About 3U
Sichuan Airlines, operating under the IATA code 3U, is a Chinese full-service carrier headquartered in Chengdu — a city that's quietly become one of the more interesting aviation hubs in Asia. Built around Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU), its primary hub, the airline runs 748 non-stop routes across 136 airports, with a network spanning over 1.2 million kilometres. That's not a regional operation. It punches with the confidence of a carrier that knows its geography gives it something most Chinese airlines can't replicate: a foothold in China's southwest, serving a region that's economically major and increasingly well-travelled. The character of the network is overwhelmingly domestic — 707 of its routes serve destinations within China — but there's genuine international reach here too, with services into Southeast Asia and beyond.
Why fly 3U?
The honest case for Sichuan Airlines starts with access. If you're trying to reach Chengdu, Chongqing (CKG), or Kunming (KMG) — cities that international carriers often underserve — 3U offers a depth of connections that's genuinely hard to match. From TFU alone, there are 111 routes fanning outward. For travellers connecting into China's southwest from Southeast Asia, the four routes each into Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand give you practical options that don't route you wastefully through Beijing or Shanghai. And then there's the TFU-LAX route, stretching 11,573 kilometres — proof that this isn't just a carrier for short hops. It's an airline that's grown into something more ambitious than its regional origins might suggest.
3U hub airports
- TFU Chengdu — 111 3U routes from China
- CKG Chongqing — 48 3U routes from China
- CTU Chengdu — 42 3U routes from China
- KMG Kunming — 29 3U routes from China
- HRB Harbin — 23 3U routes from China
Top destination countries on 3U
- China — 707 3U routes
- Viet Nam — 4 3U routes
- Republic of Korea — 4 3U routes
- Thailand — 4 3U routes
- Malaysia — 3 3U routes
- USA — 2 3U routes
- Turkiye — 2 3U routes
- Lao People's Democratic Republic — 2 3U routes
Tips for booking 3U
Book directly through Sichuan Airlines or a trusted Chinese OTA if you want the clearest fare-class breakdown — third-party sites sometimes obscure what's included in cheaper tickets, particularly around baggage allowances. TFU is a newer, larger airport than Chengdu's older Shuangliu (CTU), so double-check which Chengdu airport your flight uses, because they're not interchangeable and the city transfer between them takes time. International routes into Southeast Asia tend to be competitively priced, but domestic connections can fill quickly around Chinese public holidays. Build buffer time into any itinerary that relies on a domestic 3U leg feeding an onward international flight.
Frequently asked questions about 3U
Where does 3U (Sichuan Airlines) fly?
3U operates 748 routes primarily throughout China, with major service to Vietnam and the Republic of Korea. The airline focuses on connecting major cities across Asia, with particular strength in domestic Chinese routes.
What is 3U's main hub airport?
3U's primary hub is Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) in Sichuan Province, China, which serves as the airline's main operations and connectivity center.
Is 3U a low-cost carrier, legacy carrier, or regional airline?
3U is a full-service regional carrier operating a substantial domestic and regional network across Asia. With 748 routes and a hub-and-spoke model centered in Chengdu, it functions as a major regional airline rather than a low-cost carrier.
When should I book flights with 3U, and what fare classes are available?
For the best fares on 3U, book 4-6 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 6-8 weeks for international routes. The airline typically offers multiple fare classes with varying restrictions on changes, cancellations, and baggage allowances.
What are 3U's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; most passengers receive one checked bag of 23kg (50 lbs) on international flights and 20kg on domestic routes, plus carry-on luggage. Check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure, with online check-in available for most flights.