CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES (Guiyang Airport to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport), AIRBUS A320

Route: Guiyang Airport to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
 
Departure date and time of flight: 17:30 on the 3rd of January

Flight Number: MU5314

Flight duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Airbus A321

Punctuality of the flight:
 
The flight departed and landed on time (rare for this to happen).

Any baggage issues:
 
No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece. Despite being the main airport serving the capital city of Guizhou province, Guiyang airport is relatively quiet and a small domestic airport.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

The check-in staff were polite, and very professional. There was no problem what so ever.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Choice of drinks (standard- tea, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade or coca cola). There was no alcohol served on this flight as alcohol is not served on domestic flights in China. I asked for orange juice, and a coffee. The orange juice was provided from a carton of a local brand (not Dole!), and the coffee was instant (but drinkable). 

Comments regarding the First meal:

A lovely colourful cardboard box was presented with the following contents:

1. A plain bread bun (boring and simple...would have tasted better if they had provided us with butter)
2. A slice of fresh orange

 
The best part of the meal was the HOT and delicious options of: either chicken with rice, or beef with rice. I opted for the chicken with rice. The chicken was tender and well cooked, while both the rice and the vegetables were of an edible quality. Though it was not the kind of quality you would get on most international carriers outside of China, but still very edible and delicious.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks was offered after the meal. Again, no alcohol was served.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

There was no in-flight entertainment system installed on this aircraft, as the aircraft was old. China Eastern Airlines operate a mixture of old and new aircraft. Normally, the older aircraft are used on domestic routes.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The staff were very proud of their brand image and represented their airline at the highest level possible. When under a situation of high pressure, the staff seemed to act with professionalism and integrity.

Improvements that could be made:

None. For such a short flight, you could not really ask for much.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The seats in Economy Class on the Airbus A321 have a pitch of 32 inches recline, and are 17.8 inches wide.

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 8

In-flight catering, China Eastern Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

In-flight catering, China Eastern Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Guizhou style in-flight catering, China Eastern Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh