klm/china air

[kev0184 12]

looking for a flight on the net for next mth i came across a offer for klm/china from newcastle vai amsterdam, not bad stopover times, couple of hrs each way and a price of 1295 for the business class, this beats emirates by almost 1k, anyone used them recently and got any comments?

 

failing that anyone got the web addy of the site where travellers post reviews of the airlines? i used to have it but cant locate it now.

 

thx

[LostInAmsterdam 0]

http://www.airlinequality.com/main/forum.htm

[blacknight 5]

Chinas business class seat is more like a premium economy seat than business. The planes are mostly old 747's with the odd new one but the seating is the same only leather on the new ones.

 

They were selling this flight just over 1 year ago at £1000 return from any regional airport via Amsterdam and at that price it was good value.

 

The only really good thing about this flight are the times arriving BKK at about 7am and returning at 2am from BKK. Be careful of potential long stop overs in AMS on the return leg.

[kev0184 12]

LIA. thx that was what i was looking for.

 

BK, 2.5 hrs on return, arrive 5.45 am newcastle at 8.15. as you say it doesnt look as good as emirates business but there price for next mth bloody stupid at mo, looks like china air this time, will save a grand, few good nights out there!!!!

[jacko 8,815]

There is another recent thread on China Airlines.

Here it is...

I think you have been talking to Gazelle Travel?

As said at 1295 I think they are getting a bit expensive for the quality of the service.....

Edited March 19, 2010 by jacko

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

Are you sure about return time, CAL from BKK lands in AMS around 9am.

 

I use them 3 times a year with the KLM connection from Glasgow.

 

The 747-400s they use are not old, but the cabin could do with updating.

 

According to the Cabin Service Manager I spoke to at the end of Feb, this should happen next year.

 

The seats are OK, entertainment system passable and the cabin service is excellent.

 

I just booked for June with Gazelle Travel in Newcastle, cost £1239.

Edited March 20, 2010 by The_Fat_Controller

[Lucky 47]

I used to fly China Air regularly when they had their Bangkok-Houston route and never had a problem. The business class seats are the same as most other airlines, they aren't the ones that lay completely flat with the enclosures but I don't like those anyway. Also I prefer to sit in the upper cabin so I prefer a 747 biz class over a 777 or A340.

 

Service was always great and the biz lounge in Taipei is a good one with a small restaurant, showers, etc. I would fly them again without hesitation, I still miss their Bangkok-Houston route.

[kuranda_bagman 135]

will save a grand, few good nights out there!!!!

 

Mate the way I've seen you party that saving will last you 1 night, two at the best

[kev0184 12]

Are you sure about return time, CAL from BKK lands in AMS around 9am.

 

you are correct. i just checked again and the return flight was via CDG in paris a airport that i do not like, takes forever to get from point a to b, i always seem to land miles from my next connections gate.

 

The flight now offered lands at 09.10 and my connection is at 10.15, a bit tight but i only travel with hand luggage so should make it, if i miss it the next one is at 3.15pm, but hopefully will make it, 6hrs in schipol not attractive.

 

i will give gazelle a call tomorrow, i got the price i quoted from netflights.com, will see if they can beat it.

[kev0184 12]

Mate the way I've seen you party that saving will last you 1 night, two at the best

 

unfortunatly the recession has landed at chez kev, hoping to stretch the saving to 3 nights lol. But on a serious note, i have changed my habits for this yr, instead of doing the 5x2 week trips, i am going to do 2 trips at a month ea and a 2 weeks xmas trip, that will save me money on flights, every little helps!!!!

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

Hi Kev, I was on a very tight connection to Glasgow last month, 0900/1005.

 

We got on stand at 0926 and I just made the flight, but my checked baggage didn't, no surprise there !

 

I have been using Gazelle Travel for a few years, mainly dealing with a lovely lady, Pat Cooper who is now semi-retired and for this last trip, Gordon.

 

They do a LOT of business with China Airlines and I reckon you'll get a similar price to me.

[blacknight 5]

Just to add to Fat Controllers post I can also recommend Gazelle, here is Gordons contact details

 

Gordon Lawrence

Branch Manager

Tel: 0191 2618616

Fax: 0191 2618624

Gazelle Travel Limited - Low Cost Air Travel Specialists

[Gus 97]

Kev

You'll have to be on the ball for your Xmas trip, the airlines usually shag you left, right and centre with their air fares at that time of the year. If they don't get you with the outbound flight, they'll stuff you with the return one.

[jacko 8,815]

Kev

You'll have to be on the ball for your Xmas trip, the airlines usually shag you left, right and centre with their air fares at that time of the year. If they don't get you with the outbound flight, they'll stuff you with the return one.

What do you mean..... generally one buys a return ticket? Certainly they are more expensive over that season, supply and demand, book early.