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Taken October 2001 from Beijing to Guangzhou (Canton)

Beijing - Guangzhou (Canton), Boeing 747-400, 3 hours flight, departure time 9.00 AM.

Check-in at Beijing Capital Airport was swift. There's a special VIP lane for First & Business class passengers through the security and ID check, which is nice as the queues are always very long.

The Domestic Business Class lounge in Beijing Airport is nothing special. They offer drinks (beer, coca-cola, tea), and peanuts and there's a computer with Internet (with a modem!) and some Chinese papers. You do get away from the crowd, however, and they address you personally when it's time to board the aircraft.

The Business Class section is on the topdeck on the 747-400. We were only four passengers in Biz and were seated far from each other. The flight was delayed a bit because some high-ranking Chinese official was boarding separately after the rest of the passengers were seated. A couple of grand Audis took him to the plane with security and officials saluting him (he was seated in First, as you might have guessed).

The other passengers feel asleep right away, but as I had no breakfast that morning I was looking forward to the meal service. I was served some warm appetizers (meat in pastry and a satay stick) and drinks. I didn't feel full so I requested for some more and without hesitation the crew brought me another serving.

I then fell asleep as well and upon landing First and Business was first to leave the aircraft and first to receive their bags as C and F luggage was given priority.

Having lived in China for two years I've done quite a few miles on Air China (both economy and business). Flying domestic in China, this is as good as it gets