Check In
Just like other airlines, online check in is available. However, be prepared to spend a lot of time on it! While online check in on Singapore Airlines take no more than 1 minute, it took me almost 30 minutes for Air China. It is slow a very cumbersome process with a very difficult test of being a human (lol). My recommendation? Just forget about it and do your check in at the airport.
Lounge
Air China has no lounge in Singapore; hence it is contracted to SATS Premier in Terminal 1. As there are no SQ flights from terminal 1, there is no option of using SilverKris lounge (unless you are prepared to do the short hop to either Terminal 2 or 3).
It was busy in the morning as it is used by both Priority Pass and Airlines. Despite that, I was still able to get seats as the lounge is big, I would say bigger than the SATS lounge in Terminal 2.
There were a mix of both hot and cold items, with the usual DIY laksa station. Beverage options include alcohol even in the morning for the early drinkers.
Food quality is at best average but with less options than its counterpart in Terminal 2 but certainly beats the Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 1.
Toilets are available in the lounge.
Hardware
CA 976 was operated on an Airbus A330-300 (flew in a 12-year-old B-5906). This was the same flight I took back in 2019 en-route to Fukuoka but in Economy Class. Seats were configured in a forward facing 2-2-2 with no direct aisle access for the 2 window seats.
The seat is narrow at 21” width but with a very generous leg space. Fully reclined, it can more than able to fit my 1.9m frame with additional space to spare. The seat is of average comfort in seating mode but less so in bed mode.
Cabin was well maintained but not the best as there are dirt and crumbs at certain hard to reach seat corners which is a design flaw.
The headphone port is hard to reach and unfortunately, mine was not working (problem persisted even after an IFE reset – which means it was more of an issue with the port).
It has very few storages space, rendered useless by its impractical design. The side pocket would have issue with an iPad as it blocks the chairs recline and the space is almost blocked once the chair is converted to bed. Front storage is too far to access once your seat belt is on and the narrow space in between the seats has such a deep recess that you will have difficulty retrieving things slotted there (unless it is a large laptop).
The seat has 1 universal plug with 1 USB-A port which due to its placement renders it difficult to access. After all the acrobats contorting your body to reach it from a seating position, you would be lucky if it works (mine was not).
The screen was small for the distance and is showing its age given the lack of brightness and some colour bleeding. The IFE was dated with very few movie selections (it doesn’t matter since my audio port was non-functional). Remote was small and not very responsive making it difficult to control (especially fast forwarding a movie).
Toilet is a major issue on the A330 as it only has 1 toilet for 30 Business Class passengers! The 2 rear toilets are unfortunately sectioned off for the Economy/Premium Economy Passengers. This makes toilet fighting the name of the game in Business Class (ha-ha). Only facial toner and mist were provided and dental kit stocked (nothing more). Cleanliness was still well maintained.
Software
Being typical Asian carriers, the crew were efficient but unlike its counterparts, it lacks warmth – they go about doing their tasks rather clinically. Don’t get me wrong, they are still approachable but may not be as prompt when called.
Duvet and slippers are provided at the seat, together with a L’occitane amenity kit.
Towels were provided before taking off and pre-meals. Drinks were served both on the ground and post take-off.
Unfortunately, there were no in-seat menu (nor electronic options) making it difficult for beverage selection short of asking the crew directly. Given my lack of knowledge, there is no way for me to tell if it is champagne or just sparkling wine that I just sipped.
On paper, the menu looked impressive for a regional flight but don’t be misled by it. The appetizer is more like amuse-bouche, served in a cart.
There were four mains (vegetarians rejoice! You are not forgotten). Orders were taken before taking off using that one and only menu on board that is not accessible to you. Once again, do not be misled by the description. The Stir Fry lobster and sea bass had a grand total of ………. Zero piece of lobster in it. The taste was average but the portion small (almost economy class like).
As part of the service recovery for my spoilt audio, I was given a choice of compensation of either RMB 200 cash or RMB 400 voucher. Unlike with SQ where the voucher is emailed to you as a code, you will need either a China bank account (to access the cash) or a PhoenixMiles account (for the voucher), both of which I do not have.
Overall impression
There is certainly a big gap in terms of service and F&B vs. 5* Star Alliance carriers. It has good and efficient service with approachable crew but lacks the friendly touch. The cabin comfort and cleanliness were above average but hopefully the menu can be a tad more accurate.
The A330 is best avoided due to its age with the seats showing signs of it with nonfunctional parts. Even if working, the IFE has very limited selections and less than impressive screen. This plane may be better served as a domestic plane than one flying an international route.
NEXT UP……. COMAC C919!
That Time Of The Year! 