For the majority of foreign travelers who have never been to China, taking flights to Tibet may be an experience of a lifetime. If you are planning on your first visit to Tibet, you will be probably confused about the boarding procedures.

To offer you a seamless and hassle-free trip to Tibet, we have summarized a detailed guide on how to board the flight to Tibet as follows, thus you can enjoy your flight journey to Tibet from the mainland of China much more smoothly.

Step 1: Get Your Tibet Travel Permit beforehand (Important)

When flying to Tibet, ensure you have your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit with you; all three are essential for boarding your flight.

Your passport and Chinese Visa are the primary documents required for entering China and obtaining the Tibet Travel Permit. The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as China Tibet Visa, is the required document for all foreign tourists visiting Lhasa and exploring Tibet.

Tibet Travel Permit is an indispensable travel document for Tibet entry.

The Tibet Permit application typically takes 7 to 14 working days, so it’s advisable to book your Tibet tour at least 21 days in advance. Once the permit is issued, we will send your Tibet Travel Permit to your hotel in the city where you are scheduled to board the flight. In some cases, like an emergency or transfer, we will deliver it right to your hand at the airport before departure.

It’s important to note that you have to show the original Tibet Travel Permit when you check in and board the plane to Tibet. Please keep your documents properly.

Please Note:
If you are from a country that has visa-free access to China, you only need to provide scanned copies of your passport when applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.

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Step 2: Reach the Airport at least 2 hours in Advance

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights from the mainland of China to Tibet. Typically, check-in counters close 45 minutes before departure, so it’s essential to allocate enough time for all the procedures, especially during peak travel seasons like the summer holiday and, the Golden Week holiday.

Signs can be found almost everywhere in the airport

Before heading to the airport, it’s strongly recommended to confirm the correct airport and the terminal location. In some major gateway cities like Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai, there are two airports offering flights to Tibet. Additionally, large airports in big cities always have several terminals located far apart.

Therefore, it's wise to double-check your departure airport and terminal to avoid unnecessary rushing and delays.

Step 3: Get Your Boarding Pass (Check-in) with Your Passport and Tibet Permit (Important)

Upon your arrival at the airport, find the check-in counter for your airline. There is always a display screen in each airport, showing the corresponding check-in counter information for each airline.

You need to show your passport together with your Tibet Travel Permit to the clerk, and they will give you a boarding pass that shows the flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination, and seat number.

Boarding Pass showing flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination and seat number

Step 4: Check-in Your Luggage

Usually, economy class flights to Tibet allow up to 20kg of checked luggage, along with a carry-on weighing up to 5kg. If your luggage exceeds these limits, you'll need to pay extra charges for the excess weight.

Remember, you can't pack power banks in your checked luggage; always carry them in your carry-on bag. Also, don't rush off right after grabbing your luggage. Wait for the announcement to ensure everything went smoothly with your checked baggage.

Please Note:
If you're uncertain about the baggage allowance for your flight or any specific restrictions, don't hesitate to reach out to your airline for clarification.

Check your luggage if you bring a large one

Step 5: Pass through the Security Check

Going through the security check is a necessary process that involves queuing and takes some time.

Firstly, you need to present your boarding pass and passport to the staff, who will stamp your boarding pass upon approval. Then, before you pass through the security door, you should take off your bag, remove items from your bag, such as cell phones, laptops, power banks, umbrellas, etc., and place them in the basket on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.

Please remain patient and ensure you collect all your belongings after completing the security check.

Pass through security check

Step 6: Waiting for Your Plane to Tibet

After the security check, find the corresponding departure lounge of the boarding gate shown on your boarding pass and wait for your flight to Tibet. The position of the departure lounge is also indicated on the display screen.

In large airports like Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, the boarding gate may be a considerable distance from the security checkpoint, so please allow enough time to reach it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to seek assistance from airport staff.

Usually, boarding begins approximately about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Boarding announcements are typically made only in the vicinity of the boarding gate in larger airports, so be sure to keep an eye on the time and stay close to your designated gate.

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Step 7: Boarding the Flight to Tibet (Important)

When boarding, you should show your boarding pass and the Tibet Travel Permit to the attendant at the boarding gate. After boarding, find your seat according to your boarding pass.

Boarding the flight

When you are finally able to get in your seat, place your hand luggage under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and switch off your phone before the flight takes off. During the flight, you may be offered free drinks or food at mealtime. If there is any question, you can just turn to the flight attendant.

Step 8: Disembark the flight

After a few hours in the air, your plane will touch down at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Stay calm and listen for instructions from the announcements as you disembark. Once off the plane, make sure to collect your luggage from the designated area.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is simple to navigate, with just two floors. Head to the first floor for baggage claim - it's well-signposted. Retrieve your luggage and exit the airport with ease.

Step 9: Meet Our Guide at the Airport for Hotel Pick-up (Welcome to Tibet)

As you exit the gate of the airport arrival hall, our tour guide will warmly greet you with a traditional white hada, extending the most sincere welcome.

Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Following this, our tour guide and driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. During the journey, you'll be treated to stunning views along the Brahmaputra River and Lhasa River.

If you want to know more about our free pick-up service, just feel free to contact us. We can also arrange a private pick-up just for you.

Travel Tips for Flying to Tibet

Due to its high altitude of Lhasa (3,650m), you may suffer from mild altitude sickness, such as headache, upon arrival at Lhasa airport. Take your time when retrieving your luggage and avoid rushing. Our tour guide will be waiting patiently outside the airport.

After leaving the airport, do not exert yourself and never rush to visit attractions in downtown Lhasa. It's recommended to go to your hotel and rest first, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude and recover from the long flight.

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Conclusion

Boarding a flight to Tibet offers a glimpse into the bustling airports of China, especially in major cities. It's essential to know your departure airport and terminal, as some big cities have more than one airport. Expect queues for boarding passes and security checks, so arriving at least 2 hours early is recommended.

Most importantly, ensure you have a valid passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the flight. Without these, you won't be allowed to travel to Tibet.

To ensure a hassle-free Tibet tour, we handle everything from Tibet Travel Permit applications to airport pickups, tour arrangements, and even booking your flight tickets. Just tell us your travel plan, and let us make your dream trip to Tibet a reality.