We'll be travelling to China (flying into Bejing from FL) in late September for a wedding. Now that we have dates, we've started looking at flights and are overwhelmed! Which airline? Worth it to try and fly business class? Is there any way at all to get a deal?

Would love any tips from FT gurus -- thanks!

From another thread

Thanks -- I don't need someone to do the work, but if there is anyone who flies this a lot and has tips, that is what we'd love to hear!

Welcome to FT. The general advice you seek is to:

1. decide what's important to you - miles, connections, any particular places you want to connect it, or length of trip.
2. do a search on Kayak for your dates and see what prices look like.
3. Generally, non-Chinese Asian airlines are the best bet. European airlines are nice in premium cabins (and still nicer than the US airlines). I'd steer clear of US airlines if possible.

Tell us more info, and we can tell you more.

I would very much disagree with steering away from US airlines. Gross generalizations are not helpful to those asking for help.

Please fly a Chinese airline. Enjoy your trip!

Just flew out of Beijing on Asiana though ICN. Great service in J.

I took a flight to Hong Kong with 4 day stopover in Beijing a couple of summers ago.I was able to get a special "stopover,shopping" Beijing tour through a Chinese travel agent for approx CAD 300 each.The 4 day tour included stays in "luxury" hotels,coach tours with guide to the Forbidden city,Tiananmen square,Summer palace,Great wall,Theatrical show including pick-up from and to the airport.The price was deeply discounted compared to "regular" tours because it included many stops at shopping outlets,where the company gets a percentage from the sales off the clients they bring in.My girlfriend did the booking and knew what "type" of discounted tour to ask for.We didn't use this company....but this looks like an example of what kind of "special" tour I'm talking about.

http://www2.jadetours.com/content/ch...ng-or-shanghai

Your question is a common one but it really fits into the category of "how long is a piece of string?" There are so many variables that need to be looked at.

Is this the only time you are going to fly?
Do you want Frequent Flyer points?
Where else do you fly?
How are you with cuisine from other countries?
Are you taller than average? Heavier?
What's your budget for tickets?

United, delta and Japan airlines all have a round trip air fare of around 1125$ out of Orlando. All nippon air (my favorite) has a flight for just 10 more dollars than the others. (The statements are subject to tax, fees, and rude FAs.)

Since the OP gave us virtually no information, gross generalizations are all we have!

I disagree with this statement.

For the purpose of having an enjoyable flight, go with non-US carriers.

We flew into Beijing on ANA via Narita. Asian carriers IMO are far and away better than US Carriers.

Do not forget to get a Chinese VISA.

I found that the public transportation (Subway) was excellent, and could get you where you want to go very cheaply.

That is a ridiculous statement.

Worse than ridiculous, IMO.