| travel agents | |
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| Feb 23, 2007 18:18 |   |
 | When I travel to china, I will be going from LAX to Shanghai, and would prefer to fly direct, since it is such a long trip. It appears that there is only one airline option for this route: China Eastern. Is there anybody who has made this flight before who could give me some feedback? I would also like to get the cheapest airfare possible. Any recommendations for a good Chinese travel agent in the Los Angeles area? Thanks. |
| Feb 24, 2007 00:19 | #1 |
| I flew from direct LAX to Beijing last year on Air China. They fly to Shanghai as well...but I do not know if they fly there from LAX. |
| Feb 24, 2007 01:03 | #2 |
| Hi again, Yes, China Eastern is the only airline flying out of LAX, which has a non-stop to Shanghai. Just like China Southern is the only airline which flies non-stop to Guangzhou. There are some real good rates available on this route. It is 14 hours over and a little less than 12 hours on the return, due to the significant tail wind effect. It is very similar to the flight to GZ, which I have taken several times now. The Chinese pilots flying these routes, are very experienced, professional, and safe. The flight leaves LAX, utilizing a circle route; flying up along the coast of Calif, Oregon, Wash, B.C. CA, out across Alaska and its Island chain, along the coast of Russia, and then into China and Shanghai. They will serve you two full meals and a mid-flight snack. You will enjoy the flight !! Yes, I too prefer non-stop flights to China. I just want to get there, and not have to deplane and wait in another terminal for a few hours, hope the connecting flight is on time, and then re-board etc. The one good thing is both China Eastern flights, to and from, are at decent hours mid-day. The China Southern flight I usually take to GZ, leaves LAX at close to midnight. I grew up in Southern California (L.A. area) and I have used a Chinese/American travel agency in the Monterey Park/Alhambra area, for some time now. They have very competitive rates, as do some of the companies who advertise on this site. I would definitely use a travel agency. They will quote you a price that includes the airport taxes and security fees. Many online venues such as Orbitz, will quote a low-ball price, but it is not inclusive of all the special fees, and when you try to buy it, they will most likely tell you it is not available and try to sell you a more expensive ticket. I hope this helps !! Have a great trip. If you need any more specific info, you can PM me. |
| Feb 24, 2007 04:28 | #3 |
| Try in Chinatown? |
| Feb 25, 2007 02:06 | #4 |
| Hi Elllyse, Your comment, on the surface, would seem so logical; however, it is not as valid today, as it once was, say even 20 years ago. In essence, the city I mentioned to the other member and where my travel agent is based, Monterey Park, is in fact a ‘Chinatown‘. In this regard, the following may be of interest to you, as well as other members. In years past, in America, and maybe other parts of the world, ‘Chinatown‘, was always very well defined in its boundaries and always represented the enclave of the Chinese/Asian population; with a large concentration of businesses and residences of that population therein. Today, in California, and most notably Southern California/Los Angeles County, the demographic picture has transformed dramatically. Now, whole communities/cities have become in essence the multiple new, or de facto ‘Chinatowns‘; relegating the very old, historic China Town in the city center of Los Angeles, as more of a historical/cultural, tourist center, with many Chinese businesses relocating to the new areas in the suburbs, outside of the Los Angeles city center. Some facts: In the 1990 census, the city of Monterey Park had the first Asian descent [majority] population in the continental United States. As of the most recent 2000 national census, Monterey Park is 42.32% Chinese, making it the most Chinese place in the United States. Many I think, may have guessed San Francisco?? Cantonese Chinese is now widely spoken and heard in most Chinese businesses within Monterey Park. Photo main business district. Most of the signs on the businesses, are in Chinese.  |
| Feb 28, 2007 04:55 | #5 |
| Thanks for another very informative reply, Roger! I tried to send you a PM. Hope it went through, as I wasn't quite sure what I was doing! |
| Feb 28, 2007 23:34 | #6 |
| No, I did not receive the first PM, but did get the 2nd one. Have replied with the info to your PM !! Have a great trip, and let us know how it goes !!! |
| Mar 1, 2007 00:20 | #7 |
| Similarly, in Sydney, we have an offcially recognised Chinatown in the CBD - the Central Business District (Downtown to Americans, City Centre to many others) and several suburbs which have more Chinese shops than any others. I always recommend using their travel agents for China. |
| Mar 8, 2007 19:04 | #8 |
| Thanks Roger for recommending to me a travel agent in Monterey Park. He ended up getting me a great deal on a China Eastern ticket--far better than any I'd seen on the web! |
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