Changing from CA to CZ at CAN?
May 6, 2009 | 1:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA Premier
Posts: 189
Changing from CA to CZ at CAN?
I am flying CA PEX-CAN and then have to connect to CZ for a flight CAN-ZHA (don't ask! 
). Any trick to this? How long should I leave for the connection? Will it be easy to pick up a checked bag and re-check it?
Thanks,
Peter
). Any trick to this? How long should I leave for the connection? Will it be easy to pick up a checked bag and re-check it?Thanks,
Peter
May 10, 2009 | 8:03 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,305
Sorry, but I think most people in this forum try to avoid connections, at all costs, on intra-China flights. I've connected in Guangzhou once (en route from PEK to BKK) and that was a terrible experience,.... well, it wasn't that bad because I made my connection, but I did use up every minute of the 1.5 hour minimum that was in place at the time.
May 10, 2009 | 11:35 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,305
OP: I just checked ctrip and found that there is a nonstop flight on offer. While it appears to be one of those full fare only flights, I'd consider dropping $300 on it if I were in your shoes, knowing that I'd likely save 3 hours of my life. Even better than that, I'd burn 20k NW miles in a heartbeat. Please email me if you're interested in the latter option because I have a system in place that works most of the time (which revolves around kow-towing to Charles in the NW BJ office and doing the same at CZ; personal visits aren't required).
May 14, 2009 | 8:13 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA Premier
Posts: 189
Thanks Moondog. The problem is that I have a *Alliance award ticket that ends in CAN. I could make PEK the terminus point, but I would need a roundtrip PEK-ZHA -- which doesn't seem like it's worth $600 (and the flights are direct, but not nonstop!). The award ticket could end anyplace Air China goes, I suppose. I would welcome any creative thoughts! Also, if there is no good alternative, what exactly is the problem with changing carriers in CAN? Would extending the layover time from 2 hours to, say, 4 make any difference?
Thanks,
Peter
Thanks,
Peter