Ah, memories of flying MU as a kid, when Shanghai had only one, tiny airport. In those days, MU had a smoking section in the back, making it seem like a Halloween show. A couple middle-aged men were always puffing away and the pilots (or male FAs?) even slept across the middle section. - They just built a tent out of blankets.
Times have changed and customs are now far more civilized. In fact, Chinese airlines are the closest approximation to American airlines.
(Despite what the media and other sensationalists tell you, Chinese and Americans have a lot of the same qualities/defects, but I digress..)
Trip Report - MU5801 - Kunming to Hongqiao - Seat 7J (Bulkhead F)
Check-in:
Fast since there wasn't any line. The agent immediately switched to English after I handed her my passport. But my Chinese is perfectly conversational. Guess these young ladies have a college degree and they want to show it.
Security:
There is one Premium line on the far right - not clearly marked. I waited 5 min in the regular line and then sped to the premium line. Went thru in 5 min.
Lounge:
Some breakfast had been laying out on the heaters for some time. Yes, they had cold drinks and 3-4 types of loose leaf tea.
Pros - fairly empty and quiet. Some massage chair with controls in Japanese. (They do provide a translation sheet, but I spilled tea trying to figure it out.)
Cons - No windows as the whole place was underground.
Overall, still much more civilized than the United club
Boarding:
Fast. My experience regarding service. - I had cut myself and was bleeding, so asked the FA to break open the fresh first aid kit I found in the overhead compartment. She refused. I was given many wet naps, but I had to ask 3 times over a half hour to get the ONE and only bandaid. Guess I was lucky not to stay bleeding in Y.
In-flight experience:
New seats, new entertainment systems. - Just like what you get on US airlines.
Our 5? rows was less than half full, so felt private. Service was just like what you'd expect on an American airline. I had just come from a backpacking trip out in this wild west and was a bit disheveled, so appreciated the casual vibe. - That's not something I would say, for instance, on CX. You get some Europeans dressed in suits and the atmosphere begins to seem so serious!
Service was fine: 2-3 FAs were constantly lounging in the front, so I could always get them to refill my cup quickly.
Meals:
No choice. I photographed the only option below. Decently good. - Comparable to what US airlines serve. (Note that my ticket confirmation didn't mention any breakfast, but I think you can expect it for F flights that go over 2 hours.)
See photos below - the food looked good enough that I almost forgot to take a photo.
Mods - My photos are the right side up (I double checked!). Please fix if you see they're upside down below.