CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
 

Seeking comments about this airline, both within China and from the USA to China...

comfort
timeliness
food
reliability

of special interest is personal experience with international flights from USA..

thanks

bob

I have no personal experience with China Eastern, but when I was researching airfare for one of my trips to SE Asia, the reviews I read where dreadful. They made United seem like a luxury airline. China Eastern is cheaper than most of the other Asian carriers, but I think you get what you pay for. We wound up using Korean Air and were very pleased, even in economy coach. You might want to ask this question on the air line forum as well. I've gotten good responses on that forum to my airline questions.

We did use China Eastern for one or two flights within China, and I had no complaints that I remember. It was several years ago, so I don't remember details.

Recently we flew on six flights within China on China Eastern. All flights were on time and offered hot meals. The aircraft all seemed to be quite new. I had read the poor reviews but didn't have the same experience; our flights all were good.

thanks

international anyone??

bob, I was on both China Eastern and China Southern for flights within China in September. They were both so similar that I can't remember which flights were which, but there was no difference whatsoever (other than language and cuisine) between those flights and the last few flights I've taken on United and Delta within the US. Completely unremarkable, but no problems to speak of.

if we were to fly on CEA for the overseas flights i just don't want to be miserable for 15 hrs or so....
you know what to expect on cathy, korean, united, etc, but not on CEA.

Bob, like a true fodorite, you have been back from your last trip for just long enough to edit all your photos, and you have commenced research for your next adventure ......I like your style.

Clearly, you should expect the worst. Worse than DL or UA. Expect them to take you there and nothing more.

I flew China Eastern from Mandalay to Kunming, and again from Kunming to Shanghai, last year.

Conditions were just fine, service professional, planes appeared to be new.

You'll be fine Bob just give them your patented smile and they will serve you well.

I just flew yesterday on china eastern from shanghai to new york. We got bulkhead sears at check in no problem. Service was good. Three meals served. I had ordered fruit plate, and it was better than what I was served on AustrianAir 2 weeks ago between Narita and Vienna. Daughter had regular meals and they were actually good. IMO much better than united except for no personal entertainment. We were very pleasantly surprised.

thanks kim, that is the flight i might be looking at or one to HK...

was it 2X4X2 seating??

2x4x2 except the last few rows which were 2x3x2. Spent a night in shanghai - want to go back. Bulkhead seats were roomy with huge legroom. Armrests don't go up though but we don't care about that. Other seats don't seem to have great legroom but economy never does. Some people had a whole row. One man who was originally seated next to T was severely mobility impaired and they moved him to business class after doors closed, which I thought was nice. Staff was very nice I thought.

thanks kim

Kim,

Where did you stay in Shanghai?

Aloha!

The Kerry. Not good for sightseeing, but 20 minutes by car to the airport. Fabulous club lounge, and a special promo price that made it perfect for a 20 hour stop.

we have decided to fly korean overseas but will still use CEA internally and to bkk....

I would not recommend China Eastern except for flights within China (where you do not have much of a choice anyway). In the responses above there was a mention about lack of personal entertainment -- well that is a big gap for a 12-13 hour flight (in my opinion)....At any rate - I have had a bunch of experience in flying with various Chinese airlines both internationally and within China -- here are some thoughts on my blog:

http://site.chinafinds.com/travel/20...china-eastern/

"I have had a bunch of experience in flying with various Chinese airlines both internationally and within China -- here are some thoughts on my blog:

http://site.chinafinds.com/travel/2010/10/flight-on-china-eastern-from-shanghai-to-tokyo-a-review-of-at-least-one-flight-on-china-eastern/"

You weren't happy with CEA's in-flight entertainment. AirAsia solve that problem easily.

They don't provide any :)

Cheers, Alan, Australia.
Born Under a Wandering Star