Skyteam member China Eastern Airlines has put a great price tag on flights from London-Gatwick to Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau. With a change of planes in Shanghai both ways, fares start at £307 (~€352) including full board service and a piece of checked luggage up to 23 kg. These flights are available during the 2024/2025 winter.
You can also fly from Heathrow, with ticket prices dropping to £282 (~€323) for trips to Taipei. However, that requires an overnight layover in Shanghai on the inbound. Flights with shorter layovers and low prices are possible from Gatwick.
Our availability calendar highlights all possible flight dates at the lowest price and without overnight layovers, for trips up to 28 days. It will forward you to kayak with your selected flight dates. There, you check what OTAs have to offer, or proceed to China Eastern’s website.
Flights between London and Shanghai are Airbus A350-900 services. Seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 seating pattern, with personal entertainment available for every passenger. Your connecting flights are operated by China Eastern’s short-haul fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft to Hong Kong and Macau or a larger Airbus A330 to Taipei.
Search & Book
The fare rules state that flights at this fare are available until November 24, 2024. A minimum stay of six days applies, as well as a maximum stay of three months. We’ve been able to find several travel dates between November 2024 and January 2025.
Google Flights helps you find additional flight dates. You can buy your tickets from online travel agencies through kayak or directly on the airlines’ website.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
China Eastern issues tickets for all flight segments in booking class Z. The cheapest tickets to Taipei earn the following miles & points.
- 3,750 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 3,084 RDM + 616 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 3,084 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 3,084 Award Miles + 70 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Customize Calculation
Destinations
Information & Tips for Taiwan
Taiwan offers a mix of natural beauty and urban energy, with key sights like Taipei 101, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and the night markets of Taipei and Kaohsiung. The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), and prices are generally reasonable—street food and public transport are cheap, while hotels range from budget to upscale. The weather is hot and humid in summer, with typhoon season peaking from July to September, while winters are mild, especially in the north.
Taiwan has a well-developed transport system that’s generally easy to use. In cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, the metro is efficient, clean, and covers most key areas, while buses fill in the gaps. Between cities, the high-speed rail on the west coast is fast and reliable, though more expensive than regular trains. Smaller towns and rural areas may require more planning, as public transport can be limited or infrequent.
→ All Dealz for Taiwan
Information & Tips for Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for its skyline, Victoria Peak, harbour views, and a mix of modern and traditional sights like temples and street markets. The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), and credit cards are widely accepted, though cash is still useful in smaller shops and markets. Prices are relatively high compared to much of Asia, especially for accommodation and dining. The weather is hot and humid in summer, with a cooler, more pleasant season from October to March. Typhoons can occur between June and October.
→ All Dealz for Hong Kong
Information & Tips for Macau
Macau is known for its blend of Portuguese colonial architecture and modern casinos, with sights like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, and the Cotai Strip. The currency is the Macau pataca (MOP), though Hong Kong dollars are also widely accepted. Prices in Macau can be high, especially in casino areas and upscale restaurants, but more affordable options exist. The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to December.
→ All Dealz for Macau
Cover Picture: © nicholashan - Fotolia.com