China Eastern to fly Sydney-Auckland

[elanshin]

Fifth freedom between SYD and AKL on MU?

China Eastern Expands Oceania Network in NW23 — AeroRoutes

Published at 0200GMT 28SEP23 China Eastern as of Wednesday 27SEP23 opened reservation for additional routes to Australia and New Zealand for Northern winter 2023/24 season, including previously announced service resumption on Shanghai – Brisbane route. Hangzhou – Auckland – Sydney – Hangzhou e

www.aeroroutes.com

Wonder what their pricing for SYD <> AKL would be like. If its not that expensive under QF codeshare might consider it given it'll be a better J than the 737s

 

[Mattg]

Just had a look - fares start around AUD262 one-way for SYD-AKL in Economy. Business is AUD893 one-way.

The flight timings look good and its an A330-200. Lie-flat seating in J.

It doesn't seem possible to book this on a QF codeshare, as far as I can tell.

 

[elanshin]

MU's A332 is probably not the greatest and a generation of planes back from the a359 that's currently on SYD <> PVG but given it's harder to find wide bodies to NZ, it'll be a nice change. Shame it won't be easy to earn QF status on them though.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Since these flights have been running, does anyone have experience or insight to which A330s they fly to Auckland - or have any insight on how I can find out?
There are some good priced business class fares but I am aware that China Eastern have 3 configurations of A330s. Unfortunately making a dummy booking won't help me understand which plane config they fly as you cannot seat select before you make a payment - if you can believe it!

On the page where you select your flights, there are two options to see the plane, one a video which shows an overview of the A330 and the inside view shows the 2-2-2 business config, the other thumbnail of cabin shows the angled lie flat seats.
While the price is a good one, I would prefer to go with Qantas/Air NZ where I can maintain my status if the seats China Eastern fly won't be the angled lie flat seats.

 

[elanshin]

Since these flights have been running, does anyone have experience or insight to which A330s they fly to Auckland - or have any insight on how I can find out?
There are some good priced business class fares but I am aware that China Eastern have 3 configurations of A330s. Unfortunately making a dummy booking won't help me understand which plane config they fly as you cannot seat select before you make a payment - if you can believe it!

On the page where you select your flights, there are two options to see the plane, one a video which shows an overview of the A330 and the inside view shows the 2-2-2 business config, the other thumbnail of cabin shows the angled lie flat seats.
While the price is a good one, I would prefer to go with Qantas/Air NZ where I can maintain my status if the seats China Eastern fly won't be the angled lie flat seats.

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

I too would assume they use this config on this route, but other airlines (LATAM) do use their 2-2-2 business layout for their Auckland-Sydney flights.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

I made a booking today. After booking was confirmed, I could select my seats and can confirm that it is the 1-2-1 layout.
The price difference between China Eastern and Qantas/Air NZ in business was astounding. Even on the 2-2-2 layout, the price differential would have made it worth it.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

+1 to above. Booked for end August. I booked Y, but was also curious of the layout for J and was able to figure out it was the 1-2-1 based on the row numbers for Y. Was tempted to go for J as fares were indeed very reasonable, but as I already have status benefits and figure the tag flights to/from NZ are likely to have lighter loads, I didn't bother. Good times and cheaper than all of the competitors; will be interesting to see how it goes. Website was clunky and app was useless in English but I was able to do what I needed to do, and assign any seat I wanted. Will report back.

 

[xen0n33]

Is there an easy way to add a frequent flyer number to an existing MU booking? I have a SYD-AKL J booking in November, but didn't add FF number at the time of booking (or the option wasn't there).

I've been through the 'manage my booking' via their website and tried the app, but haven't found anywhere to add FF details - only generic passenger info, seat, etc. Always possible that I'm just completely overlooking something obvious, so apoligies in advance if that turns out to be the case!

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

Is there an easy way to add a frequent flyer number to an existing MU booking? I have a SYD-AKL J booking in November, but didn't add FF number at the time of booking (or the option wasn't there).

I've been through the 'manage my booking' via their website and tried the app, but haven't found anywhere to add FF details - only generic passenger info, seat, etc. Always possible that I'm just completely overlooking something obvious, so apoligies in advance if that turns out to be the case!

I have a similar issue as I'd booked via AMEX Travel and my FF number didn't make its way through to MU's system. I've also not had luck and have resigned to do it at check-in. My flight is on Friday, so I'll report back.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

As promised, a follow-up.

The online check-in recognised my reservation but wouldn't let me check in, so into the airport queue I went. No issue adding SkyTeam number at check-in. For those with access (including Priority Pass), the Strata Lounge in Auckland is perfectly respectable, though lacking those nice views of the tarmac.

Inbound flight arrived a bit late after a long flight time, especially after having to do a go-around in Auckland thanks to the wind this morning. Boarding commenced half an hour late but was quick. Flight looked to be around 60% full. I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Back in Y, standard 2-4-2 on an A330. Legroom was more than adequate, seat width also nice -- noticeably better than the standard Y seats on the NZ and QF narrow-bodies.

Crew struggled with English but were courteous and looked happy to be there.

Meal was impressive for a 3-hour trans-Tasman jaunt. Not pictured was the bread that shortly followed thereafter, and barely visible is yet more food in the form of a little packet of pickled veg under the main. I don't think you can do better on any other carrier flying the route.

Flight arrived nearly an hour late as we were then slowed down coming into Sydney with more windy weather, but I was pretty zen being on my way home and not in a rush.

Aside from the lack of a functional app or online check-in, I'd certainly fly them again.

 

[xen0n33]

As promised, a follow-up.

The online check-in recognised my reservation but wouldn't let me check in, so into the airport queue I went. No issue adding SkyTeam number at check-in. For those with access (including Priority Pass), the Strata Lounge in Auckland is perfectly respectable, though lacking those nice views of the tarmac.

Inbound flight arrived a bit late after a long flight time, especially after having to do a go-around in Auckland thanks to the wind this morning. Boarding commenced half an hour late but was quick. Flight looked to be around 60% full. I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Back in Y, standard 2-4-2 on an A330. Legroom was more than adequate, seat width also nice -- noticeably better than the standard Y seats on the NZ and QF narrow-bodies.

Crew struggled with English but were courteous and looked happy to be there.

Meal was impressive for a 3-hour trans-Tasman jaunt. Not pictured was the bread that shortly followed thereafter, and barely visible is yet more food in the form of a little packet of pickled veg under the main. I don't think you can do better on any other carrier flying the route.

Flight arrived nearly an hour late as we were then slowed down coming into Sydney with more windy weather, but I was pretty zen being on my way home and not in a rush.

Aside from the lack of a functional app or online check-in, I'd certainly fly them again.

Great review, thanks for posting that. It all sounds quite promising.

 

[Rayesfeg]

I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Funny you said that, my flight is booked on an aircraft with the 1-2-1 layout and I had selected my seats at the time that I made the booking.
I checked again today as the trip is coming up soon and the aircraft has magically swapped to the older 2-2-2 layout. No email notifications about it or anything.

Not the biggest deal for a 3hr flight but pretty poor form from MU to not inform customers of the change.

 

[MonteCristo]

As promised, a follow-up.

The online check-in recognised my reservation but wouldn't let me check in, so into the airport queue I went. No issue adding SkyTeam number at check-in. For those with access (including Priority Pass), the Strata Lounge in Auckland is perfectly respectable, though lacking those nice views of the tarmac.

Inbound flight arrived a bit late after a long flight time, especially after having to do a go-around in Auckland thanks to the wind this morning. Boarding commenced half an hour late but was quick. Flight looked to be around 60% full. I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Back in Y, standard 2-4-2 on an A330. Legroom was more than adequate, seat width also nice -- noticeably better than the standard Y seats on the NZ and QF narrow-bodies.

Crew struggled with English but were courteous and looked happy to be there.

Meal was impressive for a 3-hour trans-Tasman jaunt. Not pictured was the bread that shortly followed thereafter, and barely visible is yet more food in the form of a little packet of pickled veg under the main. I don't think you can do better on any other carrier flying the route.

Flight arrived nearly an hour late as we were then slowed down coming into Sydney with more windy weather, but I was pretty zen being on my way home and not in a rush.

Aside from the lack of a functional app or online check-in, I'd certainly fly them again.

Very similar experience flying with them last month, albeit to/from China (Wuhan outbound, ex Nanjing inbound). Economy in an A330.

The legroom was ok (I'm 195cm). Initially sitting down, the seat for both flights felt hard. But for a 11-12 hour flight it was actually fine. One flight was on time, the other arrived in Sydney an hour early. But both times we had a remote stand on arrival (and once departing from Sydney).

The IFE is basic. The movies and shows in English are limited. Some were quite old. Might get one watchable option out of it. BYO entertainment for sure!

Food was rather good (vegetarian option pre-ordered). Had dinner and breakfast. Both decent. Good portions. Ate before the flights, but wasn't hungry during.

The standout for me was actually the crew. Some struggled with English a little, but never to the point of either party not knowing what was going on. However, they were very attentive. Constantly coming around offering drinks. You could go out the back at ask for more as well. As a random international comparison, we had an overnight Finnair flight a few months ago between Helsinki and Singapore, and the crew was the most invisible I've experienced (they came around with drinks literally once between meals, while the China Eastern crew would wander through every 30 minutes or so), while the food was meagre.

I had very low expectations going into the flights. While the hard product was a bit aged, the service was a pleasant surprise. Would fly again for the price.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Is there an easy way to add a frequent flyer number to an existing MU booking? I have a SYD-AKL J booking in November, but didn't add FF number at the time of booking (or the option wasn't there).

I've been through the 'manage my booking' via their website and tried the app, but haven't found anywhere to add FF details - only generic passenger info, seat, etc. Always possible that I'm just completely overlooking something obvious, so apoligies in advance if that turns out to be the case!

I faced the same problem when booking, the China Eastern website flat out rejected my Qantas frequent flyer number. Something to do with the format not being correct?

I actually called the contact number listed on their website and spoke to the most helpful customer service agent who knew exactly what to do. She added my Qantas frequent flyer number to my booking without issue.
What I was hoping this would achieve is that these flights would show in my Qantas app along with all of my other flights where I have linked my Qantas frequent flyer number, but they did not. I suspect this this is because China Eastern is not a Oneworld member, instead they are 'partners' with Qantas.

 

[xen0n33]

I faced the same problem when booking, the China Eastern website flat out rejected my Qantas frequent flyer number. Something to do with the format not being correct?

I actually called the contact number listed on their website and spoke to the most helpful customer service agent who knew exactly what to do. She added my Qantas frequent flyer number to my booking without issue.
What I was hoping this would achieve is that these flights would show in my Qantas app along with all of my other flights where I have linked my Qantas frequent flyer number, but they did not. I suspect this this is because China Eastern is not a Oneworld member, instead they are 'partners' with Qantas.

Good info, thanks for sharing. I must admit, I hadn't even considered calling (I always dread calling up an airline, no matter which). I'll give that a go. (I recently gave their app another go and had to give up in frustration).

The second part seems par for the course - I added my QFF number to an AF booking (to earn the splendid sum of 100 points...) and it also didn't appear in the app. Shame, as it was cool to add my QFF number to, e.g., an MH booking and have it "magically" appear in the app.

 

[xen0n33]

I flew SYD-AKL in J yesterday, and had been resigned to flying in the 2-2-2 config that had been showing in the seatmap since just after my initial booking (back in May). So I was very pleasantly surprised to step on board and see a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone cabin awaiting me! That's the kind of aircraft swap I can get behind.

Flight itself was quite pleasant. I had the AVML special meal which was pretty good (two types of Indian curry paired with noodles, along with a starter salad and fruit to finish). Wine selection was limited to red or white. Seat was comfortable and in good condition (plane was 10 years old according to FR24). IFE was a bit barebones though.

Following Rayesfeg above, I also called their Australian contact number to add my QFF number. Only on hold for 10 minutes in the middle of the afternoon, and the lady I spoke with was very helpful.

 

[markis10]

MU don’t use the same GDS as Qantas so your QFF number will never result in the booking showing in the APP. I have done one trip this year with MU, in Y, never again

 

[SYD]

MU don’t use the same GDS as Qantas so your QFF number will never result in the booking showing in the APP. I have done one trip this year with MU, in Y, never again

I’m trying to book MU for some internal flights in China but all CRs have disappeared from QF (and DL looks the same…). Plenty via AF/KL…but I don’t have any FB miles anymore)…May e I should look elsewhere but I suspect they’re all as bad as each other?

 

[markis10]

MU seem to be happy to cancel flights at random, I much prefer China Southern, and no stern look when I ask for a second beer