Preparing for my return trip to China (Flight Discussion)

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

Ok China VJ'ers I need to pick your brain on this.

Currently I have racked up almost 50,000 frequent flyer miles with American flying to Beijing, however I will now be preparing to fly into GuangZhou (or Shenzhen, or Hong Kong, or Macau) to be there to provide support to my Fiancee for when she has her interview (date not yet determined).

Since American stays to northern China, I was wondering which Airline you all have used when flying to other parts of China, and which you would recommend or advise to steer clear from.

I can get a standard priced Flight from Delta which is about what American charges for Beijing flights, but I also see crazy cheap flights offered by Hainan Airlines. Are there any other airlines to keep an eye on when flying into Southern China?

[Pitaya 2,577]

During our visa journey, I traveled to China three times. All three of them were on Hainan Airlines from Seattle to Beijing (non-stop). My last flight was from Seattle to Beijing, then onto Guangzhou, was overbooked, and 6 hours late. I also traveled one time prior to Chengdu via "LA" and Shanghai on China Eastern Airlines, and home via Beijing on Air China. I would rate these three Chinese carriers (from good to so-so): Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines. I have also flown several Chinese regional airlines, Lucky Air, Beijing Capital Air, China West Air with okay results. The flagship carrier, Air China seemed the best.

HTH,

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[flfreddy 92]

Try China Southern. Other way is route to HK, then take any flight from HK to CAN (Guangzhou). Need CHINESE Visa.. dont forget.

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

Try China Southern. Other way is route to HK, then take any flight from HK to CAN (Guangzhou). Need CHINESE Visa.. dont forget.

I'll look into China Southern, already got my visa, hence the 50k miles racked up from trips to Beijing.

[Dan & Juan 12]

I went through Beijing and HK . To go to Guangzhou from HK take the train it's cheap and comfortable. Obviously crossing over in Shenzhen, there is an immigration stop. Train is really cheap think I paid $25 USD though that was a few years ago.

[cypherdragon 3]

I flew from LAX to Shanghai on China Eastern, and I would say they are about equivalent, a bit better but not much, than American. Avoid the new American 787 if you possibly can, it's very uncomfortable on the long-haul flights, and the PVG-DFW flight at least is always packed to capacity.

Delta and China Eastern code-share (both being part of the SkyTeam Alliance, along with China Southern and Taiwan-based China Airlines - 中華航空), so if you book with Delta, you will probably be on a China Southern flight for at least part of the trip.

According to my fiance, who travels a lot in China for her work, probably the best way is to fly into HK and then take a bus directly from the HK airport. She is looking into it though, and I'll let you know if I get more info.

[cypherdragon 3]

Here are some links she sent me with info:

http://www.cantonfair.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84:best-way-from-hong-kong-airport-to-guangzhou&catid=83:transportation&Itemid=274

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/airport-transfer.htm

[TR&ZY 5]

In China, we flew Spring Airlines or China Eastern,I prefer China Eastern.. Or if you have time, the high speed train is nice.

To and from China will always be United for us. Td

Edited January 31, 2016 by TR&ZY

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

In China, we flew Spring Airlines or China Eastern,I prefer China Eastern.. Or if you have time, the high speed train is nice.

To and from China will always be United for us. Td

United will be a different experience for me, I have always flown American out of DFW because the DFW to Beijing flights are almost always empty, I literally have always had an entire row to myself every flight, and being 6'2" the more leg room the better.

[TR&ZY 5]

Definitely stick with what's best for you.. That's sounds awesome having all that space. We fly out of Chicago OHare ORD and its always packed to and from. Although we always have to fly into Shanghai. Would love to pay that cheaper air fair to Beijing or Hong Kong, but it is what it is.

The reason why I liked the China Eastern flight best over Springs in China was it felt there was more room. Also for our 2 hour flight out of Shanghai, Easten fed us a meal. So I guess a little more for the same price. But I will usually take the cheapest price if its not a long flight within China.

My wife uses qunar.com to search flights within China.