How Long is a Flight to China, and Other Tips About Going NYC-PEK Direct

Hello from China, all the way across the world from where I was last week! Read on to answer such questions as, “How long is a flight to China?”

In the five days since I arrived here, I’ve already hiked the Great Wall, reunited with my dear friend Gareth who is teaching here through Peace Corps, toured the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, eaten Beijing yogurt, taken a 15 hour sleeper train to the center of the country, and (continuously) stuffed myself silly on mouth-watering Chinese food.

In short, life is great, this trip is awesome, and you will hear about every part of it in detail. But first: let’s discuss the flight to get here!

One reason it is particularly important to re-create the experience of the flight is because this coming February, I’m taking several dozen Boston Public Schools students to China, and many of them have never flown before… let alone to China!

I want them to find clarity and calmness from this article. And for the rest of you readers who are thinking of flying to Asia in the future, or for those just curious about what the experience is like, this article will work for you, too. Here we go!

Q1: What route does a plane take to fly from the U.S. to China?

A1: As with all plane routes, there are several options, but we took the coolest and fastest one: over the North Pole!

As you can see from the lead photo, the scenery got more and more icy and dramatic. Did I see Santa and his elves? I shall not reveal.

Q2: How long is a flight to China?

A2: How long does it take to fly from New York City, directly to Beijing? The NYC-PEK route takes around 12 hours. Now, I wish I had known this before I sat down, because look at the photo to the left to see the horrific thing our welcome screen declared: “Time to Destination: 24 Hours.”

I freaked out about this for a solid hour until finding out THIS IS NOT TRUE! Rather, it is a cruel trick played by the 12 hour time difference being added to the 12 hour flight time.

If, however, you’re still daunted by the idea of sitting in a plane seat for 12 hours, don’t sweat it because it goes by shockingly fast. Read the next bit for why.

Q3: What entertainment can I possibly do for 12 straight hours?

A3: I promise you, the time will zip by.

On almost all international flights, you have a cute private TV screen from which you can select any of the hundreds of free moves offered (including some really hot new releases).

On your TV screen, you can also select and watch any of the dozens of popular TV shows available for no charge… and also play a bevy of video games!

If you ever tire of the colors coming from your screen, you can also read a book or play a game you’ve brought, gaze out the window, chat with fellow passengers, or… (particularly important on overnight flights) sleeeeeep!

Q4: What should I bring to be prepared for the flight to China?

A4: The #1 item you should buy before your trip is an inflatable neck pillow that wraps in a “U” around your neck to support your head while you nap in a seated position. (Note that some of the links below are affiliates, meaning I earn a small commission upon purchase at no extra cost to you.)

Though the airline will give you a free clean pillow and blanket, an inflatable neck pillow (which you can buy at this link) costs just a few dollars, and makes you worlds more comfortable.

If you are taking an overnight flight and planning on sightseeing starting the day you arrive, every minute of sleep you can get on the plane is important.

To this end, also bring a cheap eye mask to block the light, earplugs, a long-sleeved shirt (planes get chilly), and a water bottle as the air becomes dry and you need to keep hydrating.

You will also want your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on luggage, and contact lens solution and your case handy, though I always wear my glasses onto a plane ride longer than 4 hours because my eyes get so dry.

Other good items to bring for plane entertainment include: books to read (or an e-Reader like a Kindle), playing cards or small games (I thrive on crosswords), a camera to take cool photos out the window (click here for the camera I love), a journal and pen, possibly a laptop (if it’s light and you can turn off the WiFi), and anything else you enjoy to stay amused.

Also, bring gum to chew and help your ears get accustomed to the altitude. Gum will also keep you sweet-smelling if you want to chat with your seatmates.

Q5: How’s the airplane food?

A5: Am I crazy if I tell you I honestly like airplane food?

On our flight, the flight attendants were all fancy and handed us a menu of the three different meals we would be served during the flight… and I delighted in each meal as it arrived!

I also like that you can get tons of juices and sodas that you don’t normally sample. Tomato juice, anyone?

Q6: What else should I know about a flight across the world?

A6: Because of the pressure changes, sealed liquid containers like water bottles and contact lens cases tend to leak. Make sure not to place your water bottle near valuables (unless they are sealed in plastic bags), and do check for leaks at the end of the flight.

Because you will be entering a different country, you will be expected to fill out entry paperwork in the last hour of the flight, so have a pen and your passport handy when the flight attendants come around with the forms.

But overall, remember this: your flight will be fantastic, it will go much more quickly than you expect, and you will have a great time, both on the plane and when you arrive in Asia!

Readers who have flown from the U.S. to Asia, what additional advice do you have for first-time long distance air travelers?

What are the best hotels in China?

Curious? Click for surprisingly good deals on:

• The highest-rated hotel in Shanghai according to TripAdvisor
• Beijing’s best accommodations
• The top hotel in Guangzhou

What are good and affordable tour options in China?

I highly recommend this China tour search engine, Viator (click to see it) to find affordable tours of all different lengths in many locations in China.

Considered purchasing travel insurance?

For a big trip like China, it’s smart to get travel insurance. Click here for deals on Travelex Insurance. Safe travels!

Enjoy!