Hainan Airlines journey from Beijing to Bangkok.
Hi all, it's been a while I know!
I am behind on more than 150+ flights since my last review, I will try to find some time and upload as much as I can.
In the meantime, let me take you on a journey to Thailand from Ireland, via Beijing. This report will cover the second leg, and then at some point soon, I will upload the Dublin-Bangkok journey.
I thought to share this flight as the B737 Max was not featured in Flight Report yet, so here I am presenting to you this flight. I recommend you also watch the YouTube video as I tried to replicate the full flight as condensed as possible.
After spending almost a day in Beijing City Centre, it was time to head back to the airport.
Hainan operates in Terminal 2 in Beijing, so this is where I was. To note, Air China operates from T3.
After passing security and immigration, here I was airside, 1h30mins before my flight. Most duty free shops were already closed at this point.
My gate was Gate 05, so this was exactly behind the BGS lounge. So I waited in the lounge instead. Selection was minimal, some fruits, few cold meals, snacks, hot drinks, soft drinks and few spirits. It was definitely a more comfortable wait there.
Apologies I don't have a lot of lounge pictures, I was mostly on calls all the time. But here is a snippet of it. Look how small those Clémentines are!
Then was time for boarding! As expected, our aircraft was a Boeing B737 Max.
The aircraft registration was B-1387, just over 6 years old at the time of the report. I would find that on later onboard as no information was given prior.
Question for you!! Would you fly the B737 Max or avoid it?
Once on board, I sat down my seat on 31K. Notice the red colours reflecting Hainan's brand.
Checking the reg on the wing!
On board announcement was made and we already were on the way. Beacon on, pushback was initiated.
Korean's B737 Max operated their ICN-PEK route on that day. It was already boarding the passengers back for Seoul.
We then started our engines, and spotted those powerful red Gulfstreams
We then taxied to the active runway, 18L. See the cabin ambience.
Wanted to check if we had Wi-Fi, and interesting WiFi name! Genius I have to say!
And off go to Bangkok, Take-off!
As soon as we reached cruising altitude, seatbelt sign was off and the meal was served. There was a choice of beef, seafood or chicken. I opted for the beef this time.
Alongside the Beef with rice, we were served a Tuna,lettuce cucumber and tomato salad. A piece of white bread was served as well.
Drink service availed of Water, Juice Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks and Spirits. Surprise too, they had coconut water. I opted for the latter. Coconut water is hydrating and is incredible when you fly. I recommend you to drink Coco water whenever you fly, you will thank me later.
I then took a nice visit to the Loo, it was very narrow in the back of the galley, but clean.
We then initiated decent into Bangkok.
And Thai in sight, we indeed are landing in Bangkok!
Touchdown!! Reverse in motion, autobrake low… and we landed in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi!
The home of Thai Airways indeed
We then taxied to our stand, and spotted Air Busan A21N and China Southern B38M!
Engines off, seatbelt sign off- it's time to get out of the aircraft and head to the City!
Thanks very much for reading! Let me know your thoughts!
Thanks for sharing this HU regional report. HU is definitely one of the best mainland carriers, but would have expected more from the catering since this is essentially what they serve on 2h domestic flights. It’s strange how many mainland carriers send narrow-bodies down to BKK (HO does the same from PVG) since as you said they can’t offer the same experience as a wide-body with no IFE and tighter seat pitch. HU had a tough time the past couple of years so hopefully they can find their footing again with the long-haul market.