agswimmer

We're leaving for China in 5 days. We had planned on taking the "D train" overnight from Beijing to Shanghai on Friday, July 2. The concierge at our hotel was suppose to get the tickets. He said that we could only buy them 10 days ahead. But Monday I was informed that ALL the overnight trains to Shanghai were sold out because of the Expo. We also waited one more day trying to get tickets for the Saturday night train which would mean extending our visit in Beijing by one night (which would be fine) but those tickets were sold out too.

We were really looking forward to taking the overnight train for 3 reasons. First, for the experience. My son, traveling with us, has taken it and really enjoyed it. and Second, it would save us a hotel night. (2 hotel rooms,as there are 4 of us).

Taking a day train isn't an option for us even if available. Is flying the only other option? That will of course be lots more expensive AND we'll still have the extra hotel night. But as a last resort we'll fly.

I will try by best to research the Beijing-shanghai flights but with only a few days left before we leave I'm panicing. Questions about flying: Is there more than one airline option? Is one better than another? I was told flight would be $300US pp and about 2 hour flight. Do the flights leave out of or in to more than one airport?

Any help would be appreciated!

thursdaysd

Are they all sold out in hard sleeper as well as soft sleeper? Soft sleeper is certainly nicer, but I've traveled hard sleeper and survived.

PeterN_H

I can't see as far as July 2, but I can see both deluxe soft sleeper and soft sleeper berths available on some earlier dates. Mostly pretty full, though.

There are more than 50 flights a day between Beijing and Shanghai. There is no need whatsoever for panic. The price will typically be about half the one you mention (and lower than deluxe soft sleeper on the train). Most flights even on Chinese 'discount' sites are showing at around ¥1200 and you'll probably be able to do better than that booking on arrival (if you book through a regular Beijing travel agent and not through some expensive hotel).

Peter N-H

agswimmer

Thanks for the replies. Yes,ALL the overnight sleepers are booked for both Friday & Sat nights.It looks like we'll be flying.
Air China is a partner with Continental of which we are all Elite members so I will probably use them to get the miles. And you're right, the fares seem to be much less than what I was quoted by the hotel.Do you really think the air fares will be that much cheaper if I wait and book it on arrival? I think for peace of mind, I'd rather just book the flights directly with Air China before I leave.
Another question: I notice that there isn't a very big difference in fares between economy and business class. What is the difference in the seating? Is it like most longer international flights (i.e. 2 seats across instead of 3, etc...)?

sylvia3

For such a short flight, seems like a waste to use miles/$$ on first class (they'll serve you a meal even in coach on those short flights!)

agswimmer

Sorry, you misunderstood. I'm not using any miles, I'll just GET miles.

sylvia3

For such a short flight, seems like a waste to use $$ on first class?
Save those boarding passes; you'll need them to get the (partner) miles without quibbling.

agswimmer

Normally, I wouldn't consider upgrading for such a short flight but we have another dilema.We have a lot of luggage(Purpose of the trip is moving my son to Shanghai)and we noticed that Business Class flyers get a higher weight allowance that Economy. First Class actually gets double the weight allowance but we're not doing that.I figured for the extra $50 a ticket it would be worth it.

Kathie

Sometimes upgrading to a higher class of service is cheaper than extra baggage fees.

agswimmer

Ya. And I'm having a hard time deciphering what the actual charge will be if we go over. Does anyone know if carryons are considered in the total weight allowance?

sylvia3

http://www.airchina.com.cn/en/travel...checked2.shtml

Although I saw many people with obviously heavier (and more than one) baggage in the cabin than allowed by the website.

agswimmer

Sylvia3, thanks for that link because it is completely different than the Air China baggage policy I was reading. The one I read must be old but it came right off their website. I like yours better! thanks!

agswimmer

Anyone, is it possible there is a different luggage limit for domestic vs. international flights? I think that might be why I saw lower weight restrictions.

Kathie

Yes. there is always a different luggage limit for domestic and international. Standard domestic luggage limit is 20 kg virtually everywhere in the world except the US. Budget airlines may have lower limits.

livinginchina

Suggest that you take a day trip to Suzhou (35 minutes by D train), tour the city, then take an overnight sleeper train to Beijing. There are probably beds available. The concierge is correct when he says they cannot purchase tickets more than 10 days in advance. (I am from the States and live in Suzhou, and can vouch for this info.)