I stayed overnight at an airport hotel and was returned to the Bejing Capital Airport at around 7:30 via complementary coach. I was very much aware that today would be a different travel experience from the previous two days where I was ensconced in the greatness of Singapore Airlines. I was still quite excited as I would be experiencing several firsts today: first time on Air China, CA lounges, and PEK terminal 3.
The departure hall is massive and I was impressed with the design.
I located the Air China premium check-in.
My inability to speak any meaningful Mandarin beyond salutations and thank yous limited the amount of banter with the check-in agent. Nonetheless I was quickly processed and sent on my way. No instruction was given to utilize any premium security/immigration or lounges.
I made it airside, utilizing a premium security line no less, on my own in a relatively efficient manner and located an Air China lounge. I was lazy perhaps in just using the first one I saw.
The lounge was adequate but I wouldn't turn up early at the airport to use it. The furniture was dated and the level of cleanliness was sup-par.
I sampled some items from the buffet.
With no incentive to remain in the lounge I meandered over to the boarding gate.
Cool faux pond with smoke/fog effect.
The A330-200 that would take me to Tokyo's Narita Airport.
Boarding was underway when I made it to the gate so I walked right on board. The forward J cabin seemed to be about 50% occupied.
The Seat.
The seat looks similar to Turkish and Eva to me and is fine for this short regional hop but patently uncompetitive for a true long haul flight.
Looking forward.
Cabin views, spacious ottoman and generous pitch.
PDB and oshibori.
Menus and wine list were also distributed on the ground. The tea list was impressive.
It was soon time to push back. I will note that when they say no electronic devices they are serious. My phone in airplane mode was not allowed. Somehow it cam e back on accidentally to enable this picture on climb out…
Service was started promptly. I requested tea that, according to the tea list, was going to cure all of my ailments.
Next hand delivered meal trays. I selected a braised beef cheek of some sort. It wasn't much to my liking. The garlic bread was tasty of course.
Dessert was served separately with more tea.
The service was competent but in no way warm or inviting.
Cabin lights dimmed after meal time. I was sound asleep in no time.
I awoke to the pre-landing announcements and the cabin windows being opened by the crew.
Almost feet dry over Honshu. So excited to be in Japan again, if only briefly.
Approaching 34R…and a long taxi…
I was the first off the airplane and through immigration and customs in no time. I had a four hour layover and wasn't about to stay airside and miss the observation deck…even though it was very cold and windy.
See more
Verdict
Air China
6.5/10
Cabin7.0
Cabin crew6.0
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering6.0
Air China Business Lounge - 3
6.5/10
Comfort7.0
Meal/catering7.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Services7.0
Beijing - PEK
5.0/10
Efficiency5.0
Access5.0
Services5.0
Cleanliness5.0
Tokyo - NRT
9.8/10
Efficiency9.0
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
My first time on Air China was about what I was expecting.
PEK pros: Terminal 3 is architecturally stunning but after that it goes way down hill. PEK cons: Very crowded and mediocre lounges.
Air China pros: Flight was on time and service was fulfilled in a professional manner. Air China cons: Strict electronics policy and unappealing meal.
I don't' think I would go out of my way to use Air China again but it was worth some United miles to have a new experience.
0 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
I must admit that i expected something worse with China Airlines so I am quite positively surprised. As you say the cabin is good for a regional flight. The catering and crew seem disappointing but I don't think you can expect friendly service by Chinese FA's as it's not their culture and probably not what they are taught to do.
Why not try it on a short flight ? but certainly not very appealing for long haul routes
Greetings NGO85, thanks for reading and commenting.
I find CA to be a very functional airline... -Functional, perfect description. I doubt they will make it their marketing tag line but it sums up the product succinctly.
Thank you Christian for sharing this informative report with great pics as usual.
Lounges in mainland China look disappointing in general.
Interesting experience using miles. I thought about doing something like this but in the end realized that there are other carriers that are more interesting to try. I like their menu covers appealing though. The chinaware not so much.
Food looks average but the presentation of the main meal is messy. The dessert looks very deficient. At least they could offer some fruit along with a pastry to make it more presentable.
Flight-Report is a free website hosting more than 500 000 pictures and 17 000 reviews, without ads, this website can't exist. We understand that ads can be annoying, this is why we only display a maximum of 2 non-invasive ads per page.
To continue using Flight-Report, we invite you to add Flight-Report to your blocker's "white list".
.jpg)
6 Comments
I must admit that i expected something worse with China Airlines so I am quite positively surprised. As you say the cabin is good for a regional flight. The catering and crew seem disappointing but I don't think you can expect friendly service by Chinese FA's as it's not their culture and probably not what they are taught to do.
Why not try it on a short flight ? but certainly not very appealing for long haul routes
I find CA to be a very functional airline...
-Functional, perfect description. I doubt they will make it their marketing tag line but it sums up the product succinctly.
Happy travels.
Lounges in mainland China look disappointing in general.
Interesting experience using miles. I thought about doing something like this but in the end realized that there are other carriers that are more interesting to try. I like their menu covers appealing though. The chinaware not so much.
Food looks average but the presentation of the main meal is messy. The dessert looks very deficient. At least they could offer some fruit along with a pastry to make it more presentable.
Login to post a comment.