Interestingly I need to head to Beijing this Sunday thru Wednesday, meaning 2 days advance and no Saturday stay. Cheapest economy was coming out at over £2100!
So.... I checked BA holidays and wow
BA F LHR -> PEK out 14th, return 17th plus hotel for £2231! This means that flights and hotel are cheaper flying First with BA holidays than booking economy flights and hotels separately
It's possible to route via HK for an extra £9 or so each way ,with either CX or KA Business / First
BA holidays saves my skin again :-)