CA986 SFO > PEK in J: 744 Reviews? Upper or lower deck?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
CA986 SFO > PEK in J: 744 Reviews? Upper or lower deck?
Hi. I just booked SFO > KUL through PEK in business. Really excited, but SFO > PEK is on the Air China 747-400. I did a lot of searches already, mostly found outdated info.
I wanted to know if anyone could review this flight in business class. Also, there is a choice between upper and lower decks? Interestingly, downstairs, the J class is in front of F class on this config. http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
I've never been in the nose, but I have been upstairs. Any takes on upstairs or downstairs?
Any other info would be great. I'm on Singapore for the PEK > KUL btw.
How are the lounges in PEK, I will be there for some, but looking forward to practicing my mandarin, so maybe I'll walk around a lot?
Thanks everyone.
I wanted to know if anyone could review this flight in business class. Also, there is a choice between upper and lower decks? Interestingly, downstairs, the J class is in front of F class on this config. http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
I've never been in the nose, but I have been upstairs. Any takes on upstairs or downstairs?
Any other info would be great. I'm on Singapore for the PEK > KUL btw.
How are the lounges in PEK, I will be there for some, but looking forward to practicing my mandarin, so maybe I'll walk around a lot?
Thanks everyone.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 32
I would pick the lower deck Biz. It is in the nose as you already knew and it is much quite.
It is the newer 747 that used on PEK-JFK compared to the old, crappy 747 combi.
Lounge in PEK is okay, some food and drinks. Better than UA lougne in SFO.
It is the newer 747 that used on PEK-JFK compared to the old, crappy 747 combi.
Lounge in PEK is okay, some food and drinks. Better than UA lougne in SFO.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
I've flown the combi before lax > pek in Y. I had a whole row though, so wasn't crappy even in Y. I like the fact that they have a tea menu. And I'll def stay away from the Great Wall wine, that's funny actually. Is the nose quieter than upstairs really? Would service be better upstairs?
#4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: Elite for AC, SPG, PP, FPC
Posts: 65
From what I've read, the J class upstairs has a bit of extra space between the seat and the window for additional storage.
Some useful reviews I've found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKs6dFCWn4
http://upgrd.com/sitinfirst/mixing-b...ess-class.html
Storage box info at http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
Some useful reviews I've found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKs6dFCWn4
http://upgrd.com/sitinfirst/mixing-b...ess-class.html
Storage box info at http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
Looks like Air China has some newly configured 747s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GMjltRgMyQ
Edit: Woops, that is China Airlines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GMjltRgMyQ
Edit: Woops, that is China Airlines
Last edited by heybrian; Aug 7, 2013 at 12:43 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
I'm on CA986 this Sunday. I flew this in F about 8 weeks ago when it was STILL the Combi (first in the nose on lower deck). It's now listed as one of the regular 747-400's with Biz both in the nose and the upper deck and first mid cabin (close to this).
I've done the upper and lower decks and don't find much difference, upper deck service to me seems to go a little quicker - could just have been crews I've had on upper deck.
Any questions anyone has reply here and I will post an update after Monday US time (12th Aug)
I've done the upper and lower decks and don't find much difference, upper deck service to me seems to go a little quicker - could just have been crews I've had on upper deck.
Any questions anyone has reply here and I will post an update after Monday US time (12th Aug)
#8
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
I'll verify tomorrow, but assume that new F seats are in mid cabin F area on the 747-400
#9
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
CA986 SFO-PEK Mini Update (Aug 2013)
Just completed CA986 SFO-PEK
Other than the inbound being VERY late due to bad thunderstorms on it's departure the flight went fine (UA PEK-SFO inbound was also very late on the 11th)
Was on the Upper Deck, 2nd row from front of cabin. Was quiet, no issues with being on upper deck. Older style 170 degree angled seating - found it easier just to recline like a lounger and leave it at that. LED mood lighting in the upper deck and lower deck biz/first cabins.
We had a good Cabin crew in our cabin who were friendly and specifically the FA we generally dealt with had good English skills
First on this aircraft was mid cabin and was a full flat product, seemed newer than the 747 Combi first, on par with the 777 first cabin.
Meal service was fine, better selection than United for Asian style dishes with a Steak bernaise served as Western selection on main meal.
L'Occitane amenity kit and Sleeper suit handed out.
IFE was OK but not exceptional a few recent western films. I had my own media player so didn't really use it except for Air Show.
In the Beijing T3 Biz lounge waiting on an onward flight to SIN. Showers in the lounge - ask at reception - not as nice as ANA's showers in NRT or HND but acceptable after a long flight.
On Arrival into T3, I had a connecting boarding pass, followed signs to International Transfer. Line at our arrival time had no more than 3 people in it with 2 agents working transfer immigration. Dropped down into security after that which took 3-4 mins. All in all NOT huge lines so made a connect from landing to lounge in 20 mins or so - WE were late so likely lines weren't an issue.
This isn't Asiana or ANA or Singapore Air Biz, but even my co-worker commented that it was a nice change from the inconsistent flights we get on United. I wouldn't have a qualm flying CA over UA, if you give me the choice of SQ, OF course I will fly them.
Any questions, let me know
Other than the inbound being VERY late due to bad thunderstorms on it's departure the flight went fine (UA PEK-SFO inbound was also very late on the 11th)
Was on the Upper Deck, 2nd row from front of cabin. Was quiet, no issues with being on upper deck. Older style 170 degree angled seating - found it easier just to recline like a lounger and leave it at that. LED mood lighting in the upper deck and lower deck biz/first cabins.
We had a good Cabin crew in our cabin who were friendly and specifically the FA we generally dealt with had good English skills
First on this aircraft was mid cabin and was a full flat product, seemed newer than the 747 Combi first, on par with the 777 first cabin.
Meal service was fine, better selection than United for Asian style dishes with a Steak bernaise served as Western selection on main meal.
L'Occitane amenity kit and Sleeper suit handed out.
IFE was OK but not exceptional a few recent western films. I had my own media player so didn't really use it except for Air Show.
In the Beijing T3 Biz lounge waiting on an onward flight to SIN. Showers in the lounge - ask at reception - not as nice as ANA's showers in NRT or HND but acceptable after a long flight.
On Arrival into T3, I had a connecting boarding pass, followed signs to International Transfer. Line at our arrival time had no more than 3 people in it with 2 agents working transfer immigration. Dropped down into security after that which took 3-4 mins. All in all NOT huge lines so made a connect from landing to lounge in 20 mins or so - WE were late so likely lines weren't an issue.
This isn't Asiana or ANA or Singapore Air Biz, but even my co-worker commented that it was a nice change from the inconsistent flights we get on United. I wouldn't have a qualm flying CA over UA, if you give me the choice of SQ, OF course I will fly them.
Any questions, let me know
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Just completed CA986 SFO-PEK
Other than the inbound being VERY late due to bad thunderstorms on it's departure the flight went fine (UA PEK-SFO inbound was also very late on the 11th)
Was on the Upper Deck, 2nd row from front of cabin. Was quiet, no issues with being on upper deck. Older style 170 degree angled seating - found it easier just to recline like a lounger and leave it at that. LED mood lighting in the upper deck and lower deck biz/first cabins.
We had a good Cabin crew in our cabin who were friendly and specifically the FA we generally dealt with had good English skills
First on this aircraft was mid cabin and was a full flat product, seemed newer than the 747 Combi first, on par with the 777 first cabin.
Meal service was fine, better selection than United for Asian style dishes with a Steak bernaise served as Western selection on main meal.
L'Occitane amenity kit and Sleeper suit handed out.
IFE was OK but not exceptional a few recent western films. I had my own media player so didn't really use it except for Air Show.
In the Beijing T3 Biz lounge waiting on an onward flight to SIN. Showers in the lounge - ask at reception - not as nice as ANA's showers in NRT or HND but acceptable after a long flight.
On Arrival into T3, I had a connecting boarding pass, followed signs to International Transfer. Line at our arrival time had no more than 3 people in it with 2 agents working transfer immigration. Dropped down into security after that which took 3-4 mins. All in all NOT huge lines so made a connect from landing to lounge in 20 mins or so - WE were late so likely lines weren't an issue.
This isn't Asiana or ANA or Singapore Air Biz, but even my co-worker commented that it was a nice change from the inconsistent flights we get on United. I wouldn't have a qualm flying CA over UA, if you give me the choice of SQ, OF course I will fly them.
Any questions, let me know
Other than the inbound being VERY late due to bad thunderstorms on it's departure the flight went fine (UA PEK-SFO inbound was also very late on the 11th)
Was on the Upper Deck, 2nd row from front of cabin. Was quiet, no issues with being on upper deck. Older style 170 degree angled seating - found it easier just to recline like a lounger and leave it at that. LED mood lighting in the upper deck and lower deck biz/first cabins.
We had a good Cabin crew in our cabin who were friendly and specifically the FA we generally dealt with had good English skills
First on this aircraft was mid cabin and was a full flat product, seemed newer than the 747 Combi first, on par with the 777 first cabin.
Meal service was fine, better selection than United for Asian style dishes with a Steak bernaise served as Western selection on main meal.
L'Occitane amenity kit and Sleeper suit handed out.
IFE was OK but not exceptional a few recent western films. I had my own media player so didn't really use it except for Air Show.
In the Beijing T3 Biz lounge waiting on an onward flight to SIN. Showers in the lounge - ask at reception - not as nice as ANA's showers in NRT or HND but acceptable after a long flight.
On Arrival into T3, I had a connecting boarding pass, followed signs to International Transfer. Line at our arrival time had no more than 3 people in it with 2 agents working transfer immigration. Dropped down into security after that which took 3-4 mins. All in all NOT huge lines so made a connect from landing to lounge in 20 mins or so - WE were late so likely lines weren't an issue.
This isn't Asiana or ANA or Singapore Air Biz, but even my co-worker commented that it was a nice change from the inconsistent flights we get on United. I wouldn't have a qualm flying CA over UA, if you give me the choice of SQ, OF course I will fly them.
Any questions, let me know
(And you get to use the YVR MLL if you have lounge access. Can't speak for SFO, though I would suspect the very bad UA RCC.)
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saigon/Hanoi/San Francisco
Posts: 1,779
Do you know if the 747 Combi is used often on SFO-PEK or is it hit or miss?
Thanks!
#12
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SFO
Posts: 198
Thanks for the report, NickP 1K. I'm booked for the same flight, but am connecting to TPE on EVA. First time at PEK, any tips for lounges or the airport in general? Will I need to get my luggage if it's all on one reward itinerary? Also, what's the best seating configuration for me and two children in J? Thanks!
#13
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
Nice surprise if you continue on past PEK (I was to SIN then KUL), the SIN lounge for CA is now the Cathay joint run Skyview Lounge which has showers and a near Cathay experience (minus noodle station), Cathay staff are also in the lounge.
#14
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
Thanks for the report, NickP 1K. I'm booked for the same flight, but am connecting to TPE on EVA. First time at PEK, any tips for lounges or the airport in general? Will I need to get my luggage if it's all on one reward itinerary? Also, what's the best seating configuration for me and two children in J? Thanks!
On bags through: if it's one itin then Air China WILL check bags through no issue. I've checked bags through from Air China to EVA before no issues
#15
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
As a side note we flew the A330 from PEK-SIN and it was an exceptional aircraft. Comfortable 180 degree seats, more modern IFE, more modern aircraft on par with anything we've flown and for this specific flight we flew a great crew.