Sichuan Airlines

Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. Some delays due to weather. Good service and clean. Apparently does pick-up from Chengdu town for free.

Shenzhen - Chongqing new A320 good service. Mandarin with no local accent poor English (but acceptable for a regional flight) okay food toilet clean.

First class Beijing-Chengdu-Shanghai. Check in at Terminal 3 was efficient and we were at the lounge in no time. Sichuan Airlines uses the Air China lounge which is ok but not spectacular. Boarding was on time but then we were held up for 2hours in the plane as so many flights were departing at the same time. The crew was attentive and friendly and kept coming around with drinks blankets etc. The crew wear very nice traditional Chinese uniforms and look very classy in comparison to other Chinese carriers. Once we departed they served dinner which was ok for a domestic flight. Again the crew was very attentive and delivered great service. Seats on the A320 have a rather narrow seat pitch for F class and are not made for flights longer than 3hours.We arrived 2h late and had to wait ages for our luggage. The flight to Shanghai was on the latest A330 which had lie flat seats. The plane was brand new and the seats great. I could get almost 1h30min sleep on this 2h30min flight. Crew again very friendly and attentive. Food was disgusting however. Was really disapointed. Sichuan Airlines is the airline to choose if you travel to this region of China.

CTU-PEK and PEK-CTU. Food served was a full and delicious meal. Crew took great care in its appearance where toilets were kept clean after each use. Also food was served with classic Sichuan sauce of Lao Gan Mah making it a very authentic and genuine experience. Would recommend this airline to anyone flying domestically in China to and around CTU.

Bussed it from HK to Sichuan to take a 737 to Beijing. Everything up to scratch and with Sichuan as the airline's home base there were plenty of check-ins and help available. A little bemusing when the music starts and everyone begins their (getting into) shaping exercises. Best to hide behind your newspaper!

Shanghai PVG to Chengdu in economy. Check in through MU-staff usually grumpy but got requested emergency exit. As usual gate was changed and flight delayed by the usual 45 min. Clean A320. I am 6ft 6 and had way enough legroom! Emergency exit proved to be only 2nd row behind the exit door seats but legroom still ok. Shortly before take off was asked if I speak Chinese. As I denied I was quite straight told I should move this is a Chinese flight I should move 1 row behind. Ok no problem (The emergency exit seats were then occupied by 2 elderly Chinese ladies of which I doubt there were strong enough to open the door not to say help other passengers). After boarding plane sat another 20 min or so on the parking position. FAs went round to distribute Chinese Newspapers a single FA came running with an English copy of China Daily for me. After take off plenty of drink runs however no beer and food was absent did not manage to find the reason. Were handed small bags with dried beef and dates but I was really hungry. After landing plane was parked on the tarmac had to take a 10min busride to the terminal. Overall pleasant and nice I am amazed to find this level of service and friendliness at a Chinese airline. Will fly them again and can refer them without hesitation to be one of the best Chinese airlines.

Chengdu to Yichang in an ERJ-145. The smallest jet I've flown in with 2-1 seating. The service was basic with water peanuts and sour dates. Some passengers with larger carry-on luggage were asked to check it in just prior to climbing up the boarding stairs. My daypack was allowed through possibly because it was on my back. It fits under the seat anyway but this should be a consideration for passengers travelling on this flight. English announcements reasonable and a smooth flight with good views of Chengdu.

Round trip from Chongqing to Chengdu. Clean nicely appointed plane interior friendly staff on time departures and arrivals plus a free Shuttle Bus greeted us on the tarmac at Chengdu avoiding travel into the airport building. Because the plane had small interior seating 1x2 we had to check-in our carry-on luggage but when we deplaned they brought the checked luggage to the Shuttle Bus. On our return to Chongqing there was a free Airport Shuttle Bus three blocks from our Hotel.

Shanghai HongQiao to Chengdu in-flight safety checking seatbelts checking overheads warning otherwise unruly Chinese passengers best service and food I've had on a flight. Service quality as good as AA business.

Beijing to Chengdu 23 June 2004 Economy Class. From a carrier I hadn't heard of before on a domestic flight in China I did not expect anything above average standards. However the service was excellent. The plane had an attractive interior the staff were pleasant and smiley and the food was outstanding. My meal seemed to be a fusion of western and Chinese - spicy beef served with small potato chips - and it was delicious. Definitely the best airline food I've ever had. After this flight I vowed to always fly Sichuan Airlines given the chance even though unfortunately this is unlikely. The best short haul airline no one's heard of. It's a shame they don't do long haul flights.