Air China VS China Eastern - JFK TO MNL in Business Class
Dec 27, 2019, 5:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 83
Air China VS China Eastern - JFK TO MNL in Business Class
Hello,
Any advice which is the best business class from JFK-MNL for hard product... more on the space, baggage allowance, transfer experience??
food is not much of a big deal. More on the experience..
is there free WiFi also in these two airlines ???
thank you!
Any advice which is the best business class from JFK-MNL for hard product... more on the space, baggage allowance, transfer experience??
food is not much of a big deal. More on the experience..
is there free WiFi also in these two airlines ???
thank you!
Dec 31, 2019, 6:11 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,210
MU is better for all the things you want. WiFi is free as well but it’s the crappy chinese WiFi.
Jan 1, 2020, 3:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,363
I have never flown Air China, but from what I have heard it is OK, but a tad behind MU and CZ.
The biggest issue I would look into is the seats. I think they are still flying 2-2-2 (vs the more common 1-2-1) in C. Flying by myself, I really like 1-2-1. But if traveling as a couple, 2-2-2 is better. They also are still flying the 747 JFK<>PEK. Upstairs on that is a really nice.
I would have no problem going Air China if it worked for me (I am DL Sky Team, so better for me to fly MU).
BTW, the flight to MNL is probably more like US domestic F on both of these. But that is nothing compared to the TPAC leg.
The biggest issue I would look into is the seats. I think they are still flying 2-2-2 (vs the more common 1-2-1) in C. Flying by myself, I really like 1-2-1. But if traveling as a couple, 2-2-2 is better. They also are still flying the 747 JFK<>PEK. Upstairs on that is a really nice.
I would have no problem going Air China if it worked for me (I am DL Sky Team, so better for me to fly MU).
BTW, the flight to MNL is probably more like US domestic F on both of these. But that is nothing compared to the TPAC leg.
Jan 1, 2020, 7:43 pm
#5
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Jan 2, 2020, 4:30 pm
#6
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
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But, I think BR, CI, and CX are preferable to both.
Jan 2, 2020, 4:56 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,363
Jan 2, 2020, 8:10 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Air Asia, Nok, Skymiles, Infinity Miles, Aeroplan, Hilton Honor, Accor, Regal
Posts: 19
I consider "business class" on mainland Chinese carriers for routes mid range and routes not much better than premium economy on Cathay or EVA. My experience with Air China is has been anything but positive. Transfer is a negative experience. China Eastern isn't much better but it has been better for me and Shanghai transfer experience is marginally better. I mention this because there will be a transfer at either the CA or MU hubs and this can make or break a trip. I'd go with MU.
Jan 2, 2020, 8:22 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,335
I consider "business class" on mainland Chinese carriers for routes mid range and routes not much better than premium economy on Cathay or EVA. My experience with Air China is has been anything but positive. Transfer is a negative experience. China Eastern isn't much better but it has been better for me and Shanghai transfer experience is marginally better. I mention this because there will be a transfer at either the CA or MU hubs and this can make or break a trip. I'd go with MU.
Air China is decent enough on long haul, but yeah, there's probably better choices within domestic China (unless you need those *A miles!).
Jan 2, 2020, 8:47 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Air Asia, Nok, Skymiles, Infinity Miles, Aeroplan, Hilton Honor, Accor, Regal
Posts: 19
Shanghai/Beijing to Manila is not long haul. It's a 4 hour flight, which can be 6 hours depending on congestion at the airport.
Add in the transfer times and delays, at best 4 hours with MU. Air China offers its short connections of about 1 hour at Beijing, but I have yet to transfer any flight in less than 90 minutes. Beijing is a nightmare at early evening. My point is that while the flight to the mainland on the two might be similar, the transfer and following flight to MNL will be very different. My experience is that MU was better. Personally, I would opt for anything other than CA or MU, but I am not OP.
Jan 3, 2020, 1:41 am
#12
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
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from countries like Turkey? If not, they will probably let you leave the airport during the 19 hours. Book a hotel, and print out a copy of your reservation.
Jan 3, 2020, 11:30 am
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,991
MU is much nicer than CA (I find myself a little shocked saying this, in light of my previous dislike for MU). You will almost certainly be permitted to leave the airport in the case of the 19 hour layover.