Originally Posted by
uanj
OP wrote they are traveling in domestic first, checking in will be better than most countries. Security is what it is, but there are priority lanes in most of China's big airports.
OP, Air China is still flying 747s domestically (SHA-PEK) so you get a chance to choose from a wide variety of aircraft. Other than that, perhaps consider flying into the old airport and departing from the new one where possible. You won't be able to spend as much time on arrival.
Thanks a lot, that’s great advice and exactly what I had thought- arrival into the “older” ones and departure from the really new one. And I’ll definitely try to get seats on the various wide body aircraft, even if it was to cost a slight bit more. Didn’t know about the 747s so will look out for that! Thanks again, I’m excited and will report back afterwards