Did a short weekend break in Hong Kong this past weekend for some shopping and oyster dining. Staying true to China Eastern, i used some miles and upgraded myself and mrs. PVGAMS to business class. The aircraft used was MU's A330-200, one which i've flown a couple times between PVG/SHA-PEK as well as PVG-FRA. I enjoy their seats in C, the service is usually good, FAs are polite to me, all in all quite enjoyable for the short hops. On top of that, prices through local agents here are always very competitive.
Unfortunately both outbound and inbound were delayed (1 hour), but then again this is normal in China, and actually, 1 hour isn't bad. Lounge at PVG T1 was the one by gate 22, one i've used for KLM flights before. Nothing great, couple snacks, couple PCs, and a TV that was showing Chinese Women's Weightlifting Championships. After a short wait, boarded MU 509, took my seat, and was served a hot towel, orange juice, and water. Flight took off shortly after, with business class approximately 75% full. Flight was uneventful, had a little chicken for dinner, watched half a movie, and after a bumpy descent and landing, we were at HKIA. Immigration was a breeze compared to the usual 30 minute wait at HKG and in no time we were on the bus headed for Kowloon. (First time taking the bus A21, as i usually opt for the Airport Express. Have to say, its easy, cheap, and very efficient as it dropped us off right in front of the hotel).
After two days in HK it was time to head back to Shanghai. Checked out of the hotel and again caught the bus back to the airport. An hour later we were at check-in, got our boarding passes and headed for the lounge. The lounge was the China Aviation lounge by gate 16, right across from the lounge used by KA. I've read mixed reviews on this lounge, but compared to the lounges i experience in mainland China and compared to the MU lounge at T1 in PVG, it was pretty good. Good selection of drinks, comfortable chairs, spacious, good view of the tarmac, and some selection of warm and cold foods. We didn't stay there too long, instead choosing to walk around and do some final shopping. After an hour of that, it was time for boarding. Again, very smooth, used the business class line. On board i was again given the customary warm towel, orange juice, and water. Business class on the inbound was very empty, only 3/24. I chose the chicken again, gave most of it to mrs. PVGAMS as i wasn't that hungry, and finished off with some fruit and haagen dazs. Finished the movie i was watching on the outbound, and before i knew it we were starting our descent. Switched to seat 1A to take some pictures. Landed at PVG after about 2 hours in the air, disembarked and were the only ones at the "Foreigners" section at immigration. Got to the car, only for mrs. PVGAMS to realize that she'd left her iphone on the plane. Went back inside, reported the missing phone, after which they radioed to the gate asking for someone to retrieve it. It was found but told we would have to wait 45 minutes before we could get it back, it had to go to another building where lost and found is located, then released by them, then brought to the main terminal, passing through all sorts of checks.... As it was late we decided to go home, and the phone was picked up by the company driver the next day. That and the slight delays were the only glitches the entire trip.
In closing, it was again a pleasant experience on MU. Haven't had many problems with them over the years as compared to CA. FM isn't that bad either. I will continue to fly them on the domestic and regional routes whenever possible, and am quite happy they are on the way to joining SkyTeam.
Some pics of the trip below:
[Edited 2009-04-27 19:27:45]
