| Author |
Message |
XiaoPang
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Posts: 14
Status: Offline
|
 Posted:
Sep 27, 2005 - 10:46 PM |
 
|
| Post subject: Airline recommendations for travel within China? |
I will be visiting China in 3 weeks on business, mostly in the Shanghai/Suzhou area. This is my first trip to China. We will need to fly up to Beijing for one day for a meeting, then back to Shanghai. Can anyone recommend what airlines are good, and what airlines to stay away from? Are they OK for Americans who may not speak much Chinese?
Currently my choices seem to be:
China Eastern
Shanghai Airlines
Air China
Also, most flights seems to originate from Shanghai Area Airport (SHA) and not Pudong (PVG). Any advantage/disadvantage between SHA and PVG?
Thanks!!
-Tim |
|
|
|
|
trip
Barker
Joined: Feb 03, 2005
Posts: 180
Location: Closer
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 27, 2005 - 11:35 PM |
|
|
Hey Tim...
No worries!!! Basically all airlines here are at an equal level. I would not say they are good, but at least equal. I prefer Shanghai Air to the others. I fly alot and their seats happen to be more my size (I am quite tall) and the service is generally acceptable. Please do not have any big expectations though. This will not be on the same standard as Singapore Air or Cathay...
SHA (Hongqiao) is the old airport and is much closer to the city. Most domestic flights originate there. It is only 30 minutes and a 55RMB taxi ride, where Pudong is more like an hour and 160RMB. It is your choice but Hongqiao is convenient and the China Easter section has been recently remodeled. Looks OK.
Trip |
_________________
I find it very, very easy to be true; I find myself alone when each day is through; I'll admit that I'm a fool for you; because you're mine, I'll walk the line! |
|
|
|
|
XiaoPang
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Posts: 14
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 27, 2005 - 11:46 PM |
|
|
Thanks trip! I will probably go Shanghai Airlines after reading through reviews on Skytrax website. How important is reading/speaking Chinese on a domestic flight there? My conversational Mandarin is pretty good, but my reading ability is not as good. Hopefully someone from our parent company in Suzhou will tag along. |
|
|
|
|
|
frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
|
| Posted:
Sep 28, 2005 - 12:02 AM |
|
|
To avoid delays, I recommend flying out of Shanghai with either MU or FM, then out of Beijing with CA. They have their base in the respective airports and have priority for take off. You dont need any language skill to take the airplane in any of the Chinese airlines, unless you plan to have very sophisticated conversations with the crew or maybe other passengers. Not sure how this question came to your mind. Otherwise dont expect good food in the planes, skip their infamous lunch boxes and plan to eat before or after the flight if needed. |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
|
|
|
|
XiaoPang
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Posts: 14
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 28, 2005 - 12:43 AM |
|
|
What are MU, FM, and CA? Airlines, I assume, but my only choices are the ones in my original post (only airlines that are available through my corporate travel service). I asked about language because I did not expect any English signs or announcements in a Chinese domestic terminal. I read about someone's experience there where a flight had changed gates, but all announcements were in Chinese.
Thanks!! |
|
|
|
|
|
frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
|
| Posted:
Sep 28, 2005 - 01:00 AM |
|
|
Jesus... Ever heard of airline codes? These are two-letter codes used internationally to refer to airlines. MU is China Eastern, FM is Shanghai Airlines and CA Air China. In China you will find everything in English, even the signs in Shanghai subway for example. |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
|
|
|
|
XiaoPang
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Posts: 14
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 28, 2005 - 01:11 AM |
|
|
| frenchlover1999 wrote: |
| Jesus... Ever heard of airline codes? |
Sorry for not being aware of every airline code in every country. 
Just asking some questions.....I won't bother you again. Au revoir frenchie. |
|
|
|
|
|
frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
|
| Posted:
Sep 28, 2005 - 10:44 AM |
|
|
Yes, you better thank me for my good advice (fly with the airline that is based at the airport of departure) which could save you hours of delays. |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
|
|
|
|
XiaoPang
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 05, 2004
Posts: 14
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Oct 01, 2005 - 11:32 AM |
|
|
Thank God - everyone decided to keep all meetings in the Shanghai/Suzhou area. Last thing I want is to climb on some domestic flights after flying halfway around the world.
Can't wait to see China! |
|
|
|
|
|
trip
Barker
Joined: Feb 03, 2005
Posts: 180
Location: Closer
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Oct 01, 2005 - 12:54 PM |
|
|
Hey XP...
Good luck.
Trip |
_________________
I find it very, very easy to be true; I find myself alone when each day is through; I'll admit that I'm a fool for you; because you're mine, I'll walk the line! |
|
|
|
|
trip
Barker
Joined: Feb 03, 2005
Posts: 180
Location: Closer
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Oct 01, 2005 - 01:01 PM |
|
|
@FL
Have you really found it to be an advantage to fly with the airline based in that city? I mean, from the flight availability perspective, I certainly agree. My experience is just that delays should be expected. It is just the way it is. Even so, flying here is much less of a hassle than flying in the USA. Every time I go there at least one flight is cancelled...
Anyway. Never thought it was that bad to fly here, except the lunch boxes. Definitely agree with you about the lunch boxes.
Reminds me... The other day I was flying somewhere and I did my typical drill of putting on the headphones once the plane is up, reclining and sleeping. Some young lady next to me actually saved the lunch box for me when I woke up! I felt bad, and had to explain why I did not want it. Had to tell her I was going out to dinner with colleges... True, but not the real reason I did not want to eat it.
Enough from me for the day,
Trip |
_________________
I find it very, very easy to be true; I find myself alone when each day is through; I'll admit that I'm a fool for you; because you're mine, I'll walk the line! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Preferences
Watched Topics
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
