REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Hehe · 08-18-2010, 02:45 AM

So as it turns out, I'm being invited for a business matter in Shanghai. The inviting party's rep in Canada will cover flight/hotel and they let me choose my own airline of choice in BUSINESS CLASS...

Since someone is paying the bill, I want to ask, what's the best option for business class? I don't mind having 1 stop in HK or TW as I can visit frds and families this way. Just want to have a good experience while I'm at it~

Did a quick search and found nth... if someone here travels frequently on business class, do share some exp. like how are the cabins, lounge... etc

Infiniti · 08-18-2010, 12:04 PM

singapore airlines, cathay pacific, all nippon airways, asiana

Amaru · 08-18-2010, 03:02 PM

Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are probably the world's top luxury airlines (also Emirates & Qatar but I doubt they fly that route).

Similarly, I don't think you'll find any Singapore Airlines flights out of Vancouver that don't connect through SFO/LAX, so I'd suggest Cathay is probably your best bet. They fly direct from Vancouver to Hong Kong (Boeing 777 & 747) and have many flights each day between HK & Shanghai.

Meowjin · 08-19-2010, 02:52 AM

too bad singapore airlines got rid of their vancouver to singapore flight.

Girl · 08-19-2010, 11:37 AM

Singapore Airlines ftw!!

Cathay is soo loud and crowded due Hongar mentality that Cathay is GOD and flying economy with them is a must...never understood that, I swear their economy seats are smaller than any other seats.

Anyhoo I liked Singapore Airlines a bit better because it was a bit quieter and less rowdy during boarding.

Hehe · 08-19-2010, 04:42 PM

I have been checking flights, how's Air Canada? I see they got flat-bed style seats, how is the service?

Singapore Air has 2 stops and it really adds up the total flight time, so it's out. Cathay seems good. But the wait time sucks, I have to wait 4hr for the flight to PVG, which sucks because that means I got no time to go in the city. I will check with Cathay to see what other option I have.

Thx for all the comments~

Amaru · 08-19-2010, 08:26 PM

I've never flown Air Canada Business Class (or any other for that matter), but lately I've found Air Canada customer service & aircraft to be top-notch. I really think they've improved a lot over the past 2-3 years.

My girlfriend was upgraded to Business Class on a recent trip to London (Air Canada), and said the lie-flat pod beds were fantastic.

Liquid_o2 · 08-20-2010, 09:54 AM

I've only done Cathay business class to Asia and it was good. I have never had good experiences with Air Canada, but I have only flown coach with them.

Best business class flight ever for me was British Airways. Was absolutely top notch.

Gumby · 08-20-2010, 10:06 AM

I've flown business to Asia via Air Canada and Cathay Pacific (on my parents' dime, LOL).

I have nothing to complain about service-wise with either airline WHEN IN business class. The seats are all superior to those you'd find in economy.

So the questions is - who has the nicer/newer planes?

MASTER_J · 08-20-2010, 10:38 AM

Yeah, Air Canada has upped their level of business class, they don't fly with 747's anymore, I think they fly with an airbus of some sort, its a smaller plane but it does seem newer. I've never flew Cathay but overall I have no complaints with Air Canada.

rymack · 08-20-2010, 10:59 AM

i am headed for Vietnam in October and back through Bangkok in November. Any thoughts on Air China? It comes down to Air China and Cathay. Air China being $ 275 cheaper...
Seems like a slighty sketch airline in terms of service and such.
Any one have anything good or bad to say about Air China? I should mention that I will be flying economy and I am 6-4 and 250 pounds. lol...uncomfortable for sure.

syee · 08-20-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_o2

Best business class flight ever for me was British Airways. Was absolutely top notch.

I had heard BA was pretty good, but I was pretty disappointed on my last YVR-LHR-YVR trip. The plane was very old (if you see ashtrays in the bathroom in the plane you can be sure the plane is more than 10-15 years old) and the service was just mediocre. I'll have to give them another shot some other time but I wasn't impressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MASTER_J

Yeah, Air Canada has upped their level of business class, they don't fly with 747's anymore, I think they fly with an airbus of some sort, its a smaller plane but it does seem newer. I've never flew Cathay but overall I have no complaints with Air Canada.

I think most up to date fleets will fly Boeing 777's or Airbus A340's for long haul flights. I've surprisingly haven't flown Air Canada very much. However, I had my first opportunity about a year ago and was pleasantly surprised. The plane was fairly new and service was good. I recently flew Cathay and while the service was fairly good, I was about ready to destroy the slide out seats by the time my flight was over.

Amaru · 08-22-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syee

I had heard BA was pretty good, but I was pretty disappointed on my last YVR-LHR-YVR trip. The plane was very old (if you see ashtrays in the bathroom in the plane you can be sure the plane is more than 10-15 years old) and the service was just mediocre. I'll have to give them another shot some other time but I wasn't impressed.

My recent experiences (although not on long-haul flights) have been equally disappointing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by syee

I think most up to date fleets will fly Boeing 777's or Airbus A340's for long haul flights. I've surprisingly haven't flown Air Canada very much. However, I had my first opportunity about a year ago and was pleasantly surprised. The plane was fairly new and service was good. I recently flew Cathay and while the service was fairly good, I was about ready to destroy the slide out seats by the time my flight was over.

Air Canada flies the 777 exclusively on its Asia flights I believe.

bcedhk · 08-22-2010, 08:28 PM

air china, if there is no delay/errors during check in, is alright.. jsut have to deal with lots of mainlanders and indians who have no manners on the plan (talking loudly, bugging in lineups).

Cathy's business lounge @ YVR sucks balls. i would go with JAL since I enjoy their lounge at Narita + i can get some semi-authentic japanese food while im there

jhxb · 08-23-2010, 12:27 AM

I food from Cathay Pacific Business Class is alright. Don't know about Air Canada though. If you like Asian food, cathay would be your best bet. As for the seating, cathay does it right. Very comfortable and the service is good too.