V-Flyer

Afternoon all,

I have the pleasure of trying a couple of new airlines (for me) as a result of an upcoming trip in Asia. Sadly both will be in Y due to company policy on travel within the region, but mustn't grumble too much.

Was just wondering if anyone had any good/bad views on either Dragonair or Philippine Airlines? Slightly disturbingly, the latter appears to be on an EU blacklist for safety/governance standards :0 , but my company still seems happy for me to use them and they are the only direct carrier on the route I need...

Also, do either of them belong to an alliance (would be happy with a few more Avios miles if that's an option...)?

thanks
RC

Might be able to earn Avios on Dragonair because they're part of Cathay Pacific.

Don't panic too much about the EU blacklist, there's long been talk about them coming off it and they operate successfully and safely from the US.

I've heard good things about Cebu if that's an option for you?

clarkeysntfc wrote:Might be able to earn Avios on Dragonair because they're part of Cathay Pacific.

Yep, they're part of Oneworld.

*I should add that they're an affiliate!

simonallardice wrote:Don't panic too much about the EU blacklist, there's long been talk about them coming off it and they operate successfully and safely from the US.

I've heard good things about Cebu if that's an option for you?

Here is the latest EU Banned list

Cebu are on it but the list only applies to flying in and out of the EU.

Not sure I'd want to fly on an EU banned airline mind how many people would even know to check?

Not sure how some insurance companies would react to someone flying with an airline on the list.

Cebu are banned because they're a philippine based airline, they're perfectly safe and it's totally down to their location and not poor maintenance.

simonallardice wrote:Don't panic too much about the EU blacklist, there's long been talk about them coming off it and they operate successfully and safely from the US.

I've heard good things about Cebu if that's an option for you?

Thanks - and yes, I suspect the reason I got that flight was because I'm with a US company... no such blacklist on their side.

Cebu was technically an option but their daily flight from Shanghai to Manila is at half past midnight... I've got enough going on that week without giving up a night's sleep on an economy flight!!

As I say, the ban will be lifted soon enough - it's always worth remembering that it's not the airlines at fault here, but rather the civil aviation authority of the Philippines.

Dragonair does look like a solid choice and as above, you can earn Avios points.

I've flown on both (and Cebu too), by choice I'd choose Dragonair. None are spectacular, but I'd put Philippine Airlines last because I find their planes to be grubby and cramped. Also on Dragonair, as said you can earn Avios as it's part of Cathay Pacific.

The EU ban has more to do with corruption at government level in the airline industry - I don't have an issue with safety re. the airlines (I'd be more cautious in Indonesia), and don't forget VS Airbii are serviced in Manila.

Just flown two Dragonair sectors - can't speak for economy, but nice new aircraft on both flights and decent food. Friendly staff, and part of OneWorld via their link with CX. I'd stick with them.

I've only flown on Philippine airlines, and, as slinky also mentioned, I found it to be a bit dated and grubby. The food served was dubious, at best (but it was only a 3 hour flight, so not a problem). Have to say that it wouldn't be my choice to use them again.

Great, the longest of my 3 economy flights, and it's with the grubby airline! And a further irritant is that if the flight distance was 48 miles longer, I'd be allowed to go business. Classic example of bad airport planning if you ask me...

Must admit that I'm already liking the Philippine Airlines flight better than the Dragonair one... Admittedly I managed to upgrade to business, but even so, it's clearly a more modern aircraft, interesting menu, drinks, decent looking AVOD etc...

Anyway, will get round to TRs at some point soon I promise/hope.

RC

Business class on one airline is better than economy on another...?


Errr... Generally, yes. ?|