I just got back from Bejing about two weeks ago. I flew Hainan with mixed feelings. I've also flown KE from SEA to ICN, so naturally I was comparing. I flew coach, which was a shame given the extremely light pax load in the front (I think I saw two, and then the crew that was supposed to be attending to them resting later in the flight).

I thought food on the way there was somewhat poor though I did find enough to eat. It was better on the way back (perhaps I was just more acclimated to the regional selections). The staff was friendly and attentive, though no match for KE's service. It was nice that they left snacks and beverages out in the galley though they seemed to look at me strangely when I went across the invisible threshold which separates the main cabin from the galley. Perhaps I should have let them serve me?

When I flew KE to ICN I was disappointed at the lack of VOD and seat power, even though I specifically asked if they were flying the new AC to SEA (the deciding factor between KE and OZ) so this is where HU had a leg up, though I understand it was simply bad luck we didn't get a new AC in KE. HU's VOD system does, however, crash frequently. I also noticed that if you manage to score a seat in the exit row HU's A332 has power in at least some of those seats.

The lavs were serviced several times during the flight, so things were kept clean where it is perhaps most important and there are no men's and women's lavs, which I consider a plus.

All in all, I would probably fly with them again, its worth whatever service discrepancies to spare the hours you may spend in ICN or NRT. 10.5 hours is pretty hard to argue with when cabin service is really quite decent.

Hope this helps,

Justin