China - never a dull moment!

[jase05]

All Chinese carriers now have solid J class - when you go to book make sure you check Trip.com and the carriers own web site - Trip.com will almost certainly be cheaper and they have sensational English speaking service agents if you do encounter probs - their call centre support much better then airline direct

CA1557 booked through Trip.com was AUD649 booked day b4 flt. Choose flt on wide body aircraft at time that suits you and you will be pleasantly surprised

A couple of days ago we flew MU HAN-KMG-CKG and was a touch disappointed with the product.
Seats were comfy enough for the short flights and food was ok on the HAN-KMG flight with good staff but the KMG-CKG leg we got a warm glass of orange juice and no food or snacks offered at all for the whole trip. Cost us $450pp so not too fussed though. J cabins were pretty much empty on both flights but on the HAN-KNG flight they were offering Y pax onboard upgrades for 200RMB, only 1 pax took up the offer so 3 of us in the J cabin.

 

[moa999]

Anyone heard whether Aus visa-free status will extend beyond 31 Dec 2025.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Anyone heard whether Aus visa-free status will extend beyond 31 Dec 2025.

Haven’t heard but I would staggered if it’s not

I have been in China for a week now and have been with dozens of long term Chinese friends and trading partners - 100% they all love the fact now that it is much easier for Australians to visit China than DSA - China are desperate for tourists so I cannot see any policy change ahead.

 

[mrsterryn]

Anyone heard whether Aus visa-free status will extend beyond 31 Dec 2025.

That is one I am definitely interested in knowing as well

 

[elanshin]

Haven’t heard but I would staggered if it’s not

I have been in China for a week now and have been with dozens of long term Chinese friends and trading partners - 100% they all love the fact now that it is much easier for Australians to visit China than DSA - China are desperate for tourists so I cannot see any policy change ahead.

It also makes it a lot easier for the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of Chinese that became Aussie citizens over the years to visit too.

I've definitely also used it multiple times now since it was introduced.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Amazes me why so many are so critical of Chinese airport lounges - I find them rather enjoyable

 

[kpc]

Anyone heard whether Aus visa-free status will extend beyond 31 Dec 2025.

Currently on Day 18 of a 19 Day trip to China...would love the Visa free status to continue beyond 31.12.25!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Anybody got a light?

 

[elanshin]

Amazes me why so many are so critical of Chinese airport lounges - I find them rather enjoyable

View attachment 478275

I think it's to do with comparisons around the world. I find them reasonably ok, but nothing crazy - kinda in the same tier as Qantas lounges which everyone likes to complain about as well.

It's more that theres some crazy F (and J) lounges out there setting the benchmarks that everything is compared with.

Also in some sense, China isn't going for a "top tier" branding in air travel which I find interesting given they're trying in so many other sectors. If the Chinese government ever decided to try and compete in the high end air travel market properly, boy would it shake up the industry. Right now it's more in the mid tier market at most it feels like and the lounges reflect that.

 

[jase05]

I think it's to do with comparisons around the world. I find them reasonably ok, but nothing crazy - kinda in the same tier as Qantas lounges which everyone likes to complain about as well.

It's more that theres some crazy F (and J) lounges out there setting the benchmarks that everything is compared with.

Also in some sense, China isn't going for a "top tier" branding in air travel which I find interesting given they're trying in so many other sectors. If the Chinese government ever decided to try and compete in the high end air travel market properly, boy would it shake up the industry. Right now it's more in the mid tier market at most it feels like and the lounges reflect that.

Definitely some nice lounges in China but also so some ordinary ones too but that’s no different to most countries I’ve visited.
I did like the CX lounge at PVG but haven’t visited it for a while. I’m there in about a weeks time so will be interested to see if it has changed much

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Had an interesting experience today - CA J PVG-SIN



No drinks offered at any point / had to ask for Champagne - had to b ask for red wine - had to b ask for sparkling water - meal typical of what you would expect - hard product just ok - seat space kinda small - staff very pleasant as always but just so robotic.

Cost AUD850 - at time of booking Juneyao was exactly same price - I was tempted to try them but thought CA might be a more solid bet

If this flt any indication CA still way off top tier - but would probably fly them again if no better alternatives.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Here is something you don’t see everyday of the week