Hi -

My thoughts on Air China TPAC J flights:

1) When they take your meal order, they tell you what time you will be served. Drinks usually come quickly after the seat belt sign comes off. They take the menu after you order.

2) I find they are sometimes too quick in taking away meals trays, newspapers, half-filled drinks when you are napping, etc.

3) You have to ask for refills, but they are prompt when asked. In this respect they are like Cathay Pacific (versus, say SQ, where the glass never gets below half empty).

4) English IFE is poor when compared to other carriers, both foreign and domestic.

5) J lounge in PEK is nice. Food varied and plentiful; sleep/rest chambers; nice shower facilities. Internet access is a little clumsy.

6) I have only flown 777 and A330-300. Both lie flats; I find the footwell on the 777 a little narrow, but the length on the A330 a little short for me -- I am 6'3". Also J is 2-2-2, not 1-2-1 -- meaning that center aisle is the only way to avoid crawling over a seat mate to use the lavatory.

7) Transiting in PEK can be long and chaotic unlike HKG -- be sure to allow extra time for connections.

8) In the same vein, I have heard that IRROPS can be poor when compared to other global carriers -- though I have not had any first-hand experience.

All things considered, CA is a good value for the money. Also the CA FFP is competitive with other *A programs.