One way fares in discount econo Hong Kong to Shanghai are about $200 US.

MU - China Eastern Y-OW E HKD 1,550 01NOV04 - 31MAR05

Won't cost much more for full fare econo or business.

nor was i accusing you of being a backpacker.. apologies if you thought so.

The difference in price between economy and business is only about $30. Is this like domestic FC in the states or is it like Biz on LH where it is just a regular Economy seat but with a better meal? I don't mind spending the money if it is a different/better seat.

Econ vs Biz on Dragonair
 

Well on Dragonair (KA) it is business class seats, in the similar style to Domestic First in the US. Have not flown the Chinese carriers myself..

The KA lounges are good, the one in HKG has a fresh wanton noodle soup stand.

at a minimum you will get a US style domestic first class seat. On some planes on Hong Kong to China routes (don't know about to Shanghai), you get international business class seats which are even roomier.

GH Shanghai
 

Finished up my plans for this trip, today. FFN's at the GH Shanghai for 2/18 and 2/19. Mad4Miles told me he was joining in on the fun and will be at the GH Shanghai, also. I have an award night at the Hilton for Sunday, but it looks like Mad4Miles and I may head west, instead. My flight back to DFW and OAK from NRT, isn't until Tuesday, 2/22 afternoon and I am using an award ticket on NH to/from Osaka, though I can always change it to return to NRT, assuming US doesn't liquidate before then, as it is a 20k US Air award.

The KA lounge at HKG is good, with computers and a good selection of snacks/dim sum/drinks. They do a great job of replenishing the dim sum, too. Too bad CX doesn't operate to PVG. Their FC lounges at HKG are the best.

Agreed that the KA lounge in HKG is very good. It is used by CO for its BusinessFirst passengers and I have always liked the food they put out. Now, if theyonly could put out some Krug.....

I think just taking the non-stop HKG-PVG flight is probably the easiest thing to do. I need to firm up my travel schedule for the DO but may just take the KA flight with GK and Sean since that flight seems to be pricing the same as all the others.

Party on the Plane ! Woo Hoo ! We fly up on KA870 on friday night, feb 18..

Drinks in the bar on top floor then ! Helps to get a table if you are actually staying in the hotel.. Cheers Bob !

I'm going to shanghai next month =) technically i'm from shanghai coz i was born there tho i lived there for only 3 years, but i do go back to visit the city and my family every year.

by the way, i'm new to this forum, so i wanna say 'hi' to everyone :)

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2004/12/0...ina%2FShanghai

GOING TO
Shanghai
By HOWARD W. FRENCH
Shanghai is the world's hottest city, one that practically ushers you into the 21st century the minute you arrive.

I'm ticketed and upgraded. I can't remember the last time that I was able to upgrade both directions at the time of ticketing.

I'm arriving in Shanghai on Thursday night preceding the Do. I'm going straight to Suzhou, and will come back to Shanghai on Saturday morning by train. Hopefully, kluau88 and I are going to get a car from the Sheraton Suzhou to meet us on arrival. Let me know if anyone else is preceding Shanghai with Suzhou.

why suzhou; hangzhou is world's nicer? (better food, bigger, nice lake, more to do, etc). plus, the shangrila there isn't expensive, but is one of the most comfortable places i've ever slept.

How do I get to Hangzhou from PVG airport? Is it practical to do it on arrival about 8pm?

On a different point, I'm now concerned about the visa. The Chinese embassy has a mish mash of info relevant to mailed passports (no longer allowed) and hand carry (required). I have to go to the Los Angeles conulate (or pay for a service.) My very great concern is as to how many days they take to process it. I can't have it out of my hands for more than 10 days any period between now and my departure. Does anyone have experience?