Air China

Flew from Incheon to Singapore return via Beijing. We were given a free upgrade to first class on the first leg of the journey which I can't complain about but the apart from that the airline is rather disappointing. Both of the flights on the way to Singapore were delayed by about 3 hours. The economy food was very poor; the beer and wine undrinkable; and the service was minimalistic. The crew seemed to have a very low level of English. They only offered drinks other than water once during the five hour flight from Beijing to Singapore and even water was not offered enough. There was no entertainment on the 5 hour flights to and from Singapore. Air China is cheap but it can really only be compared with other low-cost airlines.

Madrid-Beijing A330 and Beijing-Frankfurt B747 in August. Both flights left on time and arrived earlier than scheduled. Check-in and boarding was fast and efficient at both airports. Daylight flight from Madrid to Beijing. Small leg space in the A330 and cabin seemed old. Inflight entertainment was basic (small TV in each seat) consisting of 4/5 movies (2 Chinese + 2/3 English). Cabin crew was efficient but service was basic. Food was simple (2 lunch options but when it got to our row only one dish was available as they ran out of chicken). They served 2 meals. Red eye flight from Beijing to Frankfurt. Greater than usual leg space in the B747. Cabin seemed old but was clean. Inflight entertainment was very basic (1 large screen for each economy class section). Cabin crew was efficient and their English level was good. Food was simple but tasty (2 meals served). Good value for money.

Flew from JFK to Beijing supposed to return from MNL back to JFK on July 23. Food was so-so nothing to write home about attendants appeared to have problems with food carts and would push and pull without looking to see that the cart would be banging into passengers' shoulders. In MNL flights were cancelled rebooked cancelled without explanation. No ground crew or call centres to respond to inquiries. Finally rebooked back to JFK on Delta one day later. Communications totally inadequate not acceptable.

Very mediocre experience and an airline I'll be avoiding in the future. I was flying direct London to Beijing but the quality was worse than some domestic Chinese flights I've taken. I had to change seats a grand total of 4 times. Each time because my inflight entertainment system wasn't working and it wasn't until my fourth seat that the screen was working. During this time the stewards and stewardesses were co-operative in helping me find a seat but not kind or apologetic in any way. As for the food the quality of the Chinese meal was somewhat better than the Western meal but neither especially good. My main complaint about the Western meal was the lack of vegetables and meat. The service was perfunctory and the stewardesses stern and at times rude. I just think they have no concept of what customer service is. They warmed to me slightly as I speak Mandarin and was travelling by myself. All in all Air China will get you from A to B and the stewardesses will bring you your food and drinks but whether or not you have a relaxing enjoyable flight is another matter. Wouldn't recommend them and would prefer to pay extra or fly to China indirect next time to avoid them.

Kunming-Shanghai Hongqiao on B738 Beijing-Shanghai Hongqiao on A332 both on time for departure and arrival. Aircraft's are new and clean comfortable seat and spacious legroom blanket was given which was appreciated for domestic flights. Food and drinks acceptable. Overall enjoyable experience with Air China for domestic travel.

Vancouver - Beijing - Hong Kong - Beijing - Delhi - Beijing - Vancouver business class. 3 of those 6 segments were delayed by more than 5 hours! And for one of those segments that meant staying overnight at a second-rate hotel outside of the airport. Onboard service was minimal and the staff act like they are doing you a favor when they the food and drinks. On the ground the service is similarly curt and non-communicative.

Hong Kong to Beijing flight was a little late leaving but made the time up. Plane was an airbus looked tired from the outside but fine inside. Some of the PA announcements were lost in translation but the crew were friendly and helpful food was OK alcohol needed to be purchased entertainment just local Chinese television. I would use them again in this part of the world.

London-Beijing-Taipei. Flight was about £200 cheaper than any of the other airlines were offering. I flew Air France to Shanghai last year and actually Air China compared quite favourably - there wasn't the same degree of choice with the inflight entertainment but the food was just as good and seats were probably more comfortable. You aren't provided with a takeaway 'pack' of things on this flight but there is a pillow and blanket on your seat and there are headphones for entertainment. The toilets were fine (yes they did get a bit gross towards the end but that happens on an 11 hour flight) and the staff were accommodating. My veggie meal wasn't on their list on the first leg of the outward bound journey but when I showed them my confirmation email they found me one without any fuss. Service at the check-in desks was also perfectly fine. The long haul planes had a personal television and were pretty full. The shorter flights (Beijing-Taipei) had communal screens with Chinese TV on them but weren't very full - on the way back I got a whole row of seats to myself!

Flew from Shanghai to Shenzhen on Friday evening. Boarding was efficient and the doors closed on time but that's when the trouble started. We sat on the tarmac for at least 30 minutes and were then told that we were waiting for traffic control clearance. Other announcements were made but they were so quiet that I could not hear what was said. After 1 hour the food came out while we were still waiting on the ground. The total delay was around 2 hours and 15 minutes before we finally departed. This delay more than doubled the journey time - very disappointing for what should be a simple domestic flight.

Return JFK-PEK. Economy. Full flights on time. Food was not brilliant but certainly edible. Cabin crew attentive and cheerful. Plenty of beverages and cold water in between meals. Wine and beer available at no extra charge. Seats comfortable even for my 6'3" husband. 744 seating felt roomier than 747. Movie screen a little hard to see for short people. In truth most travelers had tablets or laptops playing their own movies or TV shows. Not much variety in sound system entertainment but again most people were listening to their own MP3 players or iPods. Bathrooms neat and clean. Whole experience comparable to United return to Beijing several years ago.