First, I don't know chinese... next... trip is end of Nov.

It seems like a bit of twisted fun to try and get a train ticket ahead of time without a big fee. Being my first trip to the far east I would like to be prepared with tickets. I am trying to weigh out which is a better choice, train or air. The girl friend says she wants a deluxe soft sleeper room "for her safety". I've traveled on horrible Russian trains and am not too concerned with this, but I guess it should weigh in on the decision.

So looks like $160 or so each for deluxe sleeper through ChinaTripAdvisor to get something ahead of time (maybe?). Saves hotel, so $320 each total.

Found flights on ctrip.com for $228 total for both (7:30am flight - China Air), but that would require extra night hotel in Beijing for about $150 at the place we are, so $378.

Pretty comparable in price, but I'd really like to know which is the better choice from those that have done both.

1) I could see the airport being stressful for a 7:30am flight. Arrive 6am? Not morning people!
2) Train seems like it would be much more scenic (but possibly dark out the whole time since it leaves at 7pm?)
3) Are the deluxe soft sleepers as good as they seem from pictures I am finding online?
4) What are the chances of not getting a deluxe soft sleeper after all?

Thanks!!