Shenzhen Airlines is one of China’s major, largely domestic, airlines and is a excellent bet for travelling around the country with connections to Beijing and Shanghai. These connections are more frequent and cover many, many more destinations than Hong Kong. There are no frills here, and the poor English by Shenzhen Airlines staff is a concern, but for saving money on internal China flights, it really is unbeatable.
Full Review of Shenzhen Airlines
Who Are Shenzhen Airlines?
Shenzhen airlines are one of China’s biggest domestic carriers flying to over seventy cities and towns in China. In 2007, the airline carried just over 10 million passengers.
Why Would I Use Shenzhen Airlines?
If you’re planning to fly to a destination in China, it’s almost always cheaper to fly internally from Shenzhen, rather than from Hong Kong. The airline also offers far, far more domestic destinations than airlines at Hong Kong airport. While Shenzhen airlines aren’t exactly a budget airline, there prices are very fair.
Is Shenzhen Airlines Safe?
The airline’s fleet does include some older planes, however it is very rapidly being upgraded and most planes are now new Airbuses and Boeings. Safety instructions are given in both Chinese and English and staff are also required to speak English. There have, in the past, been complaints about the level on English on flights, although this problem seems to have been largely eliminated. The poor English could be an issue. Especially if you’re a nervous flier.Where Does Shenzhen Airlines Fly?
From Shenzhen, the airline flies to an amazing number of destinations; Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Changzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Diqing, Dunhuang, Fuzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Haikou, Hailaer, Hangzhou, Harbin, Hefei, Huangshan, Huangyan, Huhhot, Jinan, Jingdezhen, Jinggangshan, Jinghong, Kunming, Lanzhou, Lasa, Liancheng, Lijiang, Luoyang, Mianyang, Nanchang, Nanchong, Nanjing, Nanning, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Quanzhou, Quzhou, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Urumqi, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Wuxi, Wujishan, Xi’an, Xiamen, Xiangfan, Xining, Yibin, Yichang, Yiwu, Yuncheng, Zhanjiang, Zhengzhou.
How Can I Book a Ticket?
Tickets can be booked online at the Shenzhen Airlines website. The website is in English and takes major credit cards however, it’s a little unstable. We’ve never heard of anyone losing their money through the official website, but it can be temperamental.
What Kind of Service Can I Expect?
The airline has a Skytrax rating of two stars, putting it alongside airlines such as Ryanair, Bulgaria Air and BMIbaby. That’s not great, however, reports suggest that service on board has been improving quickly, with a better selection of food and cleaner aircraft. Overall opinion is that it’s basic, but not bad.
What is the Baggage Allowance?
Economy class passengers are entitled to one piece of 20kg of check-in baggage, free, at least for now.I’m landing in Hong Kong first. Do I need a Hong Kong Visa?
No. You can travel by bonded ferry from Hong Kong Airport to Shenzhen Airport without passing Hong Kong immigration. You will of course require a Chinese Visa.
