The Good, the Bad, and the Spicy. Beijing to Chongqing on Air China in Y

[yflyer]

They screened television programmes and movies on the shared drop down screens on this flight.

Mainly Chinese programmes were screened. Some of these were "subtitled". I enclose that word in inverted commas, because on the movie screened on this flight, the subtitling was nearly incomprehensible...

[yflyer]

I spent a few days in Beijing before heading back to Singapore.

Unlike the weather when I arrived, my last day in Beijing was a spectacular clear, sunny day. This is the type of sky that our readers in Melbourne or Sydney enjoy on almost a daily basis, but in Beijing, this was a real treat.



Overall impressions? I was very happy with Air China.

They do need to tweak (or dare I say overhaul) their inflight catering, particularly their western menu, which should not be hard to do, considering how good the food is on the ground in China and on other airlines flying out of Beijing. And hopefully the guy who does English language training for their tech crew doesn't also do their movie subtitling on the side...

Apart from that, I found Air China very impressive. They project a very strong impression of professionalism, high standards and a focus on customer service. Based on my first impressions flying with them this week, I would say they have gained another customer, and I would book them again as my preferred carrier if I fly domestically in China.

[9V-SIA]

Thanks for nice TR

It's been awhile since I've visited PEK

Chongqing food looks great

[9V-SIA]

Less than 48 hours after Lion Air became the 2nd airline, after Emirates, to offer passengers the opportunity to take baths onboard, I found myself about to catch a flight on a 737-800, on a different airline, but on an aircraft not unlike the one splashed across the front page of the newspaper I was carrying.

EK baths limited to F PAXs.

[calvinoeh]

The Chongqing lounge looks great.

[yflyer]

Thanks for nice TR

It's been awhile since I've visited PEK

Chongqing food looks great

Yes, the food was superb! Looking forward to heading back to try more of the cuisine.

[yflyer]

EK baths limited to F PAXs.

To paraphrase another LCC's slogan, Now Everyone Can Swim!

[yflyer]

The Chongqing lounge looks great.

Yes, very new and comfortable. Nicer than the Beijing lounge.

[yflyer]

Actually... many airlines beat Lion to it. CI, ET, US, JL to name a few....

Great report though

I have a pair of swimming trunks permanently packed in my rollaboard. Almost never use them. I was thinking of removing them from my luggage. But after reading your post, maybe not

[Kyo]

To paraphrase another LCC's slogan, Now Everyone Can Swim!

I think that airline could also consider another advertisement along the lines of 'Some Lions are meant to swim'

Thanks very much for this TR. Chongqing is very high on my list of places to visit in China, and I might hit Chengdu if I'm heading in that direction also. Possibly even doing it this year

I try to fly CA when I'm in China, and they've also shown recognition even on a short flight from PEK - DLC (Dalian). The food in general is woeful (didn't get to try the Flavorous Nuts but I will look out for them next time!) but in CA domestic F, you do get nice slippers.

It's a real pity you were not able to take a single photo of Chongqing itself!

[milehighj]

Thanks for the amusing TR.

These subtitles are a hoot, but perhaps no less coherent than some occasional posters on this board...

They screened television programmes and movies on the shared drop down screens on this flight.

Mainly Chinese programmes were screened. Some of these were "subtitled". I enclose that word in inverted commas, because on the movie screened on this flight, the subtitling was nearly incomprehensible...

[yflyer]

CA domestic F, you do get nice slippers.

It's a real pity you were not able to take a single photo of Chongqing itself!

Thanks for reading!

Yes I saw the nice pair of red bedroom slippers that each F passenger got!

It was way too hazy to take any pictures, but I am hopeful that I will get to go back to Chongqing soon. Will take some pictures next time.

[yflyer]

Thanks for the amusing TR.

These subtitles are a hoot, but perhaps no less coherent than some occasional posters on this board...

It wasn't one or two rogue subtitles, the entire movie was like that

I think folks on this board are a very civil bunch, compared to what you see elsewhere! Unless provoked beyond reasonable limits, of course...

[Desert Traveller]

[...]
I have not flown a lot domestically in China. I picked Air China because they seem to have the best reputation among the Chinese carriers (I would appreciate opinions on other carriers in China as well, as I am quite new to travelling within China), and of course because my Star Gold privileges would carry over.
[...]

I tend to choose between CA and CZ, depending on route and schedule, ease of transfer, etc. CA treatment of *G is great but the CZ Y+ product is good value. The difference between CZ Y and Y+ is small to zero and you get extra leg room, slightly better catering, and sit behind F/J meaning you're faster of the plane.

[yflyer]

I tend to choose between CA and CZ, depending on route and schedule, ease of transfer, etc. CA treatment of *G is great but the CZ Y+ product is good value. The difference between CZ Y and Y+ is small to zero and you get extra leg room, slightly better catering, and sit behind F/J meaning you're faster of the plane.

Thanks for the info! I have only flown CZ once, on a 10-abreast 777, many years ago, between Shenzhen and Shanghai. May be worth trying them out again.