Air China - Business Class comments?

[joeymelb]

Hi All,
I am going on a trip Melbourne (MEL) to Shanghai (PVG) early 2010, currently we are looking at J with Air China.

Anyone got any reviews they can share with this airline? I am choosing Air China because of:
1. Direct Flight;
2. Star Alliance - I am with KF, J should give me 1.25x miles;
3. Not Qantas.

Am I right to assume that I can use Air NZ lounge (Star Alliance Member traveling J)?

Lastly, I am torn between staying at Swissotel Grand Shanghai and Radisson New World. Anyone care to review those 2 hotels? I am there as a tourist, and looking for a nice spacious room, good facilities and easy walk/subway to the shopping area. (or any good suggestions will be welcome)

I stayed at Shangri-La Hotel before, it was good for business but horrible location for a tourist.

Thanks,
Joey

P.s. I have Club Swissotel membership, that's why I am leaning towards Swissotel.

 

[RB]

China Airlines Reviews and China Airlines Passenger Opinions about China Airlines standards

Quite a few J reviews & certianly a variery of opinions

 

[joeymelb]

China Airlines Reviews and China Airlines Passenger Opinions about China Airlines standards

Quite a few J reviews & certianly a variery of opinions

Thanks for that site. But China Airlines is a Taiwanese National carrier, Air China is a Chinese National carrier... nevertheless, I found Air China review... hmm... 3 Star Airlines... hmm... I will have to think twice now... but direct flight and cheaper J (compare to SQ)... decisions!!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for that site. But China Airlines is a Taiwanese National carrier, Air China is a Chinese National carrier... nevertheless, I found Air China review... hmm... 3 Star Airlines... hmm... I will have to think twice now... but direct flight and cheaper J (compare to SQ)... decisions!!

Hi - as I posted in response to another thread chinese airlines are good at looking after their premium passengers on the ground - things like lounges, special buses to planes (where applicable), priority lanes for passport control.

The hard product on Air China looks fine (lie flats on the A330s). The service won't be as polished as SQ, and the entertainment will be waaaay behind, but my premium (and indeed non premium) travel on Air China has always had freindly crews.

Food was ok in economy, but sub-par in domestic First (even on the premium PEK-PVG route).

 

[joeymelb]

Hi - as I posted in response to another thread chinese airlines are good at looking after their premium passengers on the ground - things like lounges, special buses to planes (where applicable), priority lanes for passport control.

The hard product on Air China looks fine (lie flats on the A330s). The service won't be as polished as SQ, and the entertainment will be waaaay behind, but my premium (and indeed non premium) travel on Air China has always had freindly crews.

Food was ok in economy, but sub-par in domestic First (even on the premium PEK-PVG route).

Thanks for the review. I will give them a try and see how it goes, then post a trip report on my thoughts.

Anyone got any suggestions on the hotels?

 

[wxxnxs]

Thanks for the review. I will give them a try and see how it goes, then post a trip report on my thoughts.

Anyone got any suggestions on the hotels?

Hi Joey

Glad you give a try to carry my home country's flag carrier, I may give you some experience which I had before. For J class, it is not good as SQ. MH, JAL but it is already improved huge compare with 2007. After they changed their aircraft to 330, I believe the hardware is good enough for the trip from Mel-PVG. Most comments state Air China is 3 stars, but for J class, I think it's worth 4 stars.

Also for lounge access, because PVG is not air china's base, so it may worse than Bei jing.

I wish you will enjoy your trip and had good experience with this carrier.