Premium economy or business to China?

pattycake

My husband has flown business class from Manchester to Beijing on a number of occasions using Hainan Airlines. Direct flight. Cannot comment on cost as we were not paying!

He seemed happy enough with what he received.

zagfles

richardw wrote: »

If it’s a no first class A380, there’s an economy section on the upper deck configured 2-4-2, good for those travelling in 2s.

Also good when travelling in 4's - 2x2 in consecutive rows, all within easy reach of each other. Better than travelling 4 in a row IMO.

zagfles

richardw wrote: »

Singapore Airlines seems to top the list.

They are probably the best but all flag carriers I've been on are very good too. I think people worry it'll be like Ryanair. It isn't.

Generally you'll get free food and drink, films including recent releases and other entertainment like games. You don't have to wait for the trolley runs if you're hungry or thirsty - just press the call button, or as I usually do have a stroll down to the galley and have a chat with the staff. They're not under the same pressure as short haul so they usually have time for a chat while they're getting you your next beer...

ceewash

zagfles wrote: »

They are probably the best but all flag carriers I've been on are very good too. I think people worry it'll be like Ryanair. It isn't.

Generally you'll get free food and drink, films including recent releases and other entertainment like games. You don't have to wait for the trolley runs if you're hungry or thirsty - just press the call button, or as I usually do have a stroll down to the galley and have a chat with the staff. They're not under the same pressure as short haul so they usually have time for a chat while they're getting you your next beer...

Can only see flights with 2 stops on the way back. It's the comfortable seats I'm looking for rather than food and drink.

zagfles

ceewash wrote: »

Can only see flights with 2 stops on the way back. It's the comfortable seats I'm looking for rather than food and drink.

I've never had a problem with the seats, or legroom (I'm 5 foot 11). If you're very tall or very fat or have physical problems you might have an issue but otherwise I doubt it. Have a look at seatguru or flyertalk if you have specific requirements/issues.

Nick_C

The SAS flights are very good value for business class - nearly £1K cheaper than if you were starting in Copenhagen. Trouble is, you have an 8 hour layover in Copenhagen on the way out.

Apart from that long layover, the departure and arrival times are good. (Leave MAN at 10:00, arr BJS noon the next day local time) You will have use of the business class lounges at MAN and CPH, although the flight from MAN to CPH is one class (economy). On the return, you leave Beijing at 3pm and arrive back in Manchester at 9pm same day (local times).

On AF, you only have 75 minutes to change planes at CDG on the outbound. That would worry me. If you miss that connection, you will be facing overnight in Paris. The return leaves BJS at 1am and lands at CDG at 6am. I wouldn't find those timings convenient, especially if I had to leave a hotel by noon.

Lufthansa via Frankfurt has better timings, but is £100 more.

My preference would be SAS business class, and maybe go into Copenhagen on Saturday afternoon to do some sightseeing.

pattycake

I have asked my husband about Hainan Airways business class and he said it was fine and he also thought very reasonably priced. And don’t forget it is direct. No layovers. I must say though that my DH can sleep on a clothes line so make of that what you will!

Nick_C

pattycake wrote: »

I have asked my husband about Hainan Airways business class and he said it was fine and he also thought very reasonably priced. And don’t forget it is direct. No layovers. I must say though that my DH can sleep on a clothes line so make of that what you will!

It's £2200 and there is no flight on 6 June

pattycake

Sorry I was not much help then.

Nick_C

pattycake wrote: »

Sorry I was not much help then.

I'm sure you've helped other people by raising awareness of a lesser known airline. Its not a bad price for non stop business class from the UK.