Hainan Airlines is generally considered to be the best mainland Chinese carrier, as they are a Skytrax 5-star airline (whatever that means nowadays). I'm excited to fly them soon between Los Angeles and Changsha, a route which they're launching today. The flight will be operated 2x weekly using a 787 aircraft. When the route was…
Continue reading: Hainan Airlines Offering Limo Service For Business Class Passengers
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@Lucky- Not related to this article, but came across this post and found it interesting. This hotel which I presume most of us don't even know was ranked the best in the world by TripAdvisor. Any thought?
http://m.ndtv.com/profit/umaid-bhawan-palace-is-worlds-best-hotel-tripadvisor-1268447
Not sure why everyone doubts Skytrax ratings... I feel it's always spot on, not only by carrier, but by cabin as well...
Interesting. When you book a flight in R cabin (such as the discounted business fares), it shows this warning message: "Dear Passengers, if the business class seat you have booked is in the R cabin, you will not be able to use the VIP shuttle bus service."
Is the VIP shuttle bus service something else?
@ Kevin -- Very puzzling! In the process of confirming my chauffeur, so I guess we'll see.
Off Topic: Looks like according to the message you are "available" for the "limo servicer." It'll be funny if a mechanic shows up, without any limo or other ride, saying he's the limo servicer.
Lucky, we just looked at our reservation and it states clearly "We are providing VIP passengers who select Europe and America Business Class (C/D/I) flights self-operated by Hainan Airlines with a luxury car service to and from the airport...:"
No "R."
@Fred: If you check the website (Lucky provided a link) R class is included (as of 1/6/2016). I'm guessing they forgot to update the conditions on the email that goes out to ticketed passengers.
Angel, As Mrs. Fredd just said, "Wow!" The e-mail I received was Dec. 30.
Thanks for pointing that out.
This chauffeur service is also available in Toronto (their other North American gateway) in C, D or I classes. Service will allow pick-ups within 50km (30 miles) of Toronto Pearson airport which is pretty good. As far as I know, the only others which offer a similar included service in Toronto are Emirates (within a larger distance of 80kms) and Etihad (also 50kms).
Flew Hainan from YYZ to PEK back in 2013. They only offered chauffeur service in China at the time. Booked it via the local office in YYZ. Arrived at PEK in Terminal 2 and I see a guy holding a sign with my name on it as we enter the customs hall. He walks us up to the front of the line, breeze through to baggage claim and walks us to the Mercedes E class limo waiting outside. Driver didn't talk at all which was fine. Very efficient IMO. 🙂
I believe other Chinese airlines, such as Air China, have offered chauffeur service as well. Not clear on the current status though.
I was about the tell you about this!. They also provide overnight hotel and shuttle service for those transferring in PEK for over 6 hours, for ALL customers.
Maybe soon the long-spoiled US airlines will start to complain about the Hainan, along with the Middle East ones, for doing too much for customers and causing "unfair" competition.
Perusing the site and found this tidbit. I am departing SEA for PEK 4-4-17, Bus "I". Just arranged for the limo to my hotel via the 888 number Lucky provided. I will give you an update once I go through the process. Thanks Lucky!
I am flying Seattle - Beijing business class round trip next month. I was thinking the limo service was only for my Beijing airport transfer. Glad I found this article. I will now request for Seattle as well. Pretty amazing if they will provide all 4 transfers. I flew with them about 18 months ago (Seattle to Phuket via Beijing). Thought the business class product was very good. My only complaint was the cabin temperature was VERY warm for all 4 flights.