My husband and I bought tickets from Xiamen Airlines one month ago, from Bali to Amsterdam. We got the tickets in our e-mail and we paid for them. When we got on the airport to check-in, we were refused on the flight because ‘our names were not in the system’. There was nothing they did to help us and the customer service was unreachable. We had to book another flight and have no idea if we are able to get a refund. AVOID!!

I’d never heard of this airline before. While scanning through Skyscanner I came across this airline. I booked return flight from Melbourne - Amsterdam for 3 pax which was way too cheaper than my imagination. At first, I thought, it’s too good to be true but booked the tickets anyways. Booking online was easy and received booking confirmation on the same day. As I never heard of this airline, I decided to read the reviews, checked pics on Google and YouTube. There were many negative comments and I thought if I made a mistake. I thought of cancelling the tickets, but then decided to go ahead. Few weeks into flying, we prepared ourselves mentally and physically and had zero expectations - you get what you pay for! Also, there is no online check-in system.

Few days before your flight, Xiamen Airlines sends notification. Although they email in Chinese, you can Goggle translate which was no hassle. Finally, the day arrived, and we reached the airport. I could see many people have booked this flight. Check-in at the counter was smooth and simple. The flight was on time and as we boarded the flight, the interiors look just like any other plane, good leg room and everything was working well. Regarding the entertainment system, there are not too many options so you might want to download few movies on your phone. Cabin crews were friendly and approachable. Although they don’t speak fluent English but speak and understand basis.

We ordered special mean (vegetarian) and it was delicious. This whole process was beyond my expectations but then I thought Immigration will be a bit difficult. We reached Xiamen before time and had an overnight transit. Although Xiamen Airlines provides complimentary accommodation, we decided to book hotel ourselves. Once landed, the way to the transfer desk/ immigration was signed everywhere so that no one can miss. There is Wi-Fi at the airport, however China does not support Google, FB, YouTube so you need to either have a VPN or use your own service provider.

At the transfer desk, you need to tell them for how long you need transit visa which is free of cost and show your outbound fight from Xiamen to your final destination. Even the immigration officer was able to speak basis English. We got 24 hour transit visa, collected our bags and head off to our hotel. Again, all this was totally different than what I read online. I was really happy with how things were unfolding. Make sure you download Alipay to pay for everything in China – it's easy, simple and secure and this is there preferrable mode of payment. Another one is We Chat, but you cannot link you bank card.

Overall, we have a pleasant experience, and we would like to fly again with Xiamen Airlines. I’ve been telling all my friends about this airline.

i got charged over $500 australian exess to take a bag that weighed 21kg. NEVER EVER FLY WITH THIS AIRLINE I WISH I COULD GO BACK IN TIME THEY WILL EXTORT YOU AT THE AIRPORT

Legspace is good. Seats not too comfi on your but. Lousy sound from video system so cannot really use it. Too stressful to follow movies. Service nothing special. I prefer China Southern.

My wife's flight MF8568 from Shanghai to Xiamen was changed from 6:10pm 15/06/2024 to 2:55pm all of a sudden on the morning of 15/06. She was in another city and couldn't arrive Shanghai airport to catch this 2:55pm flight. She has a connecting flight to melbourne from Xiamen at 10:20pm the same day. Even if she takes a later flight to Xiamen, she won't be able to catch on the connecting flight.
Xiamen airline messed up the journey for my wife. She has been calling me and scrambling to find a alternative solution to get back to Melbourne. It seems the only choice is to buy another ticket from a different airline to get back home.

Xiamen airline's ticket was cheap, for a reason. My wife's friend warned her previously that Xiamen airline is unrealiable and her friend had a similar terrible experience with Xiamen air that changed schedule all of a sudden for her friend too and caused her friend to have to buy a new ticket to get on the journey. It seems it's quite normal for Xiamen airline to change flights schedules at will without consideration for its passengers. It will be the last time we fly with this horrible airline.