26 August 2007
CA1837 SHA-CAN
Block Time: 2hrs 15mins
Airbus 319
Seat 1A First Class

First Class- Load 90%
Economy Class- 85%

Accumulating enough miles for a one way First Class ticket, i decided to trade in the miles as i knew there was really no use for them and they were about to expire before the end of the year so why not right? I was a bit dissapointed there were no flights to Guangzhou (CAN) from the new Shanghai Pudong Airport (International), there would have been a better overall experience.

CHECK IN
I arrived at the airport about 2 hours early and decided that i might as well check in an chill out at the lounge inside. I got to the First Class Counters and i was supprised at the reply, "I'm sorry, its too early to check in for your flight." I guess theres no room for my luggage in the back. losing my mind, i started exploring the 3 shops and several kiosks in the check in hall. There was a cloud of ciagrette smoke throughout the entire terminal. Passing Air China check in terminal a few times, i decided that it was long enough of a wait and SUCCESS! I got my boarding pass and checked my baggage. Lucky for me, there was a Priority line for Premier passengers and avoided the long lines and a chance of getting skipped in line. I was through in a breeze and on my way to the First Class lounge.

LOUNGE

The lounge was a sad and gloomy place. It was overcroweded and inside with no windows, limited periodicals which consisted of inflight magazines and local news papers (Written in Chinese), there was a small movie viewing room, four computers with internet that were always occupied, a small self serve refreshments counter with some cookies, cappacino machine, instant soup (Just add hot water) and a stacked fridge. The receptionist announced the boarding calls and as i left the lounge i recieved a warm goodbye, which were one of the only upps of the experience.

BOARDING

I found out that there were not enough air-bridges as my gate was down the esculator. The whole boarding process was hectic. i had no idea where the gate was from the passengers standing around. i found the sign that said A9 and headed towards the opening. I handed the gate agent my boarding pass and she immediately gestured a male agent over. he escorted me to the VIP shuttle bus and handed back my boarding pass. We waited for a few minute before the last premium passenger got on the bus and we took off towards the plane in the ramp. As we pulled up to the aircraft, economy passengers were already climbing up the airstairs. The last time i checked, i though premium passengers board first.



Boarding via the AirStairs


Captain doing last minute preps before take off

As i stepped onto the plane, i was the first passenger in F class in the cabin. As all the economy passengers made their way to the back, i took my seat and looked cool.


My seat, 1A

The Purser immediately came around with water and orange juice. in about ten minutes, the main door was closed and latched. The regular safety demonstrations were performed and in no time we were at the runway.



the engines roared and we took to the skies. from above out of all the smog and dust, the view of China actually looked quite nice.


Blue Skies above China

Meal service began immediately after the seat belt signs were turned off.

There were two main courses to choose from and i stuck with the pork and had a glass of Coca-Cola

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Bread selections

a light salad topped with a vinigarette dressing

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Pork stew

or

Filet of fish

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vegetables and shrimps

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watermellons


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The entire meal in one tray


Garlic bread and roll


Fruit and salad

It was approaching sunset and it gave the cabin a nice cozy and warm feel. time just drifted by after dinner.



We arrived ontime at the new Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

Thanks for reading!

[Edited 2007-12-31 20:52:05]

[Edited 2007-12-31 20:53:00]