Is Cathay worth an extra $250 over China Southern and China Eastern?
Aug 29, 2017, 8:34 am
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: UA
Posts: 15
Thank you for your response! This seems to be a very popular advantage haha
I've looked at every single option available. The departure/arrival/duration times are pretty much the same - no advantage there. So far, better english and not transferring via China seems like the only +s, not sure if that's worth an extra $500 ($250 each for the Wife and I)
I've looked at every single option available. The departure/arrival/duration times are pretty much the same - no advantage there. So far, better english and not transferring via China seems like the only +s, not sure if that's worth an extra $500 ($250 each for the Wife and I)
Cathay is supposed to be a very nice experience, while the others are simply average.
I'd be seriously tempted to spend the extra money.
Aug 29, 2017, 7:08 pm
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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@coachcattle, welcome to Flyertalk.
As you're comparing carriers to CX, please follow the redirect to the CX forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
As you're comparing carriers to CX, please follow the redirect to the CX forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Aug 29, 2017, 7:21 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marco Polo
Posts: 546
Depends, if your flying J then CX is generally significantly better but in Y that is relative to your expectations.
As for the original thread versus CZ/MU I wouldn't say its even a question for the following reasons:
- Much better onboard service (including english across the board)
- Although the Chinese airports aren't bad, transmitting at HKG is far more efficient
- Better hard product
As for the original thread versus CZ/MU I wouldn't say its even a question for the following reasons:
- Much better onboard service (including english across the board)
- Although the Chinese airports aren't bad, transmitting at HKG is far more efficient
- Better hard product
Aug 29, 2017, 8:04 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: MP, BR
Posts: 375
Aug 29, 2017, 10:25 pm
#23
Join Date: May 2015
Location: WAS, SZX, HKG
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, CX Green
Posts: 735
Quick pointer: MU has 10-abreast Economy, while CZ and CX have 9-abreast Economy on their 77Ws. Pilots on Chinese ultra long haul flights are very senior and are pretty well trained, so I wouldn't feel unsafe on either CZ or MU flights. For me, status and FFP aside, I would go for the cheaper option
Aug 29, 2017, 10:40 pm
#24
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marco Polo
Posts: 546
That can't be understated, there are some very sketchy practices and standards within many asian airlines and that isn't limited to the mainland. I'm sure most on here have heard the horror stories from Korea and Indonesia.
Aug 30, 2017, 12:23 am
#25
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: CX
Posts: 28
I'm flying from SFO to BKK this November in Coach. I'm reading the China Southern/Eastern airlines are to be avoided at all costs. Some questions below 
1) Is the price difference worth it if flying Coach? ($250 more for Cathay)
2) Is China Southern much better than China Eastern? SkyTrax ranks China Southern as a 5-star airline
1) Is the price difference worth it if flying Coach? ($250 more for Cathay)
2) Is China Southern much better than China Eastern? SkyTrax ranks China Southern as a 5-star airline
)
Aug 30, 2017, 12:40 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,207
CAAC carriers are incredibly safe. Certainly safer than the US big 3. I would not hesitate to fly on any Chinese airline for safety reasons.
Aug 30, 2017, 1:28 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
Ask any pilot who has ever shared airspace with them if they think that. Rote learning doesn't always apply itself well to flying.
Last edited by 1010101; Aug 30, 2017 at 1:34 am
Aug 30, 2017, 3:47 am
#30
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IMHO - UA generally scores better than CX (Y only).
CX is definitely scoring better on customer service while UA is hit or miss. But that's it. UA stands out in the following:
1. UA has WiFi, and cheap.
2. UA's IRROPS handling is better.
3. UA has affordable E+ compared to CX's PEY. In fact, your $250 can buy at least 1 leg of E+.
4. UA admits its problem. When necessary, UA will provide compensation without asking.
CX is definitely scoring better on customer service while UA is hit or miss. But that's it. UA stands out in the following:
1. UA has WiFi, and cheap.
2. UA's IRROPS handling is better.
3. UA has affordable E+ compared to CX's PEY. In fact, your $250 can buy at least 1 leg of E+.
4. UA admits its problem. When necessary, UA will provide compensation without asking.