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,
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
Sichuan Airlines
lind26
lind26
Member since 24 Apr 2014
Total posts 231
Has anyone flown this airline from Chengdu to Melbourne? Opinion?
Dredgy
Dredgy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Apr 2017
Total posts 180
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.
Jason526
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.
lind26
lind26
Member since 24 Apr 2014
Total posts 231
What frequent flyer programs are they affiliated with? (I am meaning not their own one)
koji
koji
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 11 Jun 2018
Total posts 58
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
Jason526
Member since 16 Nov 2018
Total posts 3
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
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.