When planning my recent trip to Japan, I stumbled upon some surprisingly affordable fares with China Southern Airlines. Like many travelers seeking value without sacrificing too much comfort, I was intrigued but cautious. After my journey and reading others’ experiences, here’s what you should know before booking.
The Baggage Benefit
One standout positive: China Southern offers generous baggage allowances compared to many competitors. With 46kg of checked luggage (typically as 2x23kg bags), it’s perfect for those who don’t travel light. Several travelers mentioned this perk remained intact even when they were rebooked on partner airlines due to cancellations – a silver lining to schedule disruptions.
The Booking Experience
A word of caution regarding third-party booking sites. Some passengers reported issues with certain agencies that have questionable reviews. Booking directly through China Southern’s website seems to provide better service, including the ability to select seats in advance – something many passengers found impossible through third-party sites.
Flight Cancellations and Changes
This appears to be the biggest pain point. Multiple travelers shared stories of flight cancellations, sometimes with little notice. One traveler mentioned going to Sydney airport three times for a rescheduled flight before their wedding. While the airline typically offers hotel accommodation or compensation, this level of disruption can be stressful, especially for time-sensitive travel.
The Transit Experience
China Southern operates primarily through Guangzhou (CAN), with some flights through Beijing. Several travelers inquired about extending their layovers for a mini-vacation in China. While opinions varied on whether this affects pricing significantly, it appears to be possible, especially when booking directly with the airline.
Some passengers reported receiving free transit accommodation in Guangzhou depending on cabin class and connection time – a nice touch for long layovers.
The In-Flight Experience
Comfort reviews were mixed. A taller traveler found the headrest design problematic, noting it stops at neck level, making it difficult to rest comfortably, especially in middle or aisle seats. However, they mentioned leg room was surprisingly decent.
Multiple passengers commented positively about the meal service, with plenty of meals and snacks provided during their journey.
Check-In Challenges
Several travelers mentioned issues with online check-in, particularly without a Chinese mobile number. This resulted in long queues at airport check-in counters – something to factor into your airport arrival time.
The Verdict
China Southern offers compelling value with its generous baggage allowance and competitive pricing. However, the potential for schedule disruptions and some comfort limitations might give pause to travelers on tight schedules or those prioritizing comfort above all else.
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler with some flexibility in your plans and you don’t mind potentially dealing with rebookings, China Southern might be worth considering for your next trip to Japan or beyond.
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