china southern - do i dare do it

[Must...Fly!]

The solution I've come up for solving problems like this is rather simple.

I just ask myself
1) Will I regret stepping on board this aircraft
2) While in transit, will I wish I had spent the extra $xxx to get to my destination sooner/less transit time?

If the answer is Yes to #1 and/or No to #2, the other option is best!

[kelkel]

The solution I've come up for solving problems like this is rather simple.

I just ask myself
1) Will I regret stepping on board this aircraft
2) While in transit, will I wish I had spent the extra $xxx to get to my destination sooner/less transit time?

If the answer is Yes to #1 and/or No to #2, the other option is best!

I've booked the $1100 fare to CDG. Does anyone know the visa requirements for transiting Guangzhou? I've got a 6 hour layover so I would like to go through immigration and have a bit of a look round. I've finding conflicting information whether I need a visa or not to do this.

[Fantic125]

To get from the airport to Guangzhou central takes at least 1 hour. IMHO I wouldn't bother.

Others may disagree.

[KLN]

if it's any consolation, i know they are trying to recruit Australian pilots at the moment.

[moa999]

I think all Chinese airports have a 48-hr transit Visa on Arrival for Australian citizens. Some threads on FT about it from memory.
I would have investigated previously but have used an APEC card on a prior transit

Did CZ Y domestically recently and they were ok.
http://www.australianfrequentflyer.c...html#post53670 (To China and back - all three alliances and some high speed rail)

and a First domestic blog here:
http://www.australianfrequentflyer.c...can-34909.html (China Southern Domestic First - CAN-KWL (Guilin))

[MH_fan]

I would have an 18 hr layover on the flight I want to take!!

Yikes! That is an extraordinarily long layover. I'd pay a bit more to avoid that!

[spudseamus]

$2500 more ?

[SeatBackForward]

Are China Southern overhauling their routes sometime soon this year? I'm looking for flights for a relative who wants to go SYD to BHY (Beihai). If they travelled this month, there are direct flights SYD-CAN-BHY and return. If selecting May, its a minimum 3 or 4 hops through Beijing or Shanghai!

[sxdatou]

China Southern is one of the best choice for OZs going to China. From Guangzhou you can do any two cities/open jaw. China Southern is so big, vitally they fly to anywhere in China. Also, China Southern's FFP uses kilometre not mile for their mileage calculation. Two or three return trips (40K) to China will give you silver status, which gives you lounge access everywhere whenever you fly with them. Also if your transit time is more than 8 hours, they will provide accommodation. Which hotel depends on your elite status.

They are improving and it's unfair to compare them with CX/SQ for kangaroo route. But really, its cheap! and with food! and China Southern will give you Skyteam status. Way better than budget carriers like Airasia.

[Jama]

I would not set foot in a China Southern aircraft again if it was free. Saving money by flying with them was the worst choice I ever made.