Review of Air China flight from Shenzhen to Los Angeles in Economy

First blog post of 2020. 
Just arrived from my previous flight from Harbin, and now it's time to check-in for my international flight across the Pacific to LA. 

check-in at shenzhen

The counter opened up as soon as the aircraft took off from its origin, Beijing, operating for the inbound flight PEK-SZX. Check-in process was smooth and quick for an international flight. Air China provided 2 free checked bags under 23 kilos each for China to North America trips for economy passengers.

SZX international lounge

Airport operated contract lounge accessible via priority pass. 

Lounge offers free high speed wifi. Overall it was a great place to hangout and be productive before long flight without wifi (nightmare for teenagers).

There is a separate dining area, though not much food was being served…

Noodle station was a nice touch.

Dinner hour: 1700-1930 though  it was 9 pm when I got there… And they are still serving noodles?

Some ready to go food and beverages. Great selection although a tad underwhelming for an international lounge.

Really appreciate the amount of outlets and USB ports here.

air china boeing 787-9 economy class

Boarding began 30 minutes late with no announcements whatsoever. Only one gate agent was there and apparently had no idea what was going on. If I get a penny each time she says "I'm not sure" I would not be flying in economy.

Nice terminal design, a bit like Mexico City (MEX)

Finally boarding began around scheduled departure time.

Taking my last gulp of semi-fresh air before submitting to recycled air inside a metal tube between 300 people.

This will be more 4th time flying an Air China dreamliner.  Great plane with one major flaw, the lack of wifi.

Passing by premium economy (more like economy comfort) section. When will Air China offer a real premium economy product?

Economy class is where I belong with my ridiculously cheap ticket…

Amazing legroom + footrest for short people including me.

The PTV screen was large, responsive, and very clear.

Link to safety video on similar aircraft 748.

The usual suspects blanket and pillow were found at the seat.

And not long after we're off to Los Angeles, marking the start of the end of my vacation.

Midnight dinner was served. Bibimbap made with mystery meat but it tasted very good so doesn't matter.

Slept for a solid 8 hours thanks to generous 6 inch recline and plush padding.

Inflight self served snacks and drinks. 
Jus de Pomme. One of the few things I still remember from my French class. 

Cabin shot. Most people were sleeping through this overnight flight.

ENTERTAINMENT

Like I said before, the high def screen was responsive and large, and has a wide variety of recent movies (though reduced according to Chinese standards aka no kissing no touching etc.). The only thing missing was WIFI!! Wifi has become a "new normal" that airlines are being criticized  on not having it.

Breakfast was served couple hours before landing…It was daylight outside but crew took control to dim the windows…
This  is the best breakfast I have ever had in economy class in 2019… The bacon and the cheese and the perfectly scrambled juicy egg is probably standard fare in the states but hard to procure in Manchuria. 

Air China: Feel free to charge up your devices, but you can't internet…

Back to California, a state where outer appearance trumps everything else…

arrival

My mom told me if you have nothing positive to say, don't say anything. Here's a SNL skit to sum up my custom and immigration experience.