China Southern Airlines

I on China Southern Airlines Business Class from Auckland to Dubai via Guangzhou on 5th December 2015 (CZ336). While it wasn't up to the standard of Air NZ business class, the food was okay, little things like the table linen not ironed, I found the seats not quite flat. The cabin crew were really helpful. The business class section is relatively small so you don't have to wait for service or toilets.

Three hours flight from Shenzhen to Bangkok, compared to other airlines the price is low for business class. The past experience showed international routes which was not the strongest part of China Southern Airlines, but I see they are really picking up in many aspects - particularly the food, drink, language, service, seats and storage. In general the standards are rising, but I don’t understand why they still do not offer ice for soft drink. During the trip, FAs show me how well they train. Before the flight I was very tired and take a nap in the first class lounge. They wake me up when the flight is ready, not much to worry about even my Chinese not so local. On the flight, the FAs take so much care about my seat.

I really appreciated the crew from China Southern Airlines, they are so efficient. I flew from Detroit to Guangzhou, and the Delta flight was delayed for 4.5 hours. When we arrived at Beijing, obviously I have missed my connecting flight by China Southern, and the next flight to Guangzhou was in 60 minutes. Gladly, people from China Southern helped me through everything and I boarded in time. I want to say the service on my flight to Guangzhou, the crew on that plane were awesome. They helped me a lot during the 2 and half hours fly.

This the second time that we have flown China Southern. After the first time I decided not to use them again. This time on the 787 (Dreamliner) I thought it may be more comfotable that our 2013 trip, how wrong I was. The Boeing 787 seats were hard and cramped. When attempting to complain at Guangzhou Airport I was laughed at as the representitive walk away from me, and when attempting to pay for an upgrade I was told that the only place that the upgrade could be paid for was onboard the aircraft. China Southern were contacted in London with my observations and they contacted their office in Auckland, but neither their office or checkin staff could find any communication. On the positive side, the cabin staff were extremely pleasent, the food and inflight entertainment were also acceptable.

China Southern Airlines from Nanning to Beijing, CZ6283, seat 38H (changed to 38C because some other people want to sit together). Flight left and arrived on time, seat okay for shorthaul 29-30", ordered special meal (VGML) okay. Beijing to Amsterdam seat 41H. Flight left about 30 minutes late because some transfer passengers arrived late. Transfer at Beijing from domestic to international smooth and fast (international transfer desk China Southern terminal 2). Seat pitch about 32" so okay for tall people. Booked seat was kept and ordered special meals VGML were ok). Toilets were clean.

Los Angeles to Guangzhou in China Southern Airlines business class on a Boeing 777. I was the last business class passenger to board. When I entered the aircraft, staff escorted me to my seat, and took my jacket. Another crew member asked me what I wanted to drink, the only choice offered was water or juice. After all passengers boarded, there was an announcement that upgrades were available. There was about 10 passengers in the business cabin. I did not see any passenger upgrade. Shortly after the aircraft took off, a male cabin crew was pulling down the shutters, he stopped and ordered me to produce my boarding pass. At first I wasn't sure I heard him right. I asked him what he said, and he repeated the order. I got up and out of my seat to retrieve it from my carryon bag in the overhead compartment. As I was doing so, I saw him talking to another crew member. Apparently, she told him that I was a business class passenger because he walked back to me and told me not to bother. I was the only one in the entire business class cabin he asked to show a boarding pass. I was professionally dressed. In fact, I can comfortably say I dressed better than the rest of the passengers in that cabin, most of whom were in casual clothes. The only conclusion I could come up with is I am an African-American, and the experience left me quite disappointed. I fly several times a year, to various parts of the world in business class, some of which were domestic flights in places like Vietnam. Not once did such a thing happen to me on those flights. I complained to China Southern Airlines and so far no response. Food and wine offered on all four legs of my flight were basic. Service was good, except that on the longhaul segments, cabin crew members disappeared after meals were served. I liked the fact that China Southern Airlines staff meet business class passengers upon arrival at Guangzhou airport, with a board with each passenger's name written on it, and they escort the passengers through immigration to their connection flights. Lounge in Guangzhou is okay, but the offerings were few and poor, especially alcohol.

China Southern Airlines from Auckland to Amsterdam return, via Guangzhou. On my return flight from Amsterdam to Auckland I could get only the first boarding pass from Amsterdam to Guangzhou and was told, the second boarding pass would be waiting for me in Guangzhou. That boarding pass was handed to me by the staff at the airport in Guangzhou. However, the seat was number 44D, a seat in economy class, while I had booked and paid for Premium Economy. I questioned the allocation and the stewardess referred me to the head stewardess who referred me to staff outside the plane. Unfortunately the command of English language of staff was very limited, so he was either unable or unwilling to give an explanation why I was not offered the seat I had paid for. The plane had a premium economy section. All he was explaining was, that it is not his fault and I need to complain to the ticket issuer in Amsterdam. I wasn't concerned whose fault it was. I only wanted my premium economy seat with more leg room - I am 66 years old and have severe leg problems in the small economy class seats. The unpleasant conversation ended in an ultimatum by the staff to me, either to leave the aircraft or to accept that seat on offer. I accepted the seat under protest. What makes the whole issue particular galling is the fact, that I changed my initial booking with China Southern Airlines. I had overlooked that the flight via Beijing was economy only for the last flight, Beijing to Auckland. Given my leg problems I paid the penalty for changing the flight to Guangzhou to ensure I would fly all the way premium economy only to end up in a situation I desperately tried to avoid. I had requested Asian Vegetarian meals for my flights, but was offered a vegetarian meal only on the first flight. The other three flights I was offered meat dishes and only after pointing out the fact, I had booked Asian Vegetarian, I was offered an alternative, usually "vegan "which I don't like but had to accept in the circumstances. There were problems with the onboard entertainment systems. Only on the first flight everything worked. On the three remaining flights I wasn't able to operate the touch screens and on the advice of the stewardesses I used the controls in the armrest. However, even with the assistance of the stewardesses I was not able to watch any movie. All in all, a very disappointing first experience with this airline. China Southern Airlines refused to repay the difference and never got in contact with me despite my request.

Bangkok to Heathrow via Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines. Check in at Bangkok not available online. From Bangkok to Guangzhou, only 1 beer was available. Food reasonable. On landing, the passenger in the forward seat, opened the overhead compartment, allowing a very heavy laptop to strike me on the top of my head. China Southern Airlines ticket offered accommodation overnight in Guangzhou, the accommodation was exceptional, the service was first class and the breakfast provided was also excellent. I found the journey from Guangzhou to Heathrow uncomfortable. Attendants were reasonably efficient. Food was not the best. I will flying at least 3 times in 2016, not sure I would choose China Southern again.

I flew Auckland to Guangzhou in business class on 25/11/2015 with China Southern Airline CZ0336. I think is very comfortable for a flight. Also there are no middle seats in Business class on this plane. The crew were friendly and attentive to our needs. And the food was excellent and nicely presented and served.

I flew China Southern Airlines with my family from Guangzhou to San Francisco on Boeing 787 in economy class. The seat is comfortable. Flight attendants spared no efforts trying to help lift luggage into the overhead bin which I thought was pretty impressive. Staff professional and friendly with passengers. Economy class food has two choices between western and Chinese, I like Chinese better, also white wine tasted good.