Know exactly how to secure your special dietary meal on China Southern flights – with different timing requirements for departure regions and important service limitations to plan around.
| DEPARTURE REGION | ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIRED | CONTACT METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mainland | 24 hours (inclusive) before takeoff | 95539 customer service hotline |
| Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, International | 48 hours (inclusive) before takeoff | +86-4008695539/+86-20-22395539 |
| Kosher Meals (All Regions) | 48 hours (inclusive) before takeoff | Check availability – only some flights |
HOW TO ORDER
- 1
Access the China Southern Website
Go to www.csair.com
Navigate to the main menu and click “Online Service”
Select “Book Meals” from the dropdown options
- 2
Enter Your Details
On the meal reservation page, enter your ticket number or reservation code
Input your surname and given name exactly as they appear on your ticket
Click “Confirm” to proceed to flight selection
- 3
Select Your Flight
On the “Meals Information” page, you’ll see all your booked flights
Locate the flight you want to add a special meal to
Click “Select” under the “Operate” section for that specific flight
- 4
Choose Your Special Meal
Browse available special meal options for your flight
Select your preferred meal by clicking the red “Select” button
Review the meal description and dietary information
- 5
Confirm and Submit
Notice that the “Status” changes to display your selected special meal
If needed, you can change your selection by clicking “Change”
Continue to select meals for all your flights in the itinerary
Review and agree to the terms and conditions
Submit your special meal request
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ticket number not recognised?
Double-check the ticket number format and spelling
Ensure surname and given name match the ticket exactly
Try using the reservation code instead of the ticket number
Contact customer service if issues persist
No special meal options appearing?
Confirm your flight offers meal service (dinners, light meals, or snacks)
Check if kosher meals are available on your specific flight
Verify the timing requirements for your departure region
Contact China Southern to confirm meal availability
“Select” button not working?
Refresh the page and try again
Disable ad blockers that might interfere
Try a different browser or device
Use phone booking as an alternative
Flight changes affecting meal booking?
Flight delays, cancellations, or changes may affect meal availability
Contact China Southern immediately for rebooking
Have backup meal preferences ready
Consider bringing your food if you have critical dietary needs
Bottom Line
China Southern’s special meal ordering requires careful attention to timing differences based on departure region.
Chinese mainland departures require 24 hours’ notice, while international departures require 48 hours’ notice.
Kosher meals have limited availability and require 48 hours’ notice, regardless of departure point.
The online system works well, but phone booking remains important for complex requests.
Remember the one-meal-per-segment limitation and that flight changes can affect meal availability.
FAQs
How far in advance do I need to order special meals on China Southern?
It depends on your departure region: 24 hours for departures from the Chinese mainland, 48 hours for departures from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and international destinations. Kosher meals require 48 hours’ notice, regardless of the departure point.
Can I order multiple special meals per flight?
No, each passenger is limited to one special meal per flight segment. The exception is that a second serving can be a baby meal if needed.
Are kosher meals available on all China Southern flights?
No, kosher meals are only available on select flights. Please check the booking system for specific availability and book at least 48 hours in advance.
Can I change my special meal selection after booking?
Yes, you can change your selection through the online system by clicking “Change” next to your current meal, but you must do so within the timing requirements (24-48 hours before departure
