 hours before the departure. The check in is usually terminated 30 minutes before the departure. (Some airlines may have special stipulations on that time)
Please keep with you the passport, visa and travel certificate, cash etc.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
