Would you fly Xiamen Air? 787-9 business class review LAX-XMN
Vložit
- čas přidán 20. 05. 2019
- The music I use: bit.ly/2nEhgxa - AMAZING for CZcamsrs
Support me on Patreon and get shout outs!
/ sanspotter
The camera I use: amzn.to/2lgP70Y
----------------------------------------------
MY FEATURED PATRONS:
▪ John Spencer
▪ QFS Aviation: / qfsaviation
▪ Moments In The Sky: / @momentsinthesky
▪ Bay Area Traveler: / bayareatraveler
▪ Bluee C
----------------------------------------------
Despite a handful of negative reviews I’ve read / watched about Xiamen Airlines lately, I was still feeling incredibly excited to give their business class product a try between Los Angeles (LAX) and Xiamen (XMN).
This is footage from flight number 830, 787-9 service which lasted just under 14 hours from wheels up to touchdown. I had seat 14A, and the aircrafts registration was B-1566
----------------------------------------------
FOLLOW ME:
Website: www.sanspotter.com
Instagram: / sanspotter
Twitter: / sanspotter
Patreon: / sanspotter
Whenever a Cabin crew taking your meals order and she sit eye-level with you.. that’s the utmost respect & high level of guest services
I agree - it’s the proper way to interact with passengers. 👍🏻
Most asian airline cabin crew do that.
Lol sound kewl.
Could I get a good looking, male crew member to kneel down eye to eye as he takes my order? Then, I may be interested. It is 2019 after all
@@edwardsbarbara25 Make a special request before boarding LOL
Try: She-ah-men.
perfect
Very perfect
Extremely perfect
Extra extremely perfect
Anyone else who can speak Chinese and is laughing at his pronunciations?
*i still love this guy's videos* :)
@Norwegian 787 that is cantonese
@@coolkid2316 Canto is Ha-moun
Hakka is Ei-Moun
Mandarin is See-yeah-men
对对付哈哈哈哈😂
I like josh’s videos, but sometimes he’s a bit overdramatic.
Totally agreed. As if he wants to gain certain reputation for giving criticism. And personally, his exaggerated Aussie-like accent makes me turn away.
@@jayiwa he's from aussie? I tho he's from uk
Billy The Kid He’s actually German, but chooses to practise Aussie accent 😉
@@jayiwa do u watch dantorp aviation or now he changed it to nonstop dan.
I love Josh - room out there for us avgeeks to like lots! Dennis Bunnik, Josh Cahill, Noel Phillips, Jeb Brooks, Simply Aviation, Non stop Dan...I think I need to get out more!
Another awesome video Scott! What makes your videos stand out besides the great editing is your narration with a bit of humor makes for a great video to unwind to after a long day of work!
Thanks man! There’s so much more I want to do with these videos but I lack the skill to do so. 😩 I’m working on it though! 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Call it shamen, that'll be pretty close. Josh plays the victim card way too hard when something doesn't go his way. Your casual take, is much more appreciated. 🙏🏻
After working in China for some time I flew them extensively in J and F ( from SYD) and found them marvellous. Technically very safe and good record since they began in 1978 and inflight crew marvellous and pilots all US trained and strong commitment to safety culture always.
SANspotter: Well water please! Chi chi
Cabin crew:😑
Brah.
Hi Scott!
Another great trip report as always! That really was a world class boarding experience in LAX, lol. Let's hope the expansion get's completed quickly. The flight itself looks pretty good, shame you weren't able to sleep though..
Regards,
Brendan
too many comments trying to correct him, but giving wrong pronunciation -sigh
xia - the first part is prounounced sh-e-ah (not double e) say it with distinction between the three sounds and it is perfect --- followed by men (e is eh or baby e for westerners) so Mehn) Finally Sh-e-ah Mehn
Thanks! I’m getting a lot of opinions on this and it’s hard to say which it right. Your explanation closely matches what I heard by the crew though. 👍🏻
Hi dear you are also not correct because it is the clear S, not the Sh, 一个是清辅音, 一个是浊辅音哦.
I feel that X in Hanyu pinyin is a mix of sh- and th- in English
David yuan totally agree! I am from the province that Xiamen is part of so I can say that I have the best understanding of how to say the name of the location. The pronunciation of the X in the Pinyin form is hard for people that are new to Mandarin. My Chinese and legal name has X in it. Therefore I believe I am more versed at how the it sounds in English so those who don't speak Mandarin would be able to get the pronunciation as close as possible.
@@davidyuan5665 to suggest that the initial X makes the sound s is slightly embarrassing, but okay then lmao.
One of the best and for sure the funniest flight review channel on CZcams. Love watching your vids, keep up the good work!
:D
Thanks so much! 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Another informative, pro-edited, entertaining video (as always). By the looks of it, they sure fed you well on that long trip! To airlines regarding aircraft interiors: choose warm, soothing, contrasting colours!
Thank you! And I agree with you wholeheartedly about aircraft interior colors. This one was nice, but I’m so over blue.
good review, we flew Xiamen Business class from LAX to KUL last year and were Impressed with the level of service. we paid just over 2k. r/t.... not bad :)
I had fun watching all of your videos...especially your wittiness, your dark sens of humour and your cleverness in delivering just about anything on your videos....you remind me of my self LOL....I cannot wait for your next videos
Thank you for your efforts to detail a long trip. Very well done.
Great content as always. You have outdone yourself on the commentary for this vid.
Food looks delicious and elegant! Thanks for sharing man.
I’ve always wondered what the bus gates look like at LAX. Thank you for showing that. I thought maybe there was a small gate waiting area inside 😂😂
That's exactly what I went through at LAX when I flew to HKG a couple months ago! Might have even been the same gate too haha. Great vid!
Thanks! I love LAX, but I hate those gates... 😩
Fantastic Trip Report Scott! I'm always enjoying every single upload you post cause they are really informative and they are funny at the same time. Also, on the music website you use, do you mind letting me know what type you use because I plan to make two trip reports this year as well. (Maybe four)
Don’t change anything about how you vlog, bro. As a frequent flyer myself, you’re videos are entertaining and refreshing. There’s no BS or fluff and you’re funny.
Thanks Eddy! I appreciate the encouragement! 💪🏻💪🏻
Really enjoyed it as always. Your camerawork and b-roll has really improved (and has me jealous!). There should be an impossible-to pronounce airline playlist: Xiamen, Vueling, Qatar...
Thank you! I’m slowly becoming convinced that it’s the most difficult to pronounce airlines that are the most fun to fly. But making the videos isn’t easy... 😅
Watched all the way until the end. Lol. Wonderful video as always. Music was dope as well.
For that you get a big fat “thanks”! 😂👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed it!
Really good video. Keep up the good work!
man, you pronounced "Xiexie" (thank you) pretty good lol, the "Xia" in Xiamen is just slightly different, surly you can do this
Luv ur videos! They r honestly super funny but they always get ur points across!
nice flight report.I believe that Xiamen is an airline that keeps on growing and trying to give as best as they can to their customers.
Thanks Yannis! This is truly a world class airline. More travelers need to know about them!
I flew on this airline before on both the airline’s 738 and 788 aircraft and I had a pleasant experience. Will fly with this airline again.
Brilliant video man! One again Sanspotter magic! Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you! I’m already working on the next one...
Xiamen Air's reviews online are mixed, best I can tell. There's Ben from the OMAAT blog who flown them a couple of times, and went as far to calling them 'China's other 5-Star Airline'. Then, there's Josh Cahill, who got a pretty bad experience. I've flown them once, and it was great. I'm glad you got a positive experience with them :D
True - I’m solidly in the “5-star” camp I think, because the flight I had right after this (XMN-CTU) was just as good. 👍🏻
Nice video man. The blanket lol. Any word yet on a possible Camden food co. partnership. That healthwhich on your SAN-NRT video still looks dang good.
Haha nice video! Keep it up :)
Great review Scott.....enjoy your reviews. Thanks
Thanks Steve! Lots more to come...😎👍🏻
Great video! I really don’t think other CZcamsrs have been fair to Xiamen.
Thanks! Yeah, it’s been hit or miss so far. I do think Xiamen Airlines is on the right track though - this flight was fantastic!
I think they are by far the best Chinese carrier
@@mfxx888 I think hainan
Loved the video and a great review. The music at first was a little annoying but overall great. Thanks for the content!
Great vid as always and must say the interior looks awsome and so does the seat not bad for a Chinese airline have to give it a try sometime from Melbourne to Xian
Awesome video man! I really like it:-) I’ve heard people pronounce it za-men
Thanks!! I can’t wait until I fly an airline I can pronounce again. 😆👍🏻
A very informative video. I would probably fly on any airline (once), no matter how bad. An entertaining video.
Haha, thanks! I’m the same way - I’m willing to try any airline at least once!
Enjoyed this video and I am glad that you redeemed Xiamen Air bc they have some great deals sometimes. Question: what’s your preferred way of getting from SAN to LAX? We’re SAN locals and still haven’t found the go-to method yet.
Thanks! As far as SAN-LAX goes, definitely the train! It takes a lot of time unfortunately, so I’ll only do it if I’ve got a lot of time to kill. Otherwise it’s flying via DL, AA, or UA (whichever’s cheapest).
SANspotter thanks! We usually do Amtrak but our flight on the way back doesn’t get in till after 9pm,and with two kids in tow... will check out flights. Safe travels and keep up the good work!
"see-ah men" Airlines. :) Xie-xie "see-yea see-yea"....hope that helps. I like the report.
Great report, as usual!
That red apple watch band really provided some good contrast to the blue cabin! Please tell me you came prepared and wore your red shoes too 😉
Great review - thanks!
Thanks Marc! And you’re very welcome!
I think we need SANspotter to fly on airlines we can't pronounce or agree on. Next stop: Vueling!
🤯🤯 Making this video was hard enough! 😂👍🏻
Don’t forget air Kyrgyzstan😂
What do you do with your headphones when flying a plain that has a triple jack socket? Are there any adapters for it?
Nice. I'd never heard of this airline so that was neat. I did chuckle on the inside at the horse sound. I am easily amused which is a good thing. And yes I watched til the end which again surprised me when you mentioned that. I'd love to see more of those making of videos as I often wonder how you get certain scenes. I know you hold your gopro in your hand, but I think I'd trip and fall getting on the plane holding mine and pulling my carry on and my personal item. That lip is never level with the connector and I get hung up on that which leads to bad funny footage. Oh also forgot to mention in the last video. I love to touch the side of the plane too which makes things even harder as I need my right hand free. Like that lady did in your last video. I've touched the outside of every plane I've flown on in my life since I could walk.
I’ve always wondered why people tap the outside of planes like that...very interesting! 😎 And yes, a behind the scenes video would be really interesting I think. And funny too, since it will reveal how unglamorous this process really is. 😂
@@sanspotter I don't know about other people, but I do it because to me it's a rare thing. How many people get to touch an airplane? Rare opportunity that I take every chance I get.
Yet another great report! Big thumbs UP!
Hi Scott...
Nice review. Ah.. I saw u had the Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup. Nice one. Keep going Scott..
Thanks Franklin - yeah, that soup was amazing! 🍲
BTW Scott.... XIAMEN is pronouce
"SHIA - MERN"
Great review. Would like to try this airline someday. Thanks
Thanks Dennis! Try them if you can - you might be surprised... 😀
I have almost missed this video, only just noticed in my my feed.
The LAX lounge, you were sitting in my seat ;-) That's the one I go to when at LAX (DragonPass).
Chinese food in J looks truly great.
Top notch review, really enjoyed it.
I am flying Japan airlines next month to Okinawa from LHR via HND, can't wait, even in Y!
I had a feeling you were going to really like this one John! And I’m glad we have the same taste in lounge chairs 😂 - I agree, its one of the best in the house! Enjoy that JAL flight - even in economy, JAL shines and you’re very likely to have a great trip. 👍🏻👍🏻
I'm flying this exact route with a final destination to Australia (in business), after I saw Josh's review I was a little scared, I'm glad that you had a great experience. Also did you have to
make a technical stop over (to refuel)
Hey Leonardo - nope...there wasn’t a technical stop. It was LAX-XMN direct. I think you’re really going to enjoy it - the crew on this flight was fantastic!
Josh know nothing about the airline industry, he makes fuss of every thing, perhaps to attract attention, but in a nasty way. Xiamen is a fantastic airline, with nice crew, good service, I rate it he best Chinese carrier, even better than Hainan airlines, which has a Skytrax 5 star rating.
I've tried everything but just can't sleep on long haul flights. I've only been in economy though.
You and I are the opposite. I pretty much fall asleep ASAP on any plane, so much so that I sometimes miss meal service. Having flown more frequently in recent years, I've started developing an instinct of when to make up so I don't miss my meals.
ZhangtheGreat Can you come teach me? Lol
Surprisingly, I’ve never flown on them as I’ve flown on most. But aviation recruiters have tried like crazy to get me to apply to be a pilot there, that’s for sure!
I’d seriously consider it if I were you - even if it’s just for a couple years. Talk about an amazing life adventure! 🇨🇳😎👍🏻
SANspotter It would definitely be a fun new adventure! But there are quite a few drawbacks to it as well. They do term contracts over there whereas we’re permanent contracted in the US. And so if you leave the US then you’d have to give up your seniority and that can be a big deal. Also, the integration of expat and local pilots isn’t seamless in Asia. I’ve flown with several guys who used to fly for various Asian carriers and they all had their stories about it!
Nice review... from inside amenities to the outside landing view....
Excellent review video of Xiamen Air! Can you review the Philippine Airlines A350 LAX-MNL in the near future?
Thanks! And yes, that one is on my list. 📝😎
Hopefully I can fly the 787 when I finished my training at USA
Can someone tell me if I have a 1 stopover flight (Bangkok-Xiamen-Sydney). My luggage is going directly to Sydney??? Or I have to take it in Xiamen? Thanks
Food is the way love it wish I can use the lounge in July when I am traveling
I enjoy the moodlighting during landing. The meals were tasty, but I’d like my dinner to be bigger although it’s late at night. Not a bad business class product at all!
I like this guy's review style
Its pronounced as "SHIA-MEN" or "Shh🤫-E-Ah Men"
BTW, China Airlines(CI) based in Taipei, Air China(CA) Based in Beijing, Therefore the flight you took to Beijing is Air China(CA) not China Airlines(CI).
I much prefer CI than CA...
i remember flying xiamen air b4 from xiamen back to hk always delay cause always have military planes flying and it's close to taiwan as well. i didn't get back 2 hk by midnight. enjoy your stay at xiamen 2 places u can go the cannons and one island there. have some seafood there.
Glad you enjoyed it.
When it comes to humorous travel vlogs, you and Vicarious Voyager have got it sussed.
Shawmen Airlines. FYI, flew it from SEA to Shenzhen nonstop on 787. Flight over was full. I'm 6'4" and was at counter when it opened (no seat selection or early checkin). they gave me bulkhead seat with lots of legroom. Flight 1/3 full on way back so not a problem. The issue was that this economy fare was cheap and Delta refused to give me any miles for it despite 12 hours each way. So I joined Xiamen mileage club and they, too, refused to give me any mileage. WTF? You were wise to book business class to get good mileage on Delta. BTW, they did recognize SkyTeam elites as two passengers next to me got amenity kits b/c of their status. One of them didn't want it and gave it to me. Stunning, tall stewardesses as well.
Xiamen airlines just opened PKX-DOH airline, from Peking to Doha, I just fly it yesterday, very nice.
Points or cash fare? Highlight for me was confusing the headphones for the amenity kit.
Points! I used up a wad of DL SkyMiles that were otherwise unusable on Delta.
Thanks to this video and the youtube algorithm for frequently recommending one of the videos from my channel lol
Thanks for the reply and also the info is the President of PRC was the Deputy mayor of Xiamen in late 70s and supported their start and was at the launch of 787 and also they have had 4- years of profits unlike many other airlines in the world. In DLC and Skyteam pax elite the manager escorts you onto the planer infividually
Very interesting, thanks! The more I learn about Chinese airlines (especially Xiamen), the more intriguing it is. So much history, and a very solid (world class) product. I can’t wait to fly them again!
I've tried them in economy some years ago on a AMS-XMN-HKG and TSA-XMN-AMS route and was very positively surprised. The seats were comfy, catering great, entertainment fine. The crew only spoke very basic English which could be an issue in an emergency but I'm sure they work on that
I would definitely fly them again
As a westerner and travel J/F extensively on them dom/int I find them amazing and technically very safe and since commencing 1978 one Manila plane skid but all training done in USA and no ex Chinese air force pilots and very safe. Crew consistent and nice and helpful,shy at first then get better during flights. On domwstic F if sit in 2a then airmarshall is in front row Y aisle seat and always asks how things are and helpful esp if only pax
You need to fly Singapore Airlines on your next trip!
Singapore Airlines has been on my to-do list forever. Hopefully soon!
interesting that they have the same configuration and seating model that Aeromexico has in their 787-9 also use the color blue but in another tone, the food looks good quality but the way to serve it in tray ...
Love the beginning music. Great vedio.
Xiamen Airlines is the best Airlines in China. The food, service and the beautiful flight attendant are the beat in China.
Once I flew from PEK-XMN on 787-8 it really change my opinion of this Airline.
Hope you have a great time in China😃
Thanks! I love flying to China - especially since most of the Chinese airlines are getting really good!
@@sanspotter
A friendly advice: Just don't fly Air China Economy!!! especially domestic route because they lost my luggage😭😭😭
But i think you can try Hainan Airlines Business Class from Beijing to Haikou they use a350-900 on this domestic route THE FOOD IS EPIC！！！！
Believe it or not, XiamenAir has been China's best airline for x consecutive years...Though Hainan Airlines is more internationally recognized, Xiamen has the most genuine service, particularly from the perspective of a Chinese passenger.
What’s interesting is from 2:08 to 2:54 that international addon terminal (bus gates) looks unlike any other US airport terminal I’ve seen. It’s like they took a big hangar and tried to furnish it into an actual building
Haha, “a big hangar” is exactly right. I can’t wait until they demolish it! 💥
I've flown several times on International Business flights and looking at that food, it was 50-50.
Great video!!! But it’s pronounced shee-AAH-min. Trust me.
Thanks! I have one more Xiamen video to make (next week) so hopefully I’ll pronounce it better in that one. 😄
@@sanspotter Pronounced more like "sia - murn" (direct English vowels)
SANspotter syah-men in Mandarin (standard Chinese). The OP must be from the south and speak Cantonese or some other dialect.
I’ve flown Xiamen on this route and it was fine. I totally agree that those bus gates at TBIT are horrible. The flight was a great deal at $1,900 for business class. The city of Xiamen is beautiful. The airline even puts you up in a nice hotel free if you have a layover longer than 8 hours. The hotel I was at had an amazing breakfast buffet and very comfortable beds where I was able to get a nice nap. I don’t care much about airline meals as I can count on one hand the number of memorable in flight dining experiences I’ve had in my life. Thai Airways and Copa were the best for food.
Wow I didn’t know about the layover thing. If I would have known that I definitely would have taken advantage of it (because I would have loved to see Xiamen). I agree though - this is a very good airline, and one heck of a good deal if the price is right.
SANspotter www.xiamenair.com/en-ph/SpecialOffers/Free%20hotel%20accommodation%20policy%20for%20transfer%20passengers.html
At what point in the video was there a horse sound effect. Can someone list a time in the video
2:22 😂👍🏻
Good video! Well done!
You probably took Air China from Beijing to LAX rather than China Airlines several years ago.
I cringed
Yes - Air China it was. Hard to keep track of all the Chinese airlines! 😬😬
China airlines isn't a Chinese airline despite the name 😉
@@joshm4007 well wellies taiwanese which is called Republic of China whereas China is People's Republic of China it's like a history thing between 2 different governments
Josh M China Airlines is a Chinese Airline because Taiwan is part of China
Right away I spotted the fact that they have only 4 seats across vs United very tight 6 seats across!
yes I did plus did it look that bad is it about the bus terminal to the LAX airport
Thank you for this. I see their fares all the time when searching and I often find myself wondering - will I ever be brave enough to fly them? So question to you is, did you feel safe and like they knew what they were doing? I've flown a few [lower grade] Asian airlines in my time and some of them were quite the shit show.
You’re welcome Hayden! Actually, yes...the entire crew both on the ground and in the air was top notch and didn’t cut any corners with anything. Everything was done by the book!
You’re welcome Hayden! Actually, yes...the entire crew both on the ground and in the air was top notch and didn’t cut any corners with anything. Everything was done by the book!
I agree with NYC Flyer. I have good knowledge in aviation and training and flew commercially many years ago but have lived and worked in China for several years and flew on them weekly within China and new service to Australia and they are an excellent on time airline and have well trained crews who live and train in USA for several years and no hesitation with travelling with them and their safety culture. After 40 years a few landing incidents and one recently in Manila but they fly by the book and no fatalities. I find service very good and in J class usually no westerners and they try very hard.
It’s a shame most people have never heard of this airline - although, that’s likely to change if they continue being as great as they are. This was an excellent flight.
hows the wifi? is it really stable? sadly to say... Japanese airlines have the best service/food, but their wifi vendor is horrible. Please help!
Flied on their 787-9 biz once in China and it's superb. The hardware and software are way above the FOUR major players in China.
It’s amazing how few people in the West have no idea about how good Xiamen Airlines is. Granted, they don’t have a very large network, but I was definitely impressed!
I love your videos Scott, but please bring back the full takeoff and landings in your videos.
3:04 - yes, yes I did.
But honestly, great review Scott. You’ve quickly turned into one of my favorite air travel reviewers. Any tips for surviving a 14 hour economy flight on United from San Francisco to Taipei - besides winning the lottery so I can afford the $6500 ticket in Polaris? Seeing you live it up in business class but still not being able to sleep, well, terrifies me.
Haha, thanks Keith! 14 hours in UA economy isn’t all that bad actually - I’ve done it many times myself, and as a matter of fact I’m probably doing it again in August. 😬 Just stay hydrated, expect the worst, and hope for the best. 😆 Have a great trip!
@@sanspotter two xanax will make that trip go by nice n quick!
Sweet, thanks Scott - I’ve done 8 hours multiple times but this will be my longest so far. Water is up there for sure. 🙂 F.N. Prank - also the plan 😂😂😂
China Airlines is from Taiwan while Air China is from Mainland. Air China service is considered as horrible to some extent.
To clarify, Mainland has Xiamen, China Southern, China Eastern and Air China (The four biggest) and so many more. Hong Kong has Cathay Pacific, and Cathay Dragon (bought by Cathay Pacific). Cathay Pacific offers international services and only flies to Beijing and Shanghai in Mainland. while Cathay Dragon flies mostly between Mainland and Hong Kong. Taiwan has China Airlines and Eva Air and so many more.
Great video! Your pronunciation is not quite right but close enough and In fact very good for a Texan boi.
Haha, close enough is good enough for me. 😄
Decades ago, we used to refer to the city of Xiamen as AMOY. I think some people still can understand Amoi better than Xiamen.
I'd fly it, if only to get Delta Sky Pesos or Korean Air miles. - Red
It’s definitely a good way to get Sky Pesos - I’d much rather fly Xiamen Airlines transpacific instead of Delta.
Another brilliant intro
im that kind of person that can sleep anywhere. I once slept through a whole flight in the back of an md80 once
*envy* I can't even sleep if it's not my bed. 😭😭😭
wow that airlines look so cool :)
I've been enjoying your videos and just now realized I wasn't subscribed! Shame on me!! Oh well, I fixed that so don't worry! Keep up the good work ;)
Haha, thanks for finally subscribing! 🙏🏻😀
Flying Air India at the start of June... wish me luck on this 16 hour flight
Actually...I don’t envy you at all. 😆 Good luck AND Godspeed... 😄