Please Select the Language

English Spanish

Prologue:

Welcome to this last leg of my trip where I fly UA's 744 back to SFO.

After my arrival from HND I stayed at the Langham PEK airport hotel and the next morning I take the shuttle back to the airport.

I arrive at the massive terminal 3 and look for the UA counter.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

CA handles UA operations and I was checked in by an efficient but robotic agent at the premier line. No smile or small talk.

photo 640x640 3

There was a huge line at passport control but the line eventually moves. Once I reach the officer he asked me about the portion of the form that had my dept. information. I remember that upon arrival in PEK Immigrations took that portion of the form and did not give it back so I thought that it was not needed. The officer tried to search for one in his booth but did not find any so he directed me to get one from one of the stands. I quickly filled one out and asked one of the staff controlling the line if she will let me in the front because of what happened. She directed me to another line and proceeded to close it behind me telling me to just stay there. A couple of minutes later another agent stamped my passport and I was on my way to security. Security was a pain and they were very thorough. My carry-on was screened 3 times and I had to empty the contents in a bin.

photo 640x640 3

Once at the other side i headed to the CA J lounge. incidentally i learned that if you have Priority Pass you have a choice between the J or F lounge. The terminal is huge and an air of tranquility pervades despite the chaos outside. The small garden in the corner is a welcomed and inviting addition.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

A lot has been said and written about airport lounges in PEK but I prefer to experience it by myself before I can formulate an opinion. I did not have any problems finding this lounge and check-in was quick. I found the interior to be roomy with empty seats along the hallway with a self serve bar. There is a buffet area right after you enter but this one is reserved for snacks only. The hardcore stuff is found in the back. When I arrived they had an assortment of steamed and hot dishes. There was a small counter with some sushi that appeared to be of industrial quality and you had to get an attendant to serve them to you. If you don't find the food palatable enough I guess you can exit and go down to Pizza Hut or KFC.

photo 640x640 3

Reception.

photo 640x640 3

Buffet after entrance with limited snacks.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Bar.

photo 640x640 3

Buffet.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Snacks.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Airplane spotting.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Gate.

photo 640x640 3

The crew showed up at one point and a few minutes later boarding commenced. We were advised that today's flight was going to be full and agents were soliciting bags to be checked. Since this was a flight to the U.S. there was one last security check before boarding the plane which was quick. A FA welcomed me aboard and I proceeded all the way to the end of the plane.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

IFE was old school. UA chose not to install individual screens on the 747's.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

The 744 is an old plane and the entertainment system in the back of the cabin did not play at all so FA's had to do a live safety demonstration. As far as I could tell every seat was taken and this was going to be a crowded ride with FA's were helping passengers find storage space in the overhead bins. We were stuck at the gate for a good 45-60 min. due to military maneuvers around the airport. The captain kept us updated of the situation. Finally we were allowed to take off and when we leveled off dinner service started followed right after by a drink service. I ordered a Hindu meal and this is what I was presented.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

I guess in PEK dolmas are considered Hindu.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

After I finished my meal I asked the FA if it would be possible to try a regular meal. She brought me a pork dish with a smile.

photo 640x640 3

Once all the trays were cleared ice cream and a bottle of water were distributed.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

The overhead screens started to play a movie and suddenly froze and stayed like that for a long time. They were eventually turned off.

photo 640x640 3

Snacks.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Midflight snack - vegetarian sandwich. Yuck!

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

I asked for a turkey sandwich.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

After the meal service FA's retreated and appeared once again for the pre-arrival meal. There was severe turbulence during this time so FA's did a quick service and limited half filled hot drinks for those who wanted coffee or tea.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

WC. Clean but lacking toiletries.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

Lagham PEK Airport According to my research the two closest hotels to T3 @ PEK are the Hilton and Langham. I chose the Langham PEK airport for my overnight stay. Having stayed at one of their properties in London a long time ago in the 1990's I was remotely familiar with the brand and kind of knew what to expect. The shuttle took a good 20-25 min. to arrive at the airport to pick the guests and once we arrived I stood in line to check-in. One of the front desk agents rang a device and immediately another staff appeared and helped me.

photo 640x640 3

The room was spacious well appointed comfortable and with a great view as I discovered the following morning.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

View from the room.

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

I opened the window for a moment and upon closing it I see debris falling on the floor. O.o

photo 640x640 3

I look up and I find this.

photo 640x640 3

Leaving the hotel

photo 640x640 3

photo 640x640 3

========== Beijing Capital Arpt (PEK) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 6/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 8/10
General cleanliness: 9/10

========== Air China Business Class Lounge T3 E ==========



Staff Service: 7/10
Entertainment: 7/10
Business Center: /10
Food: 7/10
Lounge Design: 8/10
Spa and Bathroom: 8/10
Wifi: 8/10

========== United Airlines - Airline ==========



Cabine comfort: 8/10
Crew: 9/10
Entertainment: 4/10
On-time performance: 9/10
Appetizer: 8/10
Starter: 7/10
Main Meal: 7/10
Main Meal-2: 0/10
Cheese: 0/10
Desserts: 8/10
Alcohols: 0/10
Mid-flight snack: 6/10
Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 6/10

========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 10/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 9/10

Summary:

I was glad that I had the opportunity to visit the CA J lounge and did not find it as dreadful as some reviewers thought. There was plenty of empty seats when I arrived and although the catering could be improved, I appreciated that they tried to offer a variety of hot and local dishes. WC's were relatively clean and staff were quick to retrieve dirty dishes.

The opportunity to fly on the 744 was priceless since it was announced that the plane would be retired soon by the time that I took this flight. I was reasonably comfortable in one of the pair of seats in the back. Crew was friendly and did the job in an efficient way. Catering was acceptable and taste was decent.

I received an email from UA when I arrived apologizing for the IFE malfunction and offering me 5000 miles in my account or USD 100 off discount for a future trip. UA was very proactive in the way it handled the IFE situation and it left a positive impression on me. I took the discount for a future trip with another 744.

18 Comments

  • AntoinePil


    Hi Panda! Thanks for this interesting YTR! It sounds incredible not to have IFE for such a long flight!

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Antoine,

    Yes, it is incredible. I guess that is why they were retired. ;) But no worries, I have an active imagination and can think of something to entertain myself. : P
  • Thomas


    Hi Adan, thanks for that review. My goodness, no IFE and I assume nowhere to plug your devices. Yeah the lounge seems decent enough as well as the meal.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Thomas,

    I would take the 744 with or without IFE any day. ;) At least they try at the CA lounge and the bar is self service.
  • Casper


    Panda strikes again ! A nice read. The lounge is not that shabby, the meal looks fine for Y and it's UA. Thanks Adan for sharing another review.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Casper,

    I can pack a punch if needed. ;) Lounge is average - Not the best but not the worst either. Can't complain too much about the meal on UA. It used to be terrible before but now is somewhat edible. On top of that I got 2 main dishes so I'm happy.
  • GG_007


    Thanks for sharing this TR

    "My carry-on was screened 3 times and I had to empty the contents in a bin."
    Hum, what did you take home ???

    " incidentally i learned that if you have Priority Pass you have a choice between the J or F lounge"
    So you can imagine the level of the F lounge ;)

    "If you don't find the food palatable enough I guess you can exit and go down to Pizza Hut or KFC."
    That's for our yankees cousins lol
    Even if the food is far from looking fancy it looks edible.

    Two meals in a row !
    Great !
    The regular meal looks better to me

    Organic vanilla ice cream to end the festivities

    "Snacks."
    Asian style !

    "Midflight snack - vegetarian sandwich. Yuck!"
    Hindu meal ! You got what you asked

    "I asked for a turkey sandwich."
    That's because of people like you that UA (and other airlines) need
    to make cost cuttings :(

    "the pre-arrival meal"
    Only one (very light) pre-arrival meal for you ???

    All in all a rather good flight with UA
    You choose flying on an old airplane with old FAs

    See you soon



    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Salut Gilbert,

    "Hum, what did you take home ???"
    - Just a lot of fond memories, that's all. ;)

    "So you can imagine the level of the F lounge ;)"
    - Bigger room with more space?

    "That's for our yankees cousins lol"
    - Don't tell me you don't like fried chicken with corn and cole slaw. Even better with a dash of Tabasco sauce and ketchup. I'm surprised that I did not see a "Paul" outlet since they seem to be everywhere these days.

    "Two meals in a row !"
    - I try to get value for my tkt. ;)

    "Organic vanilla ice cream to end the festivities"
    - It looks too yellow to be organic but if you say so I'll take your word for it.

    "Asian style !"
    - What else?

    "Hindu meal ! You got what you asked"
    - Ask and you shall receive they say. I was expecting samosa or something similar.

    "That's because of people like you that UA (and other airlines) need to make cost cuttings :("
    - If you have a surplus why don't share it and spread some love? I call it "win win" situation.

    "Only one (very light) pre-arrival meal for you ???"
    - I was full from the previous feast.

    "You choose flying on an old airplane with old FAs"
    - You sound sexist. As the old Pan Am saying goes "experience makes the difference". :P

    Au revoir GG.
    GG_007
    "Don't tell me you don't like fried chicken with corn and cole slaw"
    Of course I like Karaage but corn not at all nor the coleslaw sauce

    "- It looks too yellow to be organic but if you say so I'll take your word for it."
    I was joking looking at a so yellow vanilla lol

    "You sound sexist"
    Not at all !
    I don't see the sex side ?? Maybe with the airplane because in English it's a 'She'

  • Capoune


    Hi Adan!
    Another great report! No IFE in such a long flight...
    The lounge looks good and onboard the catering too.
    Thank you for this report!

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Seb.

    Well I survived and got compensation for it. Can't ask for more. ;)

  • Emile


    Without IFE I would be taking pills to sleep since nothing to do ! Thanks Adan for the nice TR.
    Take care buddy.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Salut Emile,

    I can't really sleep easily when I'm flying and I have tried everything. Good thing that I travel with a good book most of the time (guess I'm old fashioned.)

    See you.
  • Flyera


    Hey Gorgeous aircraft. I really love The Queen. But who's the king ?
    Thanks Panda for the review. UA does better than AA.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi AAFlyer,

    Indeed! I guess the "King" is the A380. :P

    You are very welcome. It seems that lately UA is doing better than AA.

    Thanks.
  • Vendredi13


    Ouaf! JetSet;)

    The photo of the cabin caught me by surprise ! . It reminds me of my teenage-flight-years on Air France, between FdF and Ory;)
    Today millennials can't imagine these IFE^^ And we were happy and lucky: the onboard magazines were so exciting.

    Catering was correct.
    Interesting view of your room at the hotel .. Was it noisy ?

    Thanks, JetSet for this beautiful report !

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Woof Francis,

    These old cabins were so spacious. Seats back then were very well cushioned and felt comfortable unlike some "ironing boards" that pass as seats nowadays. I always looked forward to seeing the onboard magazines. I used to get some from the airline ticket offices after school when I was in Costa Rica and thought that AF and AZ had really nice ones.

    The view from the room was great and I could seat by the window the whole morning just looking at the planes land. The room was soundproof and I couldn't hear the noise.

    Thanks.

Login to post a comment.