CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES (Shanghai Hongqiao to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, CZ3596)- AIRBUS A321

Tail fin of China Southern Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Route: Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Departure date of flight: June 2012, evening flight

Flight Number: CZ3596

Flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Airbus A321

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight departed around 10 minutes late due to heavy air traffic control around the Shanghai area. Once we got started there was hardly any sign of any delays, and it actually turned out to be a smooth flight.

Any baggage issues:

No issues- I only had hand luggage.

Comments on the check- in staff and any issues:

No check in issues. Everything went perfectly smoothly at Shanghai Hongqiao airport.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Just drinks, and including tea and coffee.  

Comments regarding the first meal:

For this two-hour flight, a choice of two dishes (Chinese) for dinner. One was noodles with beef, or pork with rice. I opted to take the pork with rice.

The shredded pork and the white rice tasted nothing like one would expect...I took one look under the foil lid and nearly got my eye gouged by a crocodile.... China Southern Airlines in-flight catering needs to be improved.

A tray containing the following was included:

1.     A packet containing pickles
2.     A packet of apple chips (yeah, tastes a cross between your conventional crisps and an apple)
3.     A small pot of mineral water offered by Bilin.

The above dishes were accompanied with tea or coffee (and beer if needed).

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks were offered before (orange juice and water), during, and after the meal. Plenty of milk, coffee, and tea. There was also local Yanjing beer (Guangzhou brand).

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

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The cabin crew seemed proud to work for China Southern Airlines, and were very welcoming.

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

The brand new A321 aircraft belonging to China Southern Airlines had a seat configuration of 2-2 in First Class, and a configuration of 3-3 in Economy Class. The plane was very clean, felt fresh, and the toilets showed signs of a new plane out of the factory.

Economy Class seats have a pitch of 32 inches, and a width of 18 inches (139 seats)
First Class seats have a pitch of 38 inches, and a width of 21 inches (20 seats).

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 6

Take off!! Spectacular view as we leave Shanghai for Guangzhou!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh