China Eastern Business Class review: a pleasant surprise
Given how cheap it was to fly to London and the terrible website, I expected an awful experience but I was pleasantly surprised. This flight is a winner.
Given the price difference and terrible website, I expected an awful experience but I was pleasantly surprised by this international airline.
Take a seat
The cabin is spacious with a 1-2-1 configuration. There are 32 flat-bed seats and each has a sliding door and plenty of room for belongings. I am flying solo in an aisle seat but people travelling together can book the two middle-row seats and shut the aisle doors for privacy. The seat is 55cm wide and extends to 198cm when reclined. There is a power outlet and USB charging point; I am supplied with a blanket, pillow and a bottle of water.
The supplied pyjamas are keepers. They are navy blue cotton and button up at the front, sitting high on the neck in the style of a cheongsam. Also supplied are navy blue slippers. The amenities kit is a basic affair. In two-tone grey with a traditional knotted button, or pankou, it would be nice to use as a purse, but inside is the bare minimum – an eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush and paste, and a comb. No creams or balms and the Chinese hand cream in the bathroom is one I don’t recognise. On the upside, said bathroom is massive.
That’s entertainment
There isn’t much to watch and the headphones are clunky and not noisecancelling. I end up watching downloaded movies on my iPad.
Tech talk
China Eastern is the worst airline website I have come across. I am unable to check-in online, receive no notifications about my flight, and unable to select seats. There is free wi-fi on board but I struggle to get it working and give up, opting for downtime.
At your service
The cabin crew is helpful. Someone loads my bag in the overhead locker, which is fortunate as I can’t reach the latch to open it. They take my coat and clear rubbish quickly throughout the flight. While they don’t hover to serve drinks, they are there when it matters, ducking in to make sure the bathroom is clean before each use and opening the door each time.
On the menu
Service is slow and it’s impossible to get a drink before lunch is served. When possible, I order a glass of Maxim’s Brut Reserve Champagne, which is served chilled. Lunch is three courses. I choose the Chinese menu – chicken and wood fungus soup followed by a pork and rice dish with some kimchi-style vegetables – plus a cheese platter and chocolate. I take the Chinese option for breakfast too; decent congee but served with an average croissant and fruit platter.
In the bag
Business class passengers are allowed two 32kg bags each and there is ample carry-on allowance. I take two small wheeled bags on board.
Make your points
China Eastern is affiliated with Sky Team but you can also earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on certain flights. I discover after the event that it is a fairly minimal number, 6875 points, and there are no status credits for one way Sydney to Shanghai Pudong.
On the ground
I am able to use the Qantas lounge at Sydney airport and make good use of the China Eastern lounge in Shanghai, which has decent Chinese food. It also has a two-hour wait for a shower.
Bottom line
A return business class fare to London is $7885, based on an airline website search departing three months from date of publication.
The verdict
This Sydney-Shanghai leg was part of a return business class flight to London, purchased for about $6000. At the time, it was much cheaper than most other airlines. Given the price difference and terrible website, I expected an awful experience but I was pleasantly surprised. The cabin is second only to Qatar business in terms of comfort, and if you like Chinese food, this flight is a winner.
Tansy Harcourt travelled at her own expense.
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