I had a truly enjoyable stay in Beijing.  I loved every minute of it and truth to tell, I hope to return soon and explore the city some more.  Despite our week long stay, there were still so many sights we missed.  I was pleasantly surprised by the modernity of the city.  The limo ride from our hotel to the airport alone left me speechless.  Rows upon rows of skyscrapers and modern dwellings.  Impressive indeed.

Marc and I went through check in at the airport very quickly and without problems.  It was too bad that our Air China flight only allowed one checked in luggage per person.  Just like our layover in the Beijing International Airport on the way to Manila last Dec. 24, 2011, we took advantage of Marc's premier status with United Airlines and stopped by the Star Alliance Gold Lounge in the airport.  The buffett was unequaled by any airport lounge we have visited worldwide.  Only Incheon and Saigon had something close to marvelous.  It was nice to be back in the airport when it was busy and bustling with activity unlike last Dec. 24, when we first got there and the whole place was deserted and had the feel and look of a ghost town.

Inside Beijing's huge and slick international airport

On our most recent vacation to the Philippines and China, we had to fly Air China for three out of the four legs of our trip.  We flew United from San Francisco to Beijing but it was Air China we flew from Beijing to Manila and from Manila to Beijing and lastly from Beijing back to the US.

The planes used for the Asian flights were quite old.  They reminded me of the domestic flight planes utilized by US carriers for their domestic US routes.  I am glad that we arrived safe and sound though.  I liked the Air China logo a lot.  So much so I had to take a picture of one cup with the Air China logo for my scrapbook and this blog.  Being a fan of Chinese cuisine, I had no problems with the food served on board.  I actually found them all delicious although my opinion is not shared by a whole lot of people who have flown Air China internationally. My qualm with Air China lies with the stinginess of the flight attendants in providing drinks.  Passengers were given drinks in cups that were only half full.  A lady passenger asked for a can of Coca Cola but was only given half a cup.  Why so?  I thought.  A can costs less than a $1 for goodness sake.

My other complaint with Air China is their inflight entertainment on board.  We got one big fuzzy screen all the way in the front of the plane.  For an international flight lasting over 10 hours, a selection of films would have been nice.  The airline showed films, but given the old screens the planes had, it was extremely difficult to watch any of them.  The projector was so old that the ancient Chinese feature film appeared to be in black and green (not in color, mind you).

The subtitles so small, I reckon, they were impossible to read unless you were seated right in front of the screen.  There was a cartoon shown but it was not dubbed in English but Spanish.  I speak Spanish like a native but what about other passengers who couldn't speak the language?, I thought.

Next to the old Pan Am logo, Air China's is one of my favorites.

I love the logo's combination of colors as well as the Chinese script.  Absolutely one of a kind. Marc normally discourages me from purchasing goods with company logos on them.  He thinks they're tacky.  However, I want a backpack, a big travel wallet, leather luggage tags, a tote, or bag with the Air China logo on it. I don't care if I look like a unpaid walking ad for the airline.

Laugh if you must but the food was tasty.  We were also served breakfast right before we touched down in Los Angeles's LAX.

The landing at LAX was a bit hard two ceiling panels fell almost hitting the passengers seated under them.

I don't think I would readily fly Air China antyime soon.  While they do offer cheaper fares compared to most carriers, it would only be my last choice should the level of service be the same as I have experienced. 

My advice should you decide to fly Air China is to be fully armed with your own in flight entertainment.  Bring your own portable DVD player, upload films on your i Pad, and music in your i Phone.  You will need it.