BEIJING - BANGKOK ON AIR CHINA CA979 - AIRBUS A321neo
Afternoon chaps! Welcome to the continuity of my trip to Bangkok on Air China. London to Bangkok sector has a very strong Star Alliance influence, with direct Thai Airways, Eva Air, connecting opportunities with Air China, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Eurowings, Sunexpress Deutschland, followed by One World with a direct British Airways from Heathrow, or connecting sectors with Qatar Airways and Malaysian. Skyteam lastly with connecting Air France - KLM group and Vietnam Airlines.
Just a little reminder, this is a connecting flight in Beijing from Heathrow to Bangkok Suvarnhabumi Airport. To read the first sector, please click here.
So here we are, in PEK airport, with some spotting friendly windows across the airport.
The Emirati big bird that just arrived from Dubai.
After such, was announced that many flights were either cancelled or delayed due to weather, a lot have shown cancellations, or delays, but my flight to Bangkok was intact, don't forget it is an Airbus flying ;) .
Speaking of Airbus, it was discretely announced that a China Southern A380 landed in Beijing with strong hale, damaging the cockpit windows and tearing off the front Radome. You can see from the picture below (image subject to copyrights).
And from the cockpit (image subject to copyrights).
You literally can sing Karaoke in those boxes! China always surprises me!
Two other terminal shots..
From the lounge shower
Apologies I haven't got plenty of pictures from the terminal, I was quite busy.
I visited the transit lounge in which I had free access (if you have a connecting flight of more than 4 hours). Make sure you pre-book this prior a a few days from your flight otherwise you will be denied entry. I had a nice complementary shower, warm, and provided was a generous amenity kit.
There is my bird, an Airbus A321-271neo (B-301E)
On board ca979
Ethiopian A359 and Turkish 77W that arrived a bit earlier from their long haul journey. Star Alliance is dominating here. Check the clouds out, little trickers to fly in.
Beautiful time of the day to fly in, sunset! Enjoy the view while pushing back!
Engines are starting, off to Bangkok!
Airborne
Weather was poor, we were flying at low altitude for quite some time before continuing our climb to cruise altitude. Those clouds were to be avoided at all costs.
Clouds cleared, almost on cruise, after almost 55 minutes from take-off.
Meal is served. Opted for seafood, was really tasty to be honest, even though the presentation isn't nickel! But one thing I did not appreciate was asking the cabin crew if there was mushrooms, she said no, but was surprised otherwise that the dish had mushrooms. I have a minor allergic reaction if I eat 'shrooms.
Landing card distributed prior landing, and Thailand is in sight!
Approaching Bangkok
Final approach
Welcome to Bangkok! Hello neighbour! Been on this Jordanian 787 from London to Amman two years ago, really lovely airline. On a side note, Jordan is just 45 mins away from my home country, Lebanon!
Immigration was a bit long, around 25 mins waiting in line, but staff was very friendly. Everyone smiling!!
Many thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it! Make sure to drop a comment :)
Try them. They're an enjoyable snack and full of proteins!
-
While Chinese flight attendants are good in general in terms of service, their lack of English is often too obvious. What I think might have happened with you is that she tries to answer your question without fully understanding the question you asked. Happened me a few times too with carriers like FM and MU.
-
How was the transit in Beijing? I often hear it is very chaotic compared to PVG or CAN.
-
Thanks for sharing your report!
I am impressed in how gigantic and modern PEK's terminal looks, it even seems superior to other well known Western airports! It is weird to see Beijing without smog, judging from your pictures. I really can't believe the poor English CA's crew (including pilots, which turns the situation dangerous) handle. It is really a shame. Thanks for posting!