Cathay is still doing polar routes over Russia but yeah otherwise it seems like us east coasters will have to wait for the Chinese airlines to ramp up if we want direct flights.

I see China Eastern has started from Toronto-Shanghai direct, but the fares are mind boggling right now. Lots of demand.

If you are a non-Chinese citizen going through Taipei seems like an economical route for the time being since really only foreigners can roundtrip through it (citizens can one way to China, but its a hassle going back).

Can report we used our old Q2 visa and entered PVG this morning rather smoothly.

I actually like flying MU. If the price is right, Y or J, I'm going to PVG!

Only if it's in J!

I would agree, but the MU schedules to western Europe (AMS, FRA, CDG) are still at really low frequencies, literally once a week to those big hubs.

Also the timetable for MF is preferable for me, i prefer an evening ex-EU departure versus the midday departures.

Haven't visited the mainland in 15 years......hoping to get there this year.

I prefer flying the Chinese airlines including CX to Asia because they have red eyes. I prefer those flights to save time especially if I'm connecting. I really don't like midday departures, but sometimes I don't have a choice.

I think that's also the problem in the current situation- CX, CI, BR and MU all have midday departures ex-EU. And then the return from China departs sometimes well after midnight, yuck. Only MF has that evening départ from AMS and a morning return from XMN.

I don't get the feeling that the big 3 chinese carriers will ramp up operations much this summer, a little pessimistic on that.

My old M visa on my old passport worked going through west kowloon to enter China. Though arrival card appears to have gotten somewhat more detailed. They also asked for my invitation letter at the immigration counter which fortunately I had one as I was going to apply for a new visa. She didn't even look at it beyond the fact I had it but I have never been asked for it before. Not sure if this is standard practice now or if they will do this at the airport but keep it handy if you are entering on an M visa. They didn't ask for the covid test, just had to scan the health declaration.

If you are able to get Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, roundtrips into mainland are attractive points wise from North America plus you can over-fly Russia.

Booked economy for 82k Asia Miles from Toronto to Beijing.

Cash for the same flights was like $4.5k CAD ....

Both Canada and the US are attempting to nix Russia overflight on those routes. But, even if that comes to fruition, I doubt CX or MU would stop flying them.

Maybe they'll have to fly the long way?

Agreed. Roundtrip for SFO <-> HKG are $2k USD in Y and $5k USD for W. I couldn't find any availability for flying SFO -> HKG until mid-May, but good availability in May/June HKG -> SFO in Y and W.

If by "long way", you mean eastbound, I highly doubt it.

Did you check BR and/or CI? Their prices are quite a bit lower than your numbers.

Poor way of me just trying to say that they'll just fly outside of Russian air space en route to China? Is that possible? Might add a few hours to the trip?