Sydney to Shenzhen (Hong Kong) from $618 return inc. tax on Hainan Airlines

[roshodgekiss]

Hi folks, I just spotted fares between Sydney and Shenzhen from $618 return inc. tax, for travel between 1 September - 31 October, 2011. These are direct flights.

Shenzhen is only a bit over an hour away from Hong Kong by train, so this a very cheap and convenient way to get there.

I've done a bit of research in regards to Hainan Airlines and these fares in particular, so check out the Flighthacker blog for further details.

Have any of you flown with Hainan Airlines? I'd love to know what your experiences have been with them. Some folks have said the food is bland, but there are loads of options available when you book, it seems.

[yohy?!]

The other half flew them last week SYD-SZX-SYD, unfortunately they didn't live up to their 5 star Skytraxx rating:

Surly cabin crew, gross food and clumsy IFE along with an extremely rowdy cabin did not make for a peaceful journey.

The price is hard to beat at a 50% discount over carriers flying into HKG but be warned.

[dimgai]

Shenzhen is only a bit over an hour away from Hong Kong by train, so this a very cheap and convenient way to get there.

Just wondering what, if any visa implication required here? 1 visa entry to land in Shenzhen, exit the airport and catch a train to HK, and another visa entry to get back to board the flight?

[odysseus]

Just wondering what, if any visa implication required here? 1 visa entry to land in Shenzhen, exit the airport and catch a train to HK, and another visa entry to get back to board the flight?

That sounds like the one. The Chinese embassy have a double entry visa.

[TonyHancock]

The other half flew them last week SYD-SZX-SYD, unfortunately they didn't live up to their 5 star Skytraxx rating:

Surly cabin crew, gross food and clumsy IFE along with an extremely rowdy cabin did not make for a peaceful journey.

The price is hard to beat at a 50% discount over carriers flying into HKG but be warned.

You pay more to get that sort of service from BA!

[edison]

That sounds like the one. The Chinese embassy have a double entry visa.

Frankly speaking I would prefer to just go to HKG directly given it does take time and money to get double Chinese visa. Also Shenzhen is not the safest city to travel anyway.

[ftm]

Frankly speaking I would prefer to just go to HKG directly given it does take time and money to get double Chinese visa.

I agree. A double entry visa sets you back about $100, plus the time it takes to apply, visit the application centre to drop off/pick up. And then you have the cost of getting to and from HK at the other end.

If I was a student, I'd probably do it, but otherwise I would pay the extra $ and go direct!

[yohy?!]

personally I wouldn't bother with SZX until they offer proper visa less transits.

If you have Amex MR points that can be transferred to Virgin Atlantic you can often find economy seats for circa 800aud plus 2000pts (miles plus money fare)