DL or MU to PVG in Business
Nov 18, 2015, 3:25 am
#1
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Location: NYC
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DL or MU to PVG in Business
DL diamond flying NYC - PVG and have the choice of flying direct on MU on the 773 or DL via DTW on a 772.
I have extensive experience with D1 but have never flown MU up front. How would you compare the hard and soft products? If MU is inferior, is it sufficiently inferior to warrant a connection in DTW?
Thanks!
I have extensive experience with D1 but have never flown MU up front. How would you compare the hard and soft products? If MU is inferior, is it sufficiently inferior to warrant a connection in DTW?
Thanks!
Nov 18, 2015, 3:29 am
#2
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How convenient are the schedules for you? Are the differences in MQM/RDM/MQD earnings significant for you?
My instinct would be to stick with DL because MU customer service doesn't have a good reputation but YMMV. Also, DL is 1-2-1 seating on the 777 with genuine flat beds all having direct aisle access, but how is the MU aircraft configured in business class? You'll also get better wine in more generous servings on DL.
My instinct would be to stick with DL because MU customer service doesn't have a good reputation but YMMV. Also, DL is 1-2-1 seating on the 777 with genuine flat beds all having direct aisle access, but how is the MU aircraft configured in business class? You'll also get better wine in more generous servings on DL.
Nov 18, 2015, 4:09 am
#3
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Great follow-up Q's. If I book on MU it would be a DL codeshare so MQM, MQDs etc would all flow through.
It appears that MU flys at 773 with 1-2-1 with a reverse herringbone configuration--flat bed (all according to seatguru). SG also claims the MU seat is 2.5" wider FWIW.
It appears that MU flys at 773 with 1-2-1 with a reverse herringbone configuration--flat bed (all according to seatguru). SG also claims the MU seat is 2.5" wider FWIW.
Nov 18, 2015, 4:42 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Great follow-up Q's. If I book on MU it would be a DL codeshare so MQM, MQDs etc would all flow through.
It appears that MU flys at 773 with 1-2-1 with a reverse herringbone configuration--flat bed (all according to seatguru). SG also claims the MU seat is 2.5" wider FWIW.
It appears that MU flys at 773 with 1-2-1 with a reverse herringbone configuration--flat bed (all according to seatguru). SG also claims the MU seat is 2.5" wider FWIW.
I haven't check this yet but this is something to consider sometimes especially on a VS PE fare that is low
Nov 18, 2015, 6:42 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 224
My experience with MU is mainly domestic China flights. Service is OK, but the FAs typically do not speak good English; perhaps this is better on their International routes.
I have also had domestic China experience with CZ (China Southern). Their service is generally superior to MU, and the level of English is better than MU.
Given the choice, I would go DL, CZ, MU.
I have also had domestic China experience with CZ (China Southern). Their service is generally superior to MU, and the level of English is better than MU.
Given the choice, I would go DL, CZ, MU.
Nov 18, 2015, 6:46 am
#6
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My experience with MU is mainly domestic China flights. Service is OK, but the FAs typically do not speak good English; perhaps this is better on their International routes.
I have also had domestic China experience with CZ (China Southern). Their service is generally superior to MU, and the level of English is better than MU.
Given the choice, I would go DL, CZ, MU.
I have also had domestic China experience with CZ (China Southern). Their service is generally superior to MU, and the level of English is better than MU.
Given the choice, I would go DL, CZ, MU.
Nov 18, 2015, 7:00 am
#8
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Thanks all... given that this is marketed as Delta, I'm going to earn the full 150% MQM on MU which is all I care about. At the end of the day, DL metal via DTW was $5k more ($11k R/T versus $6k) so I let the dollars speak (especially given the mileage earning cap)
Your insights on the merits of MU vs. CZ are helpful as I'm going to fly onward to CAN from PVG. Will definitely take CZ.
Your insights on the merits of MU vs. CZ are helpful as I'm going to fly onward to CAN from PVG. Will definitely take CZ.
Nov 18, 2015, 7:01 am
#9
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OP, I assume in your original post that by "direct" for the MU flight, you actually meant non-stop, correct? although used interchangeably, they are not the same thing and if both flights involve a connection, my choice -- all else being equal -- is to go with the DL bird since you're "in Delta's hands" in case anything goes wrong with IRROPS or anything.
Nov 18, 2015, 7:12 am
#10
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Thanks all... given that this is marketed as Delta, I'm going to earn the full 150% MQM on MU which is all I care about. At the end of the day, DL metal via DTW was $5k more ($11k R/T versus $6k) so I let the dollars speak (especially given the mileage earning cap)
Your insights on the merits of MU vs. CZ are helpful as I'm going to fly onward to CAN from PVG. Will definitely take CZ.
Your insights on the merits of MU vs. CZ are helpful as I'm going to fly onward to CAN from PVG. Will definitely take CZ.
Nov 18, 2015, 8:52 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2013
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If CAN is your destination and you do not need to make a stopover at PVG, I would look for a flight that goes to CAN. If possible, it's better to avoid connections at mainland Chinese airports. You often need to claim and recheck bags, sometimes taking them between terminals. There can be bad ATC and weather delays as well as lots of cancelled flights. For CAN, look for a CZ operated USA-CAN nonstop flight. Or think about some other connection, such as KE through ICN. Unfortunately DL doesn't operate NRT-CAN, although there might be a same day NRT connection that doesn't require a terminal change. Yet another option would be USA-HKG-CAN with the last leg on CZ to keep yourself on SkyTeam.
But one thing is worth to note while CZ FA has better English in general as it base in Gaunhzhou, when MU is Shanghai. Both carriers put only FA who has receive some training before serving on these international flights.
Airlines are subsidized and it also suppose to represent China when they fly out and therefore as a member of the communist party (most coperrate heads and management are in the communist party)
Nov 18, 2015, 9:28 am
#12
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If CAN is your destination and you do not need to make a stopover at PVG, I would look for a flight that goes to CAN. If possible, it's better to avoid connections at mainland Chinese airports. You often need to claim and recheck bags, sometimes taking them between terminals. There can be bad ATC and weather delays as well as lots of cancelled flights. For CAN, look for a CZ operated USA-CAN nonstop flight. Or think about some other connection, such as KE through ICN. Unfortunately DL doesn't operate NRT-CAN, although there might be a same day NRT connection that doesn't require a terminal change. Yet another option would be USA-HKG-CAN with the last leg on CZ to keep yourself on SkyTeam.
Warnings heeded on CN ATC delays but I have a feeling I will get a few no matter how hard I try given that I have 6 mainland stops on my 8 day trip.
Once again, appreciate all of the help.
Nov 18, 2015, 7:56 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2011
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I would prefer DL over MU, but not for that price difference...
I'm in China now and flew Hainan airlines to get here because it was $4k difference...(and on a 787). Trying to be a good steward of company travel funds.
My experience with Chinese carriers is that the service is NOT as good as DL in general...still some communications difficulties with flight attendants.
I'm in China now and flew Hainan airlines to get here because it was $4k difference...(and on a 787). Trying to be a good steward of company travel funds.
My experience with Chinese carriers is that the service is NOT as good as DL in general...still some communications difficulties with flight attendants.
Nov 19, 2015, 7:10 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond + 1MM; AA Gold; UA Gold
Posts: 185
I would prefer DL over MU, but not for that price difference...
I'm in China now and flew Hainan airlines to get here because it was $4k difference...(and on a 787). Trying to be a good steward of company travel funds.
My experience with Chinese carriers is that the service is NOT as good as DL in general...still some communications difficulties with flight attendants.
I'm in China now and flew Hainan airlines to get here because it was $4k difference...(and on a 787). Trying to be a good steward of company travel funds.
My experience with Chinese carriers is that the service is NOT as good as DL in general...still some communications difficulties with flight attendants.
Nov 19, 2015, 8:38 am
#15
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The 777 on MU will have better seats than anything DL offers currently. Food will be better if you like Chinese, probably worse if you prefer western food. Flight attendants are going to try harder than on DL in general but English will be much worse obviously. For a long flight like that I'd take the nonstop, especially since the hard product is better on MU.