Discussion · VoyageForum

Translated into English.

Original post

Jbec

11 posts

2024-12-06

Hi there,

I’m looking at tickets for Thailand, and China Southern has some great prices. When I check reviews on TripAdvisor, though, there are some really bad ones—but as usual, people only leave reviews when they’re unhappy. So I’d love to hear how this airline generally is?

Tatra Globetrotter ·2024-12-07

Hi there,

China Southern is an airline that emerged from the historic Chinese state-owned aviation pool. It's a large carrier, currently in the same alliance as Air France, and there’s nothing particularly noteworthy to say about it. It’s similar to Air France—not in the top 10, but a perfectly normal airline. There’s no reason to hesitate if you’re okay with a layover in China.

Michel

Dennis2 Regular ·2024-12-07

No better or worse, it flies, we get food, not much else to say. Well, in economy class, anyway—I don’t know about the others… I’ve flown with them several times, had an issue once (weather-related), got stuck in Shanghai, hotel night paid for, it was fine. The main problem with Chinese airlines is still English communication—it’s not really their thing…

Patrick91230 Globetrotter ·2024-12-07

Hi China Southern hasn’t been part of the SkyTeam alliance for almost 6 years now. They wanted their independence and don’t belong to any alliance anymore. Given the size of the airline, it’s understandable why. Its sisters, China Eastern and Xiamen Airlines (which is 51% owned by China Southern), are still in SkyTeam with AF. 😉

Personally, I’ve flown with them several times and never had any issues—the planes are modern (A350), though sometimes the layovers are long, even *very* long, and the airline no longer provides free hotel rooms. I’d recommend Xiamen Airlines (B787) instead—they’re often cheap and include a free hotel room with free breakfast if needed, plus a free one-way transfer (return is paid, by taxi or bus depending on the hotel). 4 €.

Cordialement, Patrick.

Tatra Globetrotter ·2024-12-07

Hi there,

You're right, China Southern did leave the alliance five years ago—I’d completely missed that. SkyTeam isn’t really my thing; I only fly with them by accident. I’m not sure fleet size is the deciding factor here, but if you say so 😉. It *is* a huge airline, though. Since we’re on the topic of Chinese carriers, I’ve heard great things about Hainan, the airline based in Haikou. They’re not part of any alliance either, if I’m not mistaken.

Michel

Patrick91230 Globetrotter ·2024-12-08

Hi there, With over 620 aircraft currently, it's one of the largest airlines in the world. Hainan Airlines has come a long way after its owner's bankruptcy—I think the Chinese state took control of nearly 50% via the Hainan administration. It's well-rated for a Chinese airline and holds a 5-star rating.😉

Cordialement, Patrick.

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