Air China Business Class
7
/10
A comfortable flight
Airport Experience
Cabin & Seat
Cuisine
Beverages
Service
Entertainment
Amenities & Facilities
Short & Medium Haul

Review of Air China Business Class

BusinessClass.com review by Ramsey Qubein

When flying Air China, passengers will find plenty of appealing characteristics to make their journey pleasant. There are many elements that are distinctly Chinese from the cuisine to the primary languages spoken aboard. If you are open to trying something new, this is the airline for you.

On international flights operated by Boeing 747 or 777 aircraft, Air China brands its Business Class offering as Capital Pavilion Business Class. These aircraft also offer Forbidden Pavilion First Class.

The airline has an impressive route map covering the entire nation as well as destinations throughout Asia, the Pacific, Europe and North America. Its domestic network is exceptional and offers connectivity that foreign carriers cannot match. The airline operates its largest hub in Beijing, but you will find smaller hubs and flights throughout China.

As a member of Star Alliance, the airline enjoys nearly two dozen airline partners with whom passengers can earn and redeem miles for their flights including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, Asiana, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Egyptair, Lufthansa, Swiss International, SAS, Thai and United. It also means that Star Alliance Gold members from other partner airlines can enjoy special benefits when flying, even if in economy class. PhoenixMiles is Air China’s own loyalty program Plus for those that want to earn miles with the carrier.

Airport experience

7/10

The airline’s main hub is shared between Beijing’s Capital and Daxing International airports, but also has significant operations in other cities including Shanghai and Chengdu. All operate modern terminals with ample shopping and dining options although Western choices of food are in the minority.

Most Business Class passengers are eligible for a free transfer service from the city to the airport, which is a treat that saves you from haggling with taxi drivers without speaking their language.

Premium lanes for check-in and security expedite movement through the airport but be aware that security officers in China like to fumble through belongings to check for things like keys, electronics, portable chargers and liquids (sometimes even opening bottles to smell the contents). Allow extra time, and be aware that curt behaviour is not necessarily a sign of rudeness. It is more of a local custom.

The connection process for travellers in transit can be cumbersome requiring airport terminal changes between some international and domestic flights, additional security checks and the added pain of securing a transit or visitor visa for certain passport holders.

Air China operates a wide range of lounges ranging from stellar facilities in Beijing and Shanghai featuring nap rooms, hot and cold buffets and open bars to fewer exotic facilities in its domestic terminals. Air China relies on governmental checks when it comes to providing Wi-Fi so do not be surprised if you have to show your passport to get a code in the lounge. Many websites, including social media and search engines, are blocked.

When it comes to boarding, priority lanes are available, but not always respected, despite being a perk for Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold fliers. Most of the negatives of the Air China airport experience can be chalked up to cultural norms rather than poor investment from the airline.

Cabin & Seat

7/10

Air China is one of the ten largest airlines in the world, with almost 500 aircraft in its fleet. Depending on the route and the aircraft, you will encounter different styles of Business Class when flying with Air China. 

Plans are in place to add the airline’s swankiest flat-bed seat to date on newly delivered Airbus A350-900 aircraft from the first half of 2022. These will have doors that close adding extra privacy. The new suite will feature a 1.98 metre (78-inch) fully-flat bed with “premium foam technology”. This is the first time that Air China has opted for privacy doors and the new cabins will have staggered seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Air China first introduced the A350-900 in 2018, with the first batch offering 32 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration.

For now, aircraft including the Airbus A330s and Boeing 747, 777 and 787 variants all have a 2-2-2 setup with flat-bed or angled lie-flat seats. With so many widebody planes, the configurations are literally all over the map. The best choices are the centre seats with all-aisle access although couples will also enjoy window side pairs of two seats for greater privacy. On many of Air China’s different seat styles, some customers complain of minimal foot space, especially when the seat is in its fully reclined position.

A few positives and negatives for the seats are worth noting. Row 14 seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes are missing windows making them darker and more claustrophobic.

On the Boeing 747 aircraft, Business Class is situated in the nose of the plane, which is a very private and rather special place to sit, and upstairs. Sitting upstairs on a 747 is a treat and feels more like a small, private jet rather than jumbo plane. Both of these latter setups are in a 2-2 configuration meaning there are fewer passengers around you.

Each seat has a side table, power and USB outlets, a dining table that folds out and storage areas near the armrest. Electronic controls bring the seat into various positions including reclining position for lounging or fully flat for a sound rest. It is best to review the seat map before making a reservation to determine the type of plane and seating style to expect although on some routes, there is no choice of aircraft. The Boeing 747s and A350s are the best of the bunch.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested, before making your choice.

Cuisine

7/10

The airline does a fine job of showcasing Chinese cuisine while also being aware that a percentage of its passengers prefer Western food. When flying Air China, there are options for both giving people the chance to dine their way.

Printed menus outline what is on offer, which is a multi-course affair on its longest flights delivered using impressive china and flatware on a tray served over a cloth-covered table. Ironically, the crew seems rushed in taking orders, perhaps not realizing the long list of options. Some flight attendants take back the menus after ordering. Insist on keeping it to know what you are eating or can enjoy throughout the flight.

After hot towels, an aperitif, amuse bouche and some nuts, the appetiser and salad arrive. For the main meal, there are typically two Western and two Chinese options providing ample selection. Of them, usually one is designed for a vegetarian palate.

The casserole dishes are small and simply reheated in the galley, which means the presentation can sometimes look messy, but the quantity and quality of food are solid.

Dessert soon follows with cake, fruit or cheese, and it is accompanied by drink refills. Everything is served from the galley, which makes the presentation more appealing.

Roughly two to three hours before landing on long flights, a pre-arrival meal with Western and Chinese choices is served and varies based on the time of day.

On select routes, passengers can order what they prefer online before the flight. This comes from the regular onboard menu to assure your preferred choice, but travellers can also pre-order special meals like vegetarian, Muslim, or seafood dishes if they wish. There is no “dine-on-demand” service, but in between flights some light refreshments are set up in the galley. There is also a snack menu of things that can be served at your seat like ice cream, noodle bowls and even waffles.

Beverages

8/10

Before takeoff, flight attendants offer a welcome drink, which is usually Champagne or sparkling wine (the label varies quite often, but can include Drappier Carte d’Or) and water.

Once in the air, the menu includes a variety of white and red wines (including a Chinese option) plus the standard soft drink and juice choices. What Air China deserves credit for is its long list of regional teas including green and herbal selections. This is a lovely way to learn more about the local culture as the menu lists descriptions of each and as well as the growing locations of the leaves.

Beverage refills are proactive, but necessary since the glasses are quite small. Each passenger does have a bottle of water waiting at their seat when they board, and flight attendants are attentive in between meal services offering fresh fruit, water or other beverages on request.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on which Champagne is served in Business Class and First Class on many airlines. We do our best to keep track of any changes, but feel free to let us know if there is something we missed. 

Service

7/10

The service varies by crew, and the biggest obstacle is a language barrier despite all flight attendants speaking some English. What you may find to be reticence is actually more shyness. If you have a little patience, the crew will get to know you, and the experience can be quite memorable. While Air China lacks polish in its service delivery, the intentions are friendly and rather charming.

Entertainment

6/10

A large screen faces the seat and, on most planes, it has both touch-screen and remote-control technology. You will find a number of Chinese, Hollywood and international movie selections and a range of short-subject programs (a limited number of sitcoms and a larger array of documentaries) and music. Do not expect a large selection, but at least the programming is available in many languages.

Basic noise-reducing headsets are available at each seat during boarding. Air China does not offer Wi-Fi. The moving map display on most long-haul flights is rather detailed and provides excellent entertainment.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on WiFi and inflight entertainment.

Amenities & Facilities

8/10

Amenity kits offer L’Occitane toiletries with a nice array of options from lip balm to hand cream. A few more amenities are in the bathrooms, which the crew does a decent job of keeping clean (not always the case on Chinese airlines). Other goodies for passengers include stationary sets and toys for children, which are available on request.

At each seat, passengers will find a pillow and blanket sufficient for the flight, but take note that Air China planes are often kept at a warm temperature. Slippers are a nice touch.

Families travelling with infants can request a bassinet on long-haul flights to use at certain seats.

Short & Medium Haul

8/10

On short and medium-haul flights, Air China uses a mix of widebody and narrowbody aircraft, and on the latter, Business Class tends to feature recliner-style seats. They are perfectly comfortable for shorter sectors, and meal service includes hot selections on most flights with options for Western taste buds. The drink menu always includes a range of coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, wine, beer and spirits although the selection can change based on destination and the size of the galley. On domestic flights, the meal presentation and drink choice can sometimes be less extensive when compared to international flights.

Similarly to what the US airlines do, Air China brands its most premium cabin on domestic flights as First Class, although the seats and service are essentially similar to Business Class. Adding to the confusion, some domestic flights are operated by Boeing 747 or 777 aircraft that normally operate international long haul flights offering Capital Pavilion Business Class and Forbidden Pavilion First Class. On these domestic flights, the Capital Pavilion Business Class is sold as First Class while the Forbidden Pavilion First Class is sold as a more premium First Class unofficially referred to by Air China staff as "Super First Class".

Sustainability

The addition of more fuel-efficient aircraft is a priority, and the airline is trialing the use of green sustainable fuel on some flights.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.

What We Love

  • An emphasis on Chinese elements in flight from the large tea selection to main course dishes
  • The vast network across China and around Asia to cities few other international airlines serve
  • If you are lucky enough to fly in a Boeing 747, Business Class is an intimate and a more private-jet like experience

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.

About the author
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist who is recognised for his comprehensive coverage of the airline, hotel and cruising industries. With an impressive annual mileage of over 450,000 miles and a remarkable journey to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states, and 168 United Nations countries, Ramsey possesses unparalleled expertise in maximising travel loyalty programs. His work, featured in...
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