GK, is it me you're trying to keep from coming? :eek:

Well sorry it's taken me so long, but I've been working OT since I returned from China. Anyhow here are some pictures from Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Air China First Class.

China - February 2005

Great pictures Kevin ^ thanks

VERY VERY nice photos Kevin!!! Thanks much for posting them! Best wishes, Dave

i was hanging out in the hilton exec lounge in beijing yesterday (that's where my colleagues were staying) and checking out your photos during some downtime. the receptionist and some europeans took note and were very impressed. ( i had a hard time explaining that i've never actuallly met you, but that's another story.)

Just wait til the next batch of photos of my trip starting in the wee hours Monday morning. I haven't thought of a title for the trip, but all I can say is it will be 37,000 miles of airline bliss.

great pics kevin, enjoy your next trip.

Awesome pics! How did u manage to get such clarity with indoor/night shots? Think it's about time to change my digicam.

kevin-

great pix

You guys seem to have had an excellent trip to Shanghai!

I have recently come across a China Eastern offer in J LHR-PVG-SYD for £1200per person for 2 people travelling. Can anyone set my mind at rest on a few points?
1. The a/c. The China Eastern website reports that it will be operating an A340-600 LHR-SYD. Is this true?

2. Is J reasonable on MU? (not looking for anything special, just a bit of comfort. The A346 is supposed to have 60" pitch in J.)

3. PVG - do british/Australian passport holders still get a 48 hour visa-free stopover?

4. Do you still have to go through immigration, even if you are in transit only?

Thanks for the info

you might get a bit more action by posting in a more relevant forum, but i'll do my best to field your questions.

1) i don't know what a/c mu flies on that sector, but have been told by friends that the 346s are very nice (and some are brand new this year).

2) i've only flown j on the md11, which was subpar across the board, but would be willing to give them another try on a newer plane, based on what i've heard.

3) tmk the transit visa program is currently in effect, but be warned that it comes and goes like the wind, the visa counters maintain limited and sporadic hours, and lots of foreign carriers won't let you board without an actual visa in your passport. if you want to go this route, i'd get confirmation from your chinese consulate ahead of time with a letter that you can show to the airline.

4) i've never done an airside international transit at pvg, but have observed the traffic flows, based on which i think you do need to complete some immigration formalities.