Tips for UCS to Shanghai?

I'm off tomorrow to PVG for 6 days, I haven't taken VS to Asia, so just wondered if there were any menu differences? Slippers? Interesting things to drink? Oooh I don't know...

The route doesn't seem to get written about very much - expertflyer shows about 50% empty in UC, and perhaps 70& empty in Y.

It's a 346, which... is nice.

Which class are you flying as it affects my answer.

THe route can often not be that busy

Sailor99 is the man to answer all things Shanghai!

I flew to PVG UCS in December/January. I believe there were a few menu differences but both diets were catered for as far as I can remember.

Upper was less than half full in both directions. Magic.

Rgds
Jon

Only ever flown Y, and it's always 95% full, usually with a load of Chinese Students who know each other well and gossip for the entire flight! [V] There is usually a choice of western or chinese food. And you nearly always get a 346 with v:port to pass the time.
Generally a few wide bodies arrive at the same time causing a long wait for immigration, but at least your bags are waiting for you in the mean time.

I remember on my last flight to HKG (in PE) you got the choice of chinese breakfast(dim sum, noodles, roast pork) and green tea on the flight. As I don't like english tea and think the normal breakfasts in Y are rubbish this was a great change.
Looking forward to the UC take on it now

Dean

Originally posted by sailor99
Which class are you flying as it affects my answer.

THe route can often not be that busy

I'm a dork - I'm in J. UCS.

Ok - yes they do do a chinese option on the freedom menu, but it is really a western take on chinese food. The tea that is available is Jasmin tea. On the way out you get supper/tea/evening dinner (depending on how you were bought up). Then you get a european breakfast choice before landing. On the return you get lunch, then dinner (OT, but the dinner in Y is god awful). The food appeals to both tastes to be honest - after all shanghai and the UK are both pretty cosmopolitan.
No slippers, no interesting drinks.

For some reason the Chinese seem keen on flexible tickets, so be prepared for it to be busier than you expect.

At the other end rush as fast a you can to get through passports - KLM, Lufthansa and another all arive at the same time, and some days BA join in too. So the queues are worth beating if you can. Your limo pick up is indicated by a large stand up sign in the main hall after baggage reclaim. Do NOT take a taxi offered by a tout - say boo yaow (phonetically written in case PVGSLF thinks I don't know pinyin!) if they hassle you (It means 'I don't want it' and is perfectly polite). Taxis are outside and turn right. For a taxi have your hotel name on a piece of paper in chinese unless you speak mandarin - the drivers tend to speak shanghaise which is different enough to make life difficult. Ask for help at the VS desk if you struggle with transport - get them to write it for you, Chinese people will bend over backwards to help if you ask, and if they understand you! On the taxi ride there are no real sites to see (apart from maybe the train overtaking you at 450 clicks) so do not be too proud to sleep.

Do not expect a good lounge before return flight. Arrive as near the flight as possible.

346 is excelent!

Originally posted by sailor99
- say boo yaow (phonetically written in case PVGSLF thinks I don't know pinyin!)

phonetically written..... damned fine excuse! I phonetically speak mandarin then [:o)]

They are a funny lot the chinese... They look and sound agressive and standoff-ish, but are the most helpful bunch of people I know.... so long as you don't come between them and their food or their afternoon nap. But the taxi touts can be seriously annoying.

The maglev is worth staying awake to see, or even going on. At 450kmh, the two trains have a closing speed of 900kmh..... and at 1 meter apart that is mighty impressive.

I'd go on the Maglev on the way back. When you are shagged out after the fligh, being dumpped miles from anywhere is not funny! (The train doesn't go into town, but stops half way in for those not in the know)

I'd go on the Maglev on the way back. When you are shagged out after the fligh, being dumpped miles from anywhere is not funny! (The train doesn't go into town, but stops half way in for those not in the know)

Yeah, I always found that a pain. Though, for those in the know the metro is pretty good.

There is talk that approval has been given for Maglev to be extended, first to Nanjing and then to Beijing. Pipe dreams I'm sure, but PVG to Nanjing in 50 minutes will be mighty impressive. (and useful for me!)

Clearly you lot are amazing.

Not, as it were, as amazing as Tristar, who once again have been over one hour late collecting my travel partner (who also happens to be a little bit famous)... So here I am in the CH, bit livid, stewing, but the 'Concierge's' have been beyond brilliant.

Hopefully my colleague will get through security in time (they've just told me she's got to the Drive-Thru)... and we'll be off in just over an hour.

Thank you - appreciate your notes.

J

Get a glass of wine down you to releve the stress! Hope you both have a great flight. Sleep well.

From the Regent Hotel, Shanghai.

Outstanding flight. Best ever. Brand new 346 - 2 weeks old, didn't catch the registration. Will 'do' a trip report. Well, as soon as I get over a CHRONIC hangover which I recall involved belting out 60 songs in a PARTYWORLD karaoke bar until 4am this morning.

Nice.

Originally posted by Jonathan S
Well, as soon as I get over a CHRONIC hangover which I recall involved belting out 60 songs in a PARTYWORLD karaoke bar until 4am this morning.

Yep, you're defo in China:D. Makes me almost home sick.

You sung SIXTY songs on the karaoke???

[oo][oo][oo][oo][oo][oo][oo][oo][oo] !

Regards

John

Any tips for a reputable Visa agent? Work schedule is preventing me from getting to Edinburgh to do it in person.

Regards

John

I use this company Oriental Travel

Me and a friend have used them numerous times, postal service is excellent.


{Editted by PVGSLF to tidy up URL after reading FAQ's[:o)] and say "I have no affiliation with the above company", i just trust them with my passport!}