Sichuan Airlines Review - Flight Ratings

A Sichuan Airlines review

If you’re planning a trip and want to read a Sichuan Airlines review before booking, read on. We put this together from our own experience and from what other customers have said. Sichuan Airlines is the largest airline in Western China. Established in September 1986, it began operations in July 1988 and flies domestic routes out of Chengdu Shuangliu, Chongqing Jiangbei International and Kunming Changshui International. It also owns Chengdu Airlines, and its corporate headquarters and main hub are at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan.

What some customers are saying

Not everyone enjoys their experience, whatever the actual flight was like. We searched widely for this review, and the negative reports were greatly outnumbered by those who had a good experience. The fares alone are better than most international airlines, enough that it would take a lot more than a language barrier and mediocre food to keep us away.

What are the pros

• Golden Panda frequent-flyer club. Accumulate mileage and earn rewards such as free tickets.
• Strong safety record. In its entire history it has had only two serious incidents: a January 2003 attempted hijacking in which the hijacker and one passenger were injured, and a May 2018 windshield failure on the co-pilot’s side that forced an emergency landing, with the co-pilot and a flight attendant reportedly injured.
• Skilled pilots. A number of passengers have gone out of their way to compliment the piloting, which for us offsets a lot of smaller complaints.

What are the cons

• While most were happy with the friendly, professional service, some had issues with the service and/or food.
• A few complaints about the lack of fluent English speakers.
• The vegan and vegetarian menu is weak.

Helpful tips for dealing with any airline

• Know all the rules and regulations for your airline, they can differ.
• Understand the baggage loading and unloading procedure.
• Call ahead if you have any special requirements (for example, special meals).
• When travelling internationally, at least attempt the basics of the local language; the effort goes a long way.
• Be respectful of different cultures, and do your research.

Overall rating

Sichuan Airlines scores higher than many other airlines, and most of the more negative reviews were fairly superficial. With genuinely skilled pilots, we’d happily bring our own food. Almost all customers reported on-time arrivals, or at worst an hour or so of delay. We’d put it around a 7 out of 10: getting to your destination safely is the number-one priority, and the pilots seem to deliver that on every flight. The price is almost half that of some competitors, so it’s well worth the few hiccups you might encounter. Yilu ping’an, have a safe trip.

Landing in Chengdu to meet suppliers? Don’t gamble on the English on board, book a Chinese interpreter for the meetings that actually matter.