London Heathrow to Beijing also Xian to Beijing business class
Written: May 30 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheaper, very comfortable business class, good healthy food, pleasant staff
Cons: Poor English spoken,
The Bottom Line: If you want a cheap, reliable and comfortable flight with pleasant staff, good food and reasonable but limited entertainment consider Air China.
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| epiniontotrust's Full Review: Air China |
I read reviews before flying with this airline and was somewhat worried about what to expect. Was especially worried as I had forked out for business class seats.........very apprehensive before getting to the airport!!
However having survived the trip can only think that some of the reviews I had read were "spiked" or that Air China has dramatically improved its service. This is why I decided to write this review.....to provide an update of Air China.
On the international long haul flights we were invited to climb upstairs on the Jumbo 747. Surprise number one.....Huge practically lie flat seats and an immediately friendly welcome with hot towels and a glass of passable champagne. The seats were very comfortable and the seats had integral video screen etc as expected.
I have flown to Beijing British Airways Club Class with lie flat seats and quite honestly the extra cost was not worth it. Air China is cheaper and perfectly satisfactory for my purpose which is to have a decent meal and sleep in peace for the nine hour trip so I can arrive fresh and ready for business.
The food is good Asian food but the choice is limited.
There is plenty of healthy salad and fruit with a healthy started and main course. (Usual chicken or beef!)
Throughout the trip there is constant supply of snacks and drink. A decent light meal is supplied prior to arrival either way.
Let me explain some of the difficulties that I think others have experienced with "attitude" on board these flights. At no time did I experience anything but courteous willingness to help from the airline staff but they are often limited by their knowledge or understanding of English. They try their best but often appear embarrassed that they don't fully understand. This may come across on occasions as appearing unhelpful but I genuinely believe this is not the case.
On the inland trip the seats were not lie flat but certainly adequate and as the journey was short I was perfectly happy. On a par with BA Club Europe.
All Chinese speak to other Asians in their own language expecting them to understand and I have witnessed Asians from Malaysia Phillipines etc being treated with surprise when they respond in English.
Air China is by no means perfect. Having experienced these trips I intend to fly with them again. You save a lot of money and I really don't have any complaints.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
epiniontotrust
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Reviews written: 14
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