Hainan Airlines

✅ Verified Review | Taipei to Moscow via Beijing (and back the same way) with Hainan Airlines. Outward bound: both flights lovely, with decent hot food and friendly staff that spoke very good English. Both flights also left exactly on time, which is something that hasn't happened to me for years - not even a 10-minute delay when preparing for takeoff. I was planning on sleeping in the airport for my connection, but a Hainan representative met us off the plane and took us to our free accommodation nearby the airport, which was a nice surprise. The hotel itself wasn't fantastic - stains on carpets, strange smell in the room - but the bed was incredibly comfortable (picture attached), so I was happy. No breakfast provided. The Beijing-Moscow flight was almost empty, and I enjoyed having an empty seat next to me. A slightly strange thing was that 2 hours before landing the crew provided more food, but this was just the hot portion of the regular meal served without a tray, which left a bit of a mess on the table and was uncomfortable to handle. However, no other complaints. The return journey: we had a delay of around 2 hours in Moscow, but we were informed of this at check-in. This flight was full, but again, the service was very good. The transit hotel was far nicer this time - I didn't even go out to see Beijing this time around, just slept in it very happily. No complaints about any of the airports, except a note: in Moscow, non-Russian speakers are rare, and sometimes the security staff will yell at you in Russian, which can be confusing. Only one negative about the flight: the entertainment system on the A330 was difficult to work at times, and it seemed a bit old (for example, the flight path seemed to continue on to Spain, for some reason). One final note: Chinese airlines do not allow you to use your phone in-flight at all, even if it's in airplane mode (iPads are ok). I was surprised when a crew member told me to turn it off, because usually I just listen to music on my phone and try to sleep, but this was only a small issue and overall I enjoyed my trip.

✅ Verified Review | I was pleasantly surprised by Hainan Airlines on this roundtrip from Shanghai to Beijing. The seats in economy were roomy and clean, food was edible if forgettable - a simple fried rice with some sides that were a little dry, and the service was attentive and cheerful. The IFE was limited and a bit aged but more than enough to keep me entertained for a couple hours. Even more surprising was that all announcements were made in Chinese and English, and the pilot even announced our minor delay. The price point was great, cheaper than Air China and some of the more frequently flown domestic airlines. I would fly with them again.

✅ Verified Review | Beijing to Brussels in business class, and my fourth time traveling with Hainan Airlines. A330 was immaculate, clean and tidy and the business class seat was very confortable, although maybe a little narrow (the bedding of duvet and pillow are fabulous). Late night dinner was excellent and the Chef onboard came and discussed the meal and wines with me in detail. Breakfast was offered before landing into Brussels, but I selected just some breads and pastry. Cabin attendants were charming and courteous and attentive throughout the flight. Toilets kept clean, and very nice pyjamas and amenity pack were provided. Not an airline many have heard of, but having flown top airlines like SIA, Cathay and ANA in the past year, Hainan Airlines is up there with them on standards and deserves its 5 star label.

✅ Verified Review | Flew from Haikou to Nanning. Great airline for domestic flights in China, departed and arrived on time and everything went smoothly. The cabin crew were nice and their English was not as bad as most airlines in China. This flight was 45 minutes long and therefore as you get to cruising altitude you're already preparing to land. Regardless, they leave you a bottle of water, crackers and nuts inside your seat pocket. China laws states that all mobile phones must be disconnected during the whole flight (flight mode is not allowed), so if you have a longer flight on a Boeing 737 like this one, consider bringing alternative entertainment source since these domestic flights have no entertainment system available. The plane was clean and the seats are moderately comfortable. Blankets provided on demand. If only the staff working at the check in counter were more polite and at least showed a brief smile.

✅ Verified Review | Haikou to Xiamen. Despite we boarded the plane via the bus, the boarding was in order. When we boarded the aircraft, we received warm greeting from the crew. There was in-flight entertainment in the airplane and they served newspaper at the entrance of the cabin. However, there is no English newspaper. During the journey, the crew were nice and attentive, and all the passengers were informed with what was going on. Breakfast was limited to coffee, tea and water. All in all, the 90-minute flight was quite a nice journey.

✅ Verified Review | My flight was from Beijing to Toronto Pearson on September 10th. Flight attendants provide extraordinary services. The meals were very tasteful with nice food display. During the flight, cabin crew will provide fruits and water frequently.

✅ Verified Review | Prior to booking this flight, I'd never heard of Hainan Airlines, however their introductory fare from Manchester to Beijing was cheap compared with others at the time, I went ahead and booked it. You cannot check in online and it must be done in person. This oddly ended up being a positive for me, as it enabled me to get exit row seats with a large amount of legroom on both MAN-PEK flights (row 48). The boarding was at best a bit of a scrum for economy. Business class had a separate queue which worked well. That said, the aircraft departed on time, so although it was the least relaxed boarding experience at least it worked. Hainan Airlines operate brand new A330s on this route, they're pretty darn clean. Seats for economy are good. Whilst getting comfy in economy on a 10+ hour long flight is never easy I'd argue they're on par with KLM/Air France. A thin blanket and very thin pillow is included, bring your own if possible. The in flight entertainment is okay with a selection of Western and Chinese content in equal proportions. No wifi, no USB power and the power outlets in the exit row seats didn't work. The food was okay with a mixture of Chinese/Western dishes. Officially, you're not allowed to use your own electronic devices on board, on the first flight that wasn't an issue and I used my laptop and flight-mode phone with no issues, returning from Beijing to Manchester I was told off. Maybe bring a book as a backup. I noticed the flight attendants had a range of language flags on their name tags, English proficiency was mixed but overall good. They're all very pleasant and helpful though, the best I've experienced in a while! Transiting with Hainan for Hong Kong flights route, I flew Hong Kong Airlines on the PEK-HKG routes. Hong Kong Airlines is also part of the HNA Group and it shows, the aircraft are pretty much identical aside from the flight attendants uniforms and a different IFE skin. Transiting through Beijing was not a fun experience. Hainan operate out of terminal 2 which doesn't seem to be fully equipped as a transit point. Finding the transit area was difficult and it was poorly managed. Ground staff at Beijing were not exactly helpful in directing/helping transiting passengers. If anyone is concerned about the transit in Beijing, follow signs towards 'arrivals', once you find a moving walkway look right and there should be a glass-box-room thing for transit. It's not very clear, but that's where you'll need to go. Once you find it, it's pretty simple to be fair. 2 of the 4 flights were delayed, I had to be shifted onto a different HKG-PEK flight to meet my connection (which they were very helpful with) however the trip back to Manchester was stressful. As a solo leisure traveller this was an annoyance that was resolved, however for more critical trips I'd be wary if transiting through Beijing. Overall thoughts I bought my flight for £450 rtn whilst at the time Cathay Pacific was priced around the £700 mark, similar length connection flights with KLM and Lufthansa at £600. For the price I paid, it was remarkable value for money.

Chicago to Beijing. Although a staunch supporter of Cathay Pacific, I had heard decent comments about Hainan Airlines service. Checked pricing on a business ticket and found then $3000 cheaper than others, so a bit skeptical, further read with interest some of the postings from others, as well as the time to complete transfers in Beijing - nonetheless felt adventurous and booked. Called to reserve 2 aisle seats. No problem. Agent spoke English well and confirmed seats on all legs. Arrived at O'Hare at 1330 for a 1520 departure. Check in was swift and painless. Lounge passes issued to Swissport Lounge. Lounge was adequate, but hard to locate. It is a right turn after security and a good walk. It is on the right and easy to miss. Boarding gate was at the opposite end of terminal 5. Boarding went smoothly, found our seats, stowed our carry on bags. The Boeing 787 does not have middle overhead bins. Greeted warmly by the inflight manager, as well as our flight attendant. English language skills were fine. Departed on time. Welcome drinks non-alcoholic offered. Pillows, duvet and pj's handed out, as well as Bose noise cancelling head phones. Menus handed out. Orders taken and we were off. Service started quickly. Appetizers and ordered beverage arrived before you knew it. Soup and salad were at your table when your appetizer was finished. Main course selection of 5 items with accompaniments. They also served individualized bread baskets - tasty and ample. Refreshments were always available for top off. After dinner drinks offered, as well as 4 choices of dessert and or fruit and cheese platter. Actually, there was enough where you could have whatever you liked. Fully lie flat seat was comfortable, but not built for us 6' tall folks, but able to sleep without issue. The IFE was also ample for the 12 hour flight. Some old, some new movies, screen size was fine. Pre arrival meal had 4 choices. Served quickly again great portions. Throughout the flight the FA's were readily available and continued to ask if they could get you anything. Landed early, but to a remote area. Thus the infamous bus to the terminal. Dreaded the wait for the international transfer to Hong Kong. Same terminal as the arrival. Bus for biz class arrived quickly and attendants had signs with passengers names to assist them. We were guided to the transfer desk, security check and the pointed to the next departure gate. All done in 20 mins. Very classy. On the return it was a complete duplicate. They are part of Alaska's mileage program. Certainly must have had two stellar crews. I look forward to my next flight with Hainan Airlines.

✅ Verified Review | I flew Hainan Airlines from Paris to Xi’An return in Business Class in June 2016. It was an excellent experience comparable to the best business classes I have tried. First of all, a great deal with Business Class rates that are lower than some Premium Economy fares, the comfort of the seats is remarkable although I preferred the “old” style business seats to the new individual arrangements that could feel a little cramped. Most of all, I appreciated the kindness of the staff. As an example, I arrived 6 hours before my flight to Paris at Xi’an airport. Hainan counters were closed. However, Hainan Airlines manager took care of me personally and put me in the airport hotel where he negotiated (and believe me that was a tough negotiation) a very friendly rate for my day use. All in all, 5 stars well deserved for Hainan Airlines.

✅ Verified Review | Beijing to San Jose with Hainan Airlines. Attentive service, comfortable seats and clean lavatories. Food and drink selection slightly above average for business class. The Chinese Government rule banning mobile phones (even for listening to music, reading a book or taking photos) is enforced. Entertainment system very difficult to use.