According to Chinese law and old regulations, there are quite a few different type of documents being accepted for identity verification purpose when flying domestically within China. However, it was reported that starting from this month, only identity card would be accepted as valid travel document on domestic flight for Chinese citizen.
Different Chinese airports reacted differently, like SZX said they have already implemented the rule while PEK said those who have brought ticket using Chinese passport can still travel with only their passport. PVG said passport can be used without problem and SHA said passport are to be rejected in principle but travellers with only passport can be allowed to board flights at their discretion.
It is reported that travellers without identity card carried together with them can obtain a temporary identity card from airport police
The new measure is expected to impact Chinese expat in other countries the most as most of them usually leave their id card within China and npt unusually those might have expired, and it could also impact Chinese travellers as they might prefer leaving their od card at home to avoid getting stolen in other countries.
As such, analysts said it might discourage travellers from using domestic to international transfer and instead opt to transfer at hub of neighbouring countries as flights without domestic segment would still only require passport as identity document.
