China Eastern - your experiences?

[aus_flyer]

Has anyone flown China Eastern?

If so, what did you think?

I'm looking at flying Beijing to Shanghai and I can either fly BJS-SHA direct with China Eastern, or via Hong Kong with Cathay and Dragon Air.

Going via Hong Kong is over four times the price, so not ideal.

Thanks

 

[clifford]

Has anyone flown China Eastern?

If so, what did you think?

I'm looking at flying Beijing to Shanghai and I can either fly BJS-SHA direct with China Eastern, or via Hong Kong with Cathay and Dragon Air.

Going via Hong Kong is over four times the price, so not ideal.

Thanks

I've heard that China Eastern is one of the better Chinese carriers, but that's not saying much.

If it's a short haul flight, just grin and bear it, otherwise go via HK.

I've travelled CAAC in the past, and it's not an experience you would want to repeat.

Best not to go to China at all, in my opinion.

 

[aus_flyer]

I'm normally a bit of a snob when travelling, but when it comes to Asian airlines, as long as I take off and land safely, thats all I care about.

 

[Gazza]

Flown China Eastern a number of times.

They are OK (better than Dragon Air)

Gazza

 

[aus_flyer]

Flown China Eastern a number of times.

They are OK (better than Dragon Air)

Gazza

And you felt confident, safe?

 

[Gazza]

Yeh

Look China is an interesting place.

Many of the companies that operate there are world class. Many are not. Finding out which is which is the interesting part.

China Eastern and China Southern are the pick of the bunch as far as airlines go.

Gazza

 

[aus_flyer]

I've been to China a few times. Have always flown in and out with QF, CX or KA.

MU has me a bit worried!

 

[Willie]

MU are fine. Have flown with them many times SHA/PVG-HKG. Not as slick as KA or CX but you are on a Mainland airline. They'll get you to where you are going without too many frills or fuss!

Join their FF programme - it's called the Golden Swallow!

Now there's one for the collector!

Willie

 

[aus_flyer]

Hi Willie, thanks for your response and welcome to AFF!

 

[jasonja3]

I have been to China a few times this year and found direct to HKG way too expensive also, I found good deals to BKK and then onto China from there, usually via CX. Its a bit of a long way around, but I like to stick with mainstream airlines, and pick up some SC's as well!

Others that I have met in Asia have suggested Southern China to be the pick, just don't have high expectations.

Good luck odoherty!! Let us know how you go.

JJ

 

[cowombat]

In 2001 (pre 9/11, when it was legal) I was happily in a CX jump seat with 3 Aussie pilots coming in to land at HKG (new airport). We were following a China Eastern 767 on finals. Our captain idly commented that the 767 was lined up on the incorrect runway (right, should have been left. There was an aircraft moving onto this runway R, ready for takeoff roll), and decided to give the tower a few moments to correct the situation, otherwise he would. Sure enough, a few seconds later the tower asked the 767 to follow instructions and use runway L. It made a gentle realignment to the left, the passengers oblivious of the coughup. Our crew made a few disparaging comments about the jockeys flying for mainland airlines - often ex-Chinese airforce pilots......

I had to make a decision last week for a flight after Easter - home to Melbourne faster from Beijing on DragonAir to HKG, CX for rest, or slower with QF direct to SYD. I decided on the latter, but mainly to get all FF points on the flight. Cos despite the above observation, most Chinese airplanes do reach their destinations in one piece - low risk, really!

 

[neil_gardner]

I recently flew up to PVG via HKG but as I had to pop into the office in Shenzhen, I flew up from Shenzhen (not back to HKG) to PVG with Shanghai Airlines (FM). A bit ropey, we were delayed 2.5 hrs on the ground, doors closed. Still the cabin crew continued as if we were in the air with a trolley service and evening meal - Very strange. At least I was up near the front in first class.

I flew back to HKG on Dragon Air in J and a totally different kettle of fish (and a very nice fish too - I will try to post the menu tomorrow.)

I ended up going via HKG on QF as I wanted a night flight, the times suited anda few SC's too Otherwise work would have had me fly via SIN due to our corporate discount :evil: