Southern China Air -- is it really that bad?

[Madot]

On another thread there were a number of pretty awful comments about Southern China Air. Last time I travelled with them, in 1998, they were truly ZAOGAO, but I heard that since then they have actually won an award as the best airline in China, or some such. Are they really still that awful? Does anyone know if their Business Class is equally terrible? Is it only the lack of service with a smile (not all that common anywhere in China) or is it also the food? the luggage tracking? comfort? etc? Please share your experiences.

Mado

[Xiwang]

I've flown China Southern a few times and have been happy with the airline. Of course, all I did was sit there and tell them what I wanted to drink or eat when the cart came around. If I had lost my luggage or had visa issues, I might be feeling a bit differently.

(I do love the way flight attendants in China stand in the aisles when they're being introduced and then bow together to the passengers.)

[anonymoose]

I went on a China Southern Airlines domestic flight about six months ago, and it was no worse than the average European airline. In fact, however bad the food is, it is still better than many airlines that these days don't give food at all.

[roddy]

Is it an international or domestic flight? Domestic flights are generally too short to make a mess of - as long as you get off the ground in the first place.

[Madot]

Hey, Roddy!

Well, it's international from Sydney to Guangzhou and then domestic from Guangzhou to Zhengzhou. I'm treating myself to Business Class on the long flight and hoping it's worth the money... There was one nice thing: they've given me the 30kg Business Class baggage allowance on the domestic leg of the journey too, even though that's Economy Class. I thought that was a good sign, but who knows?

:-)

Mado

[Lu]

I've flown China Southern some years ago, and don't recall anything unpleasant. But then I have low demands of airlines, as long as they get me from A to B I'm not complaining about an airline (just about flying in general, I don't like long flights at all).

[AxelManbow]

My only notable contribution is probably: China Southern offerings over the past 6 months of a gherkin-heavy hotdog and choice of soft drink (for 200 Yuan per leg) have been better than Air China's offerings of bottled water and ... nothing else (740 Yuan per leg). All domestic flights.

Edited July 22, 2009 at 12:40 PM by AxelManbow

[hidden12345]

I've flown China Southern both international and domestic and have had nothing but great experiences, both in business and coach. The stewardesses are the best looking out of the China airline companies I have flown (Shandong, Air China, China Eastern, Shanghai Air, Jin Lu) and I have gotten a stewardess' cell number on every single 南航 flight I've taken, some of whom preemptively slipping me their numbers on a napkin. Highly Recommended.

[Bedan Adjuster]

What do you recommend? Southern China Air or its stewardesses?

[hidden12345]

China Southern for flying; and its stewardesses for after.

[Madot]

We seem to have got a bit off subject. what else can people tell me about China Southern Air? What are the seats like? On overnight flights, what kind of 'bed' is there? What's the food like? What about service? And the luggage?

Alternatively, forget the stewardESSes. What about the stewerds? :-) (only kidding...)

Mado

[zerolife]

it was a while ago but I hardly remember anything unpleasant ... but then it was only a domestic 3-4 hours flight. Nothing special but they do get you to the right place in one piece. However, I did have multiple bad experiences with Hainan Airlines even through they are the second largest in China I believe.

[Madot]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I guess I won't get my hopes up for the special Business Class experience that I was looking forward to (as I always travel Cattle Class). Then, if instead, it's really lovely, it will be a wonderful surprise. :-)

Mado