Sichuan Airlines

6 replies

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

Has anyone flown this airline from Chengdu to Melbourne? Opinion?

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 181

Not from Melbourne, but yes I’ve flown them. They are fine, nothing special. Probably the worst out of the Chinese Airlines I’ve flown, their A330s are dated and the airport in Chengdu sucks. Business class fares were dirt cheap when I last used em (cheaper than economy on other airlines). Never used their A350.


If you need to be in Chengdu I’d still take the direct flight over a one stop option, but if you’re just in transit I’d look at Hainan/Beijing Capital, then China Eastern then China Southern. Haven’t tried Xiamen yet but look forward to it,

Last editedby Dredgy at May 10, 2019, 01:13 AM.

Jason526

Member since 16 Nov 2018

Total posts 3

As my hometown is in Chengdu, I've always taken Sichuan Airlines between Melbourne and Chengdu. The biggest advantage of course is the 10.5-hour direct flight comparing to a 14-hour stopover.


I have seen the improvement on hardware from day 1 of operation. At beginning A330-200 was used. Business class seats were 2-2-2 angle lie flat. The so-called dentist chair. Then they started to use A330-300. Parallel Diamond flat bed seats but still in 2-2-2 configuration. Not all aisle access but great for travelling couple. Now they use brand new A350-900. 1-2-1 Zodiac herringbone lie flat seats with all aisle access.

At Melbourne departure, Sichuan Airline uses Qantas International Business Lounge. At Chengdu departure, they use the airport lounge. Because the departure time is 2am, so no hot food in the lounge.

Crew are attentive and friendly, but English is only OK. Sichuan Airlines has put big effort in to promote Sichuan food onboard. I find the food not amazing but still tasty. Chengdu departed flight has better food than Melbourne departed flight. In-flight entertainment needs update. Some movies are so old.

Sichuan Airlines only started expanding their long haul international flights in the past 3-5 years. There is still a lot for them to learn. I wouldn't say Air China/China Eastern/Southern is a lot better. Sometimes you just can't resist business class return for $2000 and economy for $600 return. Bonus if your destination is Chengdu.

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

As my hometown is in Chengdu, I've always taken Sichuan Airlines between Melbourne and Chengdu. The biggest advantage of course is the 10.5-hour direct flight comparing to a 14-hour stopover.

I have seen the improvement on hardware from day 1 of operation. At beginning A330-200 was used. Business class seats were 2-2-2 angle lie flat. The so-called dentist chair. Then they started to use A330-300. Parallel Diamond flat bed seats but still in 2-2-2 configuration. Not all aisle access but great for travelling couple. Now they use brand new A350-900. 1-2-1 Zodiac herringbone lie flat seats with all aisle access.

At Melbourne departure, Sichuan Airline uses Qantas International Business Lounge. At Chengdu departure, they use the airport lounge. Because the departure time is 2am, so no hot food in the lounge.

Crew are attentive and friendly, but English is only OK. Sichuan Airlines has put big effort in to promote Sichuan food onboard. I find the food not amazing but still tasty. Chengdu departed flight has better food than Melbourne departed flight. In-flight entertainment needs update. Some movies are so old.

Sichuan Airlines only started expanding their long haul international flights in the past 3-5 years. There is still a lot for them to learn. I wouldn't say Air China/China Eastern/Southern is a lot better. Sometimes you just can't resist business class return for $2000 and economy for $600 return. Bonus if your destination is Chengdu.

What frequent flyer programs are they affiliated with? (I am meaning not their own one)

koji

Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club

Member since 11 Jun 2018

Total posts 58

As my hometown is in Chengdu, I've always taken Sichuan Airlines between Melbourne and Chengdu. The biggest advantage of course is the 10.5-hour direct flight comparing to a 14-hour stopover.

I have seen the improvement on hardware from day 1 of operation. At beginning A330-200 was used. Business class seats were 2-2-2 angle lie flat. The so-called dentist chair. Then they started to use A330-300. Parallel Diamond flat bed seats but still in 2-2-2 configuration. Not all aisle access but great for travelling couple. Now they use brand new A350-900. 1-2-1 Zodiac herringbone lie flat seats with all aisle access.

At Melbourne departure, Sichuan Airline uses Qantas International Business Lounge. At Chengdu departure, they use the airport lounge. Because the departure time is 2am, so no hot food in the lounge.

Crew are attentive and friendly, but English is only OK. Sichuan Airlines has put big effort in to promote Sichuan food onboard. I find the food not amazing but still tasty. Chengdu departed flight has better food than Melbourne departed flight. In-flight entertainment needs update. Some movies are so old.

Sichuan Airlines only started expanding their long haul international flights in the past 3-5 years. There is still a lot for them to learn. I wouldn't say Air China/China Eastern/Southern is a lot better. Sometimes you just can't resist business class return for $2000 and economy for $600 return. Bonus if your destination is Chengdu.

What frequent flyer programs are they affiliated with? (I am meaning not their own one)

Short answer is no. On some certain routes with certain codeshares, the miles can go China Southern Airlines which won’t help most of us in AU

Jason526

Member since 16 Nov 2018

Total posts 3

As my hometown is in Chengdu, I've always taken Sichuan Airlines between Melbourne and Chengdu. The biggest advantage of course is the 10.5-hour direct flight comparing to a 14-hour stopover.

I have seen the improvement on hardware from day 1 of operation. At beginning A330-200 was used. Business class seats were 2-2-2 angle lie flat. The so-called dentist chair. Then they started to use A330-300. Parallel Diamond flat bed seats but still in 2-2-2 configuration. Not all aisle access but great for travelling couple. Now they use brand new A350-900. 1-2-1 Zodiac herringbone lie flat seats with all aisle access.

At Melbourne departure, Sichuan Airline uses Qantas International Business Lounge. At Chengdu departure, they use the airport lounge. Because the departure time is 2am, so no hot food in the lounge.

Crew are attentive and friendly, but English is only OK. Sichuan Airlines has put big effort in to promote Sichuan food onboard. I find the food not amazing but still tasty. Chengdu departed flight has better food than Melbourne departed flight. In-flight entertainment needs update. Some movies are so old.

Sichuan Airlines only started expanding their long haul international flights in the past 3-5 years. There is still a lot for them to learn. I wouldn't say Air China/China Eastern/Southern is a lot better. Sometimes you just can't resist business class return for $2000 and economy for $600 return. Bonus if your destination is Chengdu.

What frequent flyer programs are they affiliated with? (I am meaning not their own one)

Their own program is called Golden Panda. And no, the program is not associated with any alliance. Because China Southern has stakes in Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, you can earn Golden Panda miles on certain codeshare flights and enjoy some elite level priorities.

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

Well now I've flown them, and I'd say this. Transferring from domestic to International at Chengdhu was a nightmare. Service was good, food was mediocre. Staff were very professional. Convenience is the attraction, direct flight.

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