How to Book Travel on Okay Airways

With a population of over 1 billion, China is home to a myriad of sights, sounds and cultures. Those hoping to book travel on Okay Airways should know that this carrier provides domestic flights within China.

Things You'll Need

• Passport.
• Visa.
• Valid credit card.
• Computer with Internet access.

Instructions

Book Travel on Okay Airways

1. Know the route traveled by Okay Airways. The carrier offers flights connecting Tianjin to Kunming. It plans to eventually begin flying to the following Chinese locations: Changsha, Chengdu, Guilin, Harbin, Hohhot, Taiyuan and Zhangjiajie.

2. Book your tickets for Chinese domestic air travel on Okay Airways after you've arrived in China, using a Chinese travel agent. The best bargains on Chinese domestic air travel are to be had with Chinese travel agents, who can score you discounts of 50 percent or more.

3. Survey a host of travel agencies before committing to a purchase. Prices for Chinese domestic air travel vary widely from agency to agency, and you will have to shop around to get the best price on your ticket.

4. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Deep discounts are often available, but you'll have to put your bargaining cap on and negotiate with the travel agent to get them.

Get to Know Okay Airways

1. Know that Okay Airways is a very young carrier. It was founded in 2004 and is based in the Chinese municipality of Tianjin. The carrier's hub is the Tianjin Binhai International Airport.

2. Understand that Okay Airways holds the distinction of being China's very first privately held airline. For years, only state-owned airlines were allowed to operate in China. Since Okay Airlines was established a couple of years ago, China has seen the creation of other privately owned carriers that have followed in Okay's wake.

3. Be aware that Okay Airways has a small fleet, comprised of two Boeing 737-800s.

Familiarize Yourself with Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Hub of Okay Airways

1. Be prepared for airport delays due to ongoing construction. The airport is being modernized and expanded to deal with the traffic flow during and after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

2. Understand that the following international carriers either offer or plan to offer flights to Tianjin Binhai International Airport: All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Dragonair, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air.

3. Be aware that the following domestic carriers either offer or plan to offer service to Tianjin Binhai International Airport: China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Okay Airways, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.

Tips & Warnings

• Okay Airways has no English-language Web site or English phone number, and contacting the company will be problematic for English speakers.

• Apply for your visa well before your departure. Since your actual passport must be sent to an embassy, you want to make sure there's plenty of time to get it back before you head for the airport.

• Make your reservations with the assistance of a travel agent.