China Southern Airlines is the largest airline in China, largest airline in Asia, and sixth largest airline in the world! It’s a reasonably young airline, as airlines go, only having been founded in 1988, but already flies over 100 million passengers a year. They’ve also been expanding rapidly in recent years, and Kiwis can now benefit the low prices and huge destination choice on flights from Auckland and Christchurch, direct to the airlines hub city of Guangzhou, just north of Hong Kong.
The Difference
- China Southern fly two of the most advanced aircraft in the world on their New Zealand routes, mainly the Boeing Dreamliner (787) and occasionally the giant Airbus A380.
- China Southern have one of the world’s biggest fleets with over 500 different aircraft!
The Classes
BUSINESS CLASS In Business Class you'll recieve a larger seat with a 180 degree pitch and a heavier luggage allowance of two checked pieces up to 32 kilograms each.
FIRST CLASS First Class travellers have an exclusive check in counter, porter service for luggage and lounge access (where available, mainly China). Onboard, First Class have their own dedicated cabin, large ‘cocoon like’ seats which provide more privacy and in-seat mini-bar, laptop storage, reading light, USB port, power socket and shoe storage. A second piece of cabin baggage is also allowed.
Destinations
Guangzhou and all major cities in China and Asia. Half a dozen routes offered to both North America and Europe.
The Hub
GUANGZHOU AIRPORT. Sometimes called ‘New Baiyun’, Guangzhou Airport is the second busiest in China with over 55 million people passing through each year. Built in 2004, the airport is large and modern. Connecting is seamless, although signage is minimal and rarely in English. Airline staff will happily direct you along. If stopping over, New Zealanders are allowed 72 hours in Guangzhou without having to apply for a visa. However getting through security and customs can take a while due to the huge number of passengers and limited amount of desks for foreign passport holders. Avoid wasting time in the wrong queue by checking with the airline staff. Delayed flights are common across China, and frustrated passengers often take it out on stressed staff, however if you’re a typical friendly Kiwi, it’ll go along way. It should also be noted that security at Chinese airports is tight, and it’s normal that you’ll be asked to show your passports/tickets two or three times, even if just transferring. The airport promotes free WiFi, but the catch is that you need a Chinese SIM card to access it.
