shortest flight from LA to Guangzhou?
 

Does anyone know the flying time between Los Angeles and Guangzhou? Which airline would you recommend? :confused:

Well, the shortest flight is, without a doubt, the nonstop on CZ. In the past, CZ has used 10-abreast 777s on that route, which are about as comfortable as you're probably imagining. Business class isn't too great either, but isn't nearly as expensive as J on first tier airlines, so that might be worth a look. If it were me, I'd try to get an AA award ticket on CX to/from HKG in one direction and tolerate CZ the other.

First of all, as I noted in post #2, the nonstop is clearly the shortest flight.

Second, I have to wonder where you got that $900 price difference because I'm seeing lots of fares on JL and NH that are within $150 of the lowest fare on the route ($532 RT on MU; not much availability on this guy).

Third, the train to/from HK is more convenient than flying IMO.

a flash of inspiration
 

The following just dawned on me:

1. OP's situation is extremely well suited for a 100k mile BA redemption (biz class RT) because LAX is a gateway for both CX and JL and tends to have better availability than other gateways (though, maybe not now for JL since the 747 is gone)
2. OP should get apply for the Chase BA card ASAP (deadline could be tomorrow, though many people believe the offer will be extended); check out the monstrous thread in MilesBuzz! for more info
3. Even if OP's miles don't post in time for trip, I'm guessing a forward trade (with someone who got in on the offer sooner) could be arranged
4. Try to get J seats on CX (to HKG) or JL (CAN or HKG)

Step 4 will probably require a certain amount of flexibility/determination, but the ensuing experience should justify the time/effort expended (doubly so, in light of the fact that the OP's out of pocket expenses would be limited to a small amount taxes and he/she would get to avoid CZ).

i thought this question sounded familiar :)
hacamila, its still the same 15 hrs as i posted as the answer to your question a few months ago. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...st-flight.html).

I am trying to find the shortest flight because I am travelling to adopt a baby.
I would prefer a non-stop flight due to this fact. I don't have a definate date of travel yet but I think it will be January 2010 when we get the call to be in Guangzhou. First Class tickets will be out of my price range. Is Business Class worth paying the difference above coach fares?

sniles, I didn't forget your previous reply, I needed more opinions on this topic.:p

The thing is, your basic question isn't really a matter of opinion because there's only one correct answer, which you've now been told 3 times.

Biz class on CZ costs around $3600 RT, which is a bit much for my budget, but is roughly half as much as C on better airlines.

My brain is programmed to think about using miles in situations like this, which is why I made the Chase BA suggestion up thread. While I realize the nonstop is important to you, IMO the downsides to doing it in Y are significant enough to justify considering other alternatives.

Most Common Route
for adoptions in Guangzhou

LAX - Guangzhou (CZ 328)
Departure: 11:50 pm (Tue, Fri and Sun)
Arrival: 6:50 am local time, plus 2days
Guangzhou - LAX (CZ 327)
Departure: 9:00 pm (Tue, Fri and Sun)
Arrival: 5:50 pm local time, same day

Thank you anacapamalibu. That's the info I needed. :)

Flies on Wednesdays also.