China Southern from LA, a fail grade

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

Just to clarify - usually there isn't any problem transiting through Beijing Capitol Airport. I've done it many times (but not on a Chinese airline) without a missed connection or other hassles. Even getting a 24-hour "stay permit" isn't that bad under normal circumstances. Several times I've planned 12- or 14-hour layovers in Beijing so I could visit a friend in the city. It took about 30 minutes each time to apply for and get the stay permit stamped in my passport.

 

But VPI78 is right in highlighting what can happen if you miss a connection and 100 or more people all have to get stay permits at once. That's why it would good if the Immigration Control officer can grant a 72-hour stay permit on arrival.

 

If you otherwise plan to use a Chinese airline that connects to BKK through Beijing, it's a bit of an exaggeration to shun it only because of possible visa problems while in transit. I don't use Chinese airlines myself because of their reputation for overbooking flights and bumping other passengers in favor of Chinese citizens. In the 1980's and 1990's I flew a lot with Chinese airlines and have some real horror stories to tell, but they are mainly concerning domestic flights. It's been 20 years since I've flown internationally with a mainland-China-based airline.

 

Evil

[TheFiend 1,181]

Has nothing to do with the plane itself, but the airline and how they chose to outfit the cabin (type of seats, etc.). Most people wouldn't know the difference. I've flown on the 747-400 Combi on four different occasions and it was just fine.

 

It's easy to spot why I got a negative rep for my post.

 

Sadly the reason for my comment about the 747 was due to it's construction. On both legs I was dumped in the seats by the staircase/galley area and on a full plane there was no chance of changing seats.

[Samsonite 181]

You were on the upper deck?

 

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Eva_Airways/Eva_Airways_Boeing_747-400_Combi.php

[TheFiend 1,181]

You were on the upper deck?

 

http://www.seatguru....7-400_Combi.php

 

No, it was a KLM Combi

 

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/KLM/KLM_Boeing_747-400_combi.php

[jacko 8,815]

No, it was a KLM Combi

 

http://www.seatguru....7-400_combi.php

I seem to recall being on a KLM Combi in that area and am pretty sure it was Biz Class.

(Couldn't get my usual upstairs exit row seat)

It was a claustrophobic area that seemed devoid of service although handy for the toilets.

It looks like KLM have agreed with me and decided it was not worth the cost of Biz Class and created 'Economy Comfort' there.

Edited December 26, 2012 by jacko