sight seeing class on high speed trains
May 23, 2016 | 2:15 am
#31
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,088
Three questions
So it seems people are getting these seats. - Is there a consensus on the best way to get these seats - online or at the station?
It seems there's a 50/50 chance your "sightseeing" car will be the last car on the train, which defeats the purpose. How can you check that you're getting a "front forward" view?
Lastly, can you "walk" to the sightseeing car, if you're seated somewhere else in business, first, or coach?
It seems there's a 50/50 chance your "sightseeing" car will be the last car on the train, which defeats the purpose. How can you check that you're getting a "front forward" view?
Lastly, can you "walk" to the sightseeing car, if you're seated somewhere else in business, first, or coach?
May 23, 2016 | 3:37 am
#32
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,373
So it seems people are getting these seats. - Is there a consensus on the best way to get these seats - online or at the station?
It seems there's a 50/50 chance your "sightseeing" car will be the last car on the train, which defeats the purpose. How can you check that you're getting a "front forward" view?
It seems there's a 50/50 chance your "sightseeing" car will be the last car on the train, which defeats the purpose. How can you check that you're getting a "front forward" view?
Lastly, can you "walk" to the sightseeing car, if you're seated somewhere else in business, first, or coach?
They aren't sight-seeing cars, just the front portion of the first car. Walking up there, if permitted in the first place, would be considered very rude.
May 30, 2016 | 6:09 pm
#33
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,088
Update: I checked out the first and last sightseeing cars on the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo routes. Both days, the windows were all frosted over. Fortunately, I didn't spend the 300 yuan extra. Based on this, I would not spend more time+money on this.
If there's any predictability (certain routes, times) where the window isn't frosted, let us know.
If there's any predictability (certain routes, times) where the window isn't frosted, let us know.
May 31, 2016 | 8:29 am
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,373
Windows generally don't catch frost during May, Ethan. You got unlucky.
Business class is worth the splurge on short trips, simply because the seats are pretty nice, but doesn't pencil so well on trips > 3 hours (I.e. flying is honestly better).
For Shanghai-Ningbo, I would hire a car in order to use the longest bridge in the world.
Business class is worth the splurge on short trips, simply because the seats are pretty nice, but doesn't pencil so well on trips > 3 hours (I.e. flying is honestly better).
For Shanghai-Ningbo, I would hire a car in order to use the longest bridge in the world.
May 31, 2016 | 10:46 am
#37
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: China and Canada
Posts: 1,894
May 31, 2016 | 7:22 pm
#38
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,373
But, I have honestly never experienced trains with frosted windows.
Jun 1, 2016 | 10:23 am
#39
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Windows generally don't catch frost during May, Ethan. You got unlucky.
Business class is worth the splurge on short trips, simply because the seats are pretty nice, but doesn't pencil so well on trips > 3 hours (I.e. flying is honestly better).
For Shanghai-Ningbo, I would hire a car in order to use the *longest bridge in the world.
Business class is worth the splurge on short trips, simply because the seats are pretty nice, but doesn't pencil so well on trips > 3 hours (I.e. flying is honestly better).
For Shanghai-Ningbo, I would hire a car in order to use the *longest bridge in the world.