Air China — China's national flag carrier
Direct BKK–Beijing in ~5–5.5 hours, Star Alliance member

Air China is headquartered in Beijing, with its primary hub at Beijing Capital International (PEK). It also operates select services from Beijing Daxing (PKX) and maintains an important secondary base in Chengdu. The network spans China and dozens of international destinations, and Air China is the carrier that officially flies the national flag of China.

PEK is Air China's home airport and the entry point for most international arrivals into Beijing. From the terminal, the Capital Airport Express train links to the subway (Lines 2 and 10), or a taxi reaches the centre directly. Note that Beijing has two major airports: PEK (Capital) and PKX (Daxing), which sit on opposite sides of the city — always confirm which one your ticket shows.

Star Alliance includes Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Lufthansa, United, EVA Air and Asiana, among others. If you already hold miles with Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus or Singapore's KrisFlyer, those miles earn on Air China flights and can be redeemed there too. PhoenixMiles earned on CA flights credit to partner programmes in return — handy for Thai travellers already in the Star Alliance ecosystem.

This trips travellers up regularly. Air China (CA) is the flag carrier of mainland China, hubbed in Beijing and a member of Star Alliance. China Airlines (CI) is the flag carrier of Taiwan, hubbed in Taipei and a member of SkyTeam. They are separate companies, from different places, in different alliances. When booking and comparing fares, check the flight code — CA versus CI — to be sure you have the right airline.

On long-haul widebody aircraft (A350, B777, B787), Air China's Business cabin offers lie-flat seats with personal IFE screens and premium meal service; the largest aircraft also carry a First Class cabin. The BKK–PEK route is a medium-haul sector of roughly 5–5.5 hours; Business here delivers a wider, more reclined seat, better food, additional baggage allowance and lounge access at departure airports. The full flat-bed configuration applies mainly to widebody aircraft — check the specific aircraft for your flight.

Air China operates a Premium Economy cabin on some widebody aircraft — wider seats with more pitch than standard Economy. This cabin is not available on every flight or aircraft type; the BKK–PEK route may or may not have it depending on the specific aircraft scheduled for your date. Check the seat map when booking to see whether a middle cabin is offered.

Air China is a full-service carrier, which means Economy on international routes includes checked baggage, a hot meal (typically one main course and a snack on medium-haul), beverages and a personal IFE screen on widebody aircraft. Narrowbody aircraft on the BKK–PEK route may or may not have seatback screens — the seat map at booking usually indicates the aircraft type. Wi-Fi is available on some aircraft for a fee; coverage and speed vary.

On international routes, Economy class typically permits one checked bag of 23 kg (total dimensions up to 158 cm), plus one carry-on of up to 5 kg (55x40x20 cm). The exact allowance depends on your fare type. Business class receives a higher allowance, and Star Alliance Gold members may check one additional bag free of charge. Always read the Baggage section on your specific ticket — do not rely on a previous booking or general estimates, as allowances vary by fare class.