China Eastern Airlines

[cbrib 354]

Last time i had to go back to Los Angeles i had a look on Skyscanner and found some great deals on China Eastern Airlines. After reading some mixed reviews i decided to see if it was worth saving a couple of hundrded bucks or not. Here is the Bkk Lax return review.

My first leg was Bkk to Nkg (Nanjing). The flight was at 03:30. Narrow body jet 3+3 seating. Seats and leg room were not too bad. They did give a meal - if you could call it that - but then again it was pretty late. The meal more resembled what you would get on an Utapao - Samui flight on Bangkok Airways. No beer or wine available. Again given the time of night all you really wanted to do was sit down and pass out so all in all the flight wasn't that bad, not really comfortable per say but acceptable.

Connection in Nanjing. This is an absolute nightmare! I had a 5 hour layover, however knowing i needed to clear customs and re-check my bag, i figured it was this way for a reason. First of all, all foreigners are separated into a separate area. There was about 65 of us. We then all had to wait over half an hour for an immigration officer to start processing us. It took a few minutes before they finally sent another immigration officers two to expedite the process.

Be sure to have your full itenerary as they expect you to show it. I didn't and informed the barely english speaking officer i had it on my phone but i needed his wifi access, finally he let me pass. We were all then forced to stand single file in a line while they did - yes - 3 head counts. They singled me out to show to show my passport so i informed the guy it was in his hand. They then took us all down to collect our bags and over to check in. One counter to check in 65 of us. As we checked in we still had to wait to be escorted all at once to security check. After finally getting through it all - over 3 hours later - i checked into the little cubicle/lounge for $45.00. Lounge ok but their wifi wasn't working....no surprise there. Very limited beverage selection but there were some nice food choices available

Second leg Nkg to Lax. Decent seating 3+4+3 format but roomy enough considering it is economy. Not sure on the exact plane but a little shy on shitters. All the usual in-flight entertainment etc was ok, food was what you would expect. Staff was cordial but a bit cold.

Lax - Pvg leg. This again was the red eye flight. Same format however the aisles were noticeably narrower. Food was served with beer and wine but no hard alcohol. Flight staff was tolerant but not overly welcoming or warm. Food was again okay at best. Seat was not very comfortable, cushions worn out, and very wobbly tray table. All in all unforgettable but it worked.

Connection in Pvg Shainghai. Bag was already checked through this time so no need to repeat Nkg Nanjing. Pvg airport is easy enough to negotiate, simply follow the signs. It is pretty minimal in terms of shops, restaurants, etc. i went into the paid lounge which had a few nice snacks, coffee machine and alcohol if you wanted it, however found it strange that there was no ice to be had even for the selection of fountain drinks, i commandered some ice from the wine chiller bucket :). Again wifi didn't work even though it was advertized as an amenity.

Pvg - Bkk leg. This flight was operated by Shainghai Airways. narrow body 737 3+3 seating layout. We were late taking off and the plane was getting very warm. I even complained to one of the flight attendants and pointed out to her that many people were uncomfortable and showed her how passengers were playing with the air vents to try and cool off. No inflight entertainment or map on the 4/12 hour flight. Only 2 shitters in the back of the plane, the queue was beyond my seat in an already cramped environment. Worst most unfriendly flight crew i think i have encountered. Food was crap and had to almost negotiate to get a cup of ice with my warm beer.

Final summary: China Eastern is a ride somewhere. They do get you there safely. If you are looking for anything more they are not the airline for you. Would i use them again? If it was the matter if saving $150.00 more than likely not, however if it were in this case of saving almost $300.00 i probably would now knowing what to expect. Although i would not do the Nanjing stop again and would look for a flight not operated by Shainghai Airways. Hope thuis review is helpful to some, cheers!

[jacko 8,815]

A very helpful review. Thanks for taking the time.

(China Eastern not for me.. )

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

Very useful. I had considered them but now will focus on other carriers.

[short 215]

I think the Chinese passengers think this is normal and so they tolerate it.

[jacko 8,815]

I think the Chinese passengers think this is normal and so they tolerate it.

Having flown around in China (some years ago), and taken a few cheap flights myself, I agree.

But on the whole I get the impression of how things used to work on say Tarom or similar 30 years ago.

It isn't for me these days, but if it suits Chinese, and those prepared to endure to save money, they will exist.

 

Thank heavens for all the newer quality carriers, and a few that are nearly as good!