In business class on China Southern's 787/9: a banquet at 30,000 feet
Chinese airlines flying to Italy and Europe in general have been offering very attractive fares for many months, [...]
Chinese companies flying to Italy and in Europe in general have been offering very attractive rates for many months, not only to fly to domestic destinations, but also to continue to Asia and Oceania.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- B787/9
- Class:
- Business
- Treat:
- FCO - CAN
- Price:
- 500€
- Book
I took advantage of one of these rates to Try out China Southern's entire long-haul fleet in one fell swoop, the largest of the state-controlled companies and operating mainly from its Hub in Guanzough, the former Canton.
Reservation
I have already recounted in detail the genesis of this note and the problems I've encountered because of a change in the operatives and the total lack of service received from Booking, which was the site where I had cat the reservation.
Compared to what I had planned, I had to change the dates, due to changes in operations and this is where the problems arose with GoToGate which is the provider used by Booking for booking. I finally managed to save my ticket only thanks to the intervention of the company's ground staff at FIumicino.
At the airport
I arrived at T3 around 10 am, for me this was also my first time checking in at this terminal. Rarely do my international trips leave from FCO, the last time had been in the middle of covid when I had flown with Singapore Airlines to Copenhagen.
I arrived that registration operations had already begun and there was also quite a queue in the line dedicated to business class passengers.
The carpet is a custom that many Asian companies have, but very rarely is it seen on this side of the world.
After some doubts regarding the lack of visa, China through the year 2025 has opened its borders to a great many travelers by allowing them to get permission directly upon arrival at the airport, I received my boarding pass and many other tickets.
In addition to the coupon to board, I was also given a voucher to use the fast track and an invitation to enjoy the Plaza Premium Lounge, one of two independent lounges in T3.
Having passed the checks I directed in the award-winning VIP room And here I also crossed paths with a well-known Italian actor, For a few seconds, I feared that Pierfrancesco Favino would tell me "Hey Barbone I want your seat!", but instead he simply got up to go to the boarding gate for his flight.
Since the flight started from the T3 satellite. I decided to move a little bit in advance and possibly try one of the lounges in this part of the air terminal that I had not visited since long before the covid outbreak.
Too bad I found out that neither of the two lounges, which were there until last year, were operational.
Little matter, I sat down and I took advantage of the best view of the runway Of the entire Fiumicino airport.
Boarding then began on time, and as usual I was faster than Jacobs as soon as they opened the gate.
Aboard China Southern's 787
The configuration of the business class cabin is 1-2-1, this means that each passenger has direct access to the aisle.
The seating arrangement is checkerboard and this means that you will travel lying down in an upright position and not leaning. This setup is what provides more space for the passenger. On the other hand, however, those who are seated closer to the aisle have less privacy and are definitely too exposed to any movement in the cabin.
As always utmost attention to when choosing a seat on board, it is not only Ryanair to have no window.
Instead, two pillows, the in-flight service menu, IFE headphones, and, inside the seat console flap, the amenity kit and a small bottle of water, and the ever-present flip-flops.
This 787 would need a deep cleaning and some maintenance, you can see the signs of age and here and there you get a sense of how this is not the flagship of the company.
Custom wipe, welcome drink, and intimidating walk-through by the in-flight security officer. A constant and not-so-hidden presence on all Chinese airline flights. In this case he is in uniform and wears a bodycam to record everything that happens on board.
Bathroom in the normal range, but bare and with zero amenities or other attention.
Of course, the armchair becomes a bed, the pillow is very large and the comforter just warm enough. The space in this position is not small, and one can easily find a suitable position for napping.
Except for the small locker and the open space where headphones are placed, there is no other storage, but as always it is me who travels with a lot of junk, while at most normal passengers have glasses, cell phone, tablet and a book.
Two pushbuttons allow management of the seat and various functions. I also like the ability to manage the lumbar support, which definitely helps you suffer less from long sitting.
Large and sturdy coffee table, perfect for both eating and computer work.
Service
Very present and friendly staff, a gulf compared to my experience aboard the 777 by Air China. In keeping with tradition, not even time to sit in my seat that the attendant arrived to hand me my slippers, and in some cases I even saw her helping passengers put them on.
Amentiy Kit made in Italy with Salvatore Ferragamo branded products, sure it wasn't super rich, but again when I think about that obscenity I had received from Air China, looks like that of a First Class.
The staff kept going through the cabin, it definitely did not look like a night flight.
IFE
The screen is not 4k, nor is it penultimate generation. The security video a mix of cartoons and humans in Roger Rabbit style.
The ordinance headset is no big deal; on the other hand, the controller acts as a second monitor and you can play with the map while watching a movie on the screen.
I was amazed at the presence of even made-in-Italy content in the entertainment catalog, more than sufficient the proposal of movies, while scarce the offer of telefim, games and other content.
A disappointment instead was the wifi, as on board all Chinese airlines. Virtually unusable throughout the flight.
Food & Beverage on board China Southern's business class
If I had expectations regarding the chair, I had no hope regarding the food offerings. In fact, I was ready to starve.
However, I only had to browse through the menu to realize that it would be more of a wedding banquet than a flight.
Mise en place beautiful, and essential. But above all, "old style" service with the trolley.
Not many companies still choose this "vintage" mode of service; I really like it because it allows you to see the dishes live before you order.
I aimed to taste a pcohino of everything, fish as appetizer, meat as main course. Then from the dessert cart I skipped the cheeses and enjoyed the ice cream sundae and fresh fruit.
Mid-flight dinner was served, a second full lunch. From appetizer to dessert, always by the cart and always very good. Many companies serve a snack, a small snack. In this case it is a real lunch, compared to the main one, only the amuse buche is missing.
Disembarkation via bus
We landed in Canton under a half deluge, in which case it is never pleasant to arrive at a parking lot and not connected directly to the airport, but for me this is never a downside.
A small dedicated bus is provided for business class passengers with leather seats and separate ride from the rest of the passengers to the terminal.
In conclusion
A real surprise, super affordable price and great service. Too bad the seat is "old" and a tad dirty. The non-functioning wifi lowered the final grade, but this is a "condemnation" of all carriers made in China.
Pro
- The staff
- The gastronomic proposal
- The price
Against
- It is not Skyteam member, it only has partnership
- Wifi
- Lived armchair