Cheap flights coming? - China’s back

EK loads impacted?
 
EK loads impacted?
Emirates probably not set up to provide the LCC price+experience expected of the market in China.
 
It's possible that cheap flights to China could be coming soon, but there are several factors to consider:
Positive signs:

China's reopening:
China has recently relaxed its zero-COVID policy, leading to speculation about increased travel and potentially lower flight prices.

Increased competition: Airlines compete for passengers, and with more airlines resuming flights to China, there could be price wars and special offers.

Off-season travel: February is generally considered the off-season for travel to China, which can sometimes lead to cheaper flights.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's possible that cheap flights to China could be coming soon, but there are several factors to consider:
Positive signs:

China's reopening:
China has recently relaxed its zero-COVID policy, leading to speculation about increased travel and potentially lower flight prices.

Increased competition: Airlines compete for passengers, and with more airlines resuming flights to China, there could be price wars and special offers.

Off-season travel: February is generally considered the off-season for travel to China, which can sometimes lead to cheaper flights.
The counter argument is the cough has fallen out of the China market - Chinese aren’t travelling and western businesses have pulled out (so less inbound demand). Part the reason why UA expanded to Oz (at the expense of China - there’s an article around discussing that.

However, all those Chinese airlines still need to make some money for the CCP, so dumping capacity back into Oz could be good for us! 😉
 
Some good prices currently on offer though.
Been looking around October and MF who IMO has the best J product of the Chinese airlines by a fair way has SYD to various cities in China for around $1200 one way or $2600 return. Some fares I found for as little as $1100 one way and $2450 return.
 
My cousin used to be a stewardess for MF until she become a mother at the age of 40. I have never flown on it though so I can't comment on their quality or lack thereof.
 
China’s back, back again,
China’s back, tell a friend …

WTF is Xiamen Airlines? This seems like buying an MG, except that when the MG inevitably fails you fall out of the sky. No thanks.
 
China’s back, back again,
China’s back, tell a friend …

WTF is Xiamen Airlines? This seems like buying an MG, except that when the MG inevitably fails you fall out of the sky. No thanks.
We have travelled to China numerous times and personally I think Xiamen have the best J product of all the Chinese carriers and miles ahead of the “big 3”
Hainan is probably the only other Chinese carrier that comes close IMO.
I believe Xiamen has a pretty good safety record and operate a fairly modern fleet and I’ll definitely fly with them again
 
EK loads impacted?
Same with VS?
 
China just dropped Visa fees for <15 day visits. It is on my bucket list, and I would be happy to go on a purchased organized deal, given I hear the airports are chaotic with sudden gate changes between ends. Vietnam has not yet dropped their Visa fee for Australians, so next time I need dental work, China may get the deal. You really wonder why 55+ retirees are not sought after. China also has cheap prescriptions, and formulation chemists . Less well known is an independent test lab can test them (required). Bring a control sample for mass spec comparison. My DF alcohol is also tested, because state bottled stuff is not all it seems. Usually I also purchase reading glasses, but have extreme trouble finding 150mm arms. I leave a 150mm arm with the eye shop and pick up well before leaving time, so I do not suffer BS and 128mm arms bent straight. Pity I do not smoke, need apalutamide (now on PBS) or need hearing aids.
 
So it appears Air China and China Southern have wasted no time increasing the number of flights to Australia now that China has openend up to the world again ( see link below) .

What do you think:
- Will it lower prices ( and keep in mind China can overfly Russia to europe) for Australians travelling to the US and Europe? or
- No impact as all flights will be full as Chinese start travelling again after nearly 3 years of being locked in ?
All armchair CEO’s are invited to comment ;).
 
Star Alliance connecting partner:
 
Will be interesting to see if they last, private owned not state backed.

Fares are definitely down to the $500/$600 return mark again. Cheaper compared to flying many domestic routes here.
 
Will be interesting to see if they last
Planned frequencies already revised:
 
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