Flying JFK-PEK-BKK and return in Business

JFK-PEK (New 777-300)

Check-in started around 9 in Terminal 1. There is a separate business class lane. Business class was handled by a Lufthansa agent. Check-in was quick.

Lounge - Air China uses the Alitalia Lounge next to gate 2. The lounge is nothing special. The Alitalia agent almost seemed annoyed that us Air China people were in there. Plenty of soft drinks, coffee, tea etc. Only beer was Budweiser. They had sandwiches in the refrigerator. I passed on both.

Boarding at JFK - Asked for First, first, then Business. (then I am guessing the masses) Overall the process seemed smooth.

Got to my seat - ok setup on the hard product. 2-2-2 configuration. Enough foot space. You can put your computer bag at your feet for takeoff. I think space wise it is comparable to most the 1-2-1 setups, except of course 2-2-2. Better space than UA, maybe not as good as new Delta. I opted for the Window as I thought I might sleep.

Preflight - offered Champagne with a smile, even refilled the glass twice. They also take your order for both meal services pre-flight, as well as your drink preference for both meals services.

We were also given pajamas, amenity kits and the red slippers.

IFE -
There were not any super new releases, but a relatively wide selection. This month (June) features most the Mission Impossible movies and several James Bond movies. Interesting to note that no America comedies are on the movie list. IFE VOD not available during pre-flight... turned on about 20 minutes in. Also, the screen appears to not be HD. So there is enough to keep you entertained, but, not enough to get excited about.

Sleep -
I usually don't sleep well on planes, but, for whatever reason I did real well on this flight... maybe 6-7 hours total. The seat was comfortable for both working and sleeping.

Meals -
First meal (lunch) served about 40 minutes after takeoff. A bit confusing, but they handled it very quickly. I had beef and it was pretty good. Second meal service (dinner) came about 6 hours later. Despite being called dinner, it was more of an express service. It was also pretty good.

Snack bar -
On the front side of the business class cabin is a snack bar with fruit and desserts, as well as some drinks. I did not ask about wine, but, I am assuming it would be available.

Overall -
Expecting very little, I was pleasantly surprised. Service was pretty good. FA's tried to smile at times. No bad FAs that I saw. I would suggest to set your expectations relatively low - think UA business class in a 2-4-2 configuration - and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The biggest negative for me on this first leg was the IFE.... but I knew going in it was not going to be great. if they improved the selection, they could jump other *A carriers in business class.

Got to go now... Boarding soon for leg 2 - PEK-BKK