Beijing Trip w/ Air Canada & Starwood + Elite Re-qualification Status

I had a short short visit to Beijing, China last weekend due to some family emergency. Most of the family business was taken care of. However, I was super exhausted after 14,516 miles of flying within 4 days.

Well, I think I need a break for my last of school (from studying and all the flying I did over the weekend). Instead of studying for the final, let me just post a little bit about my trip to Beijing here. I traveled with Air Canada, one of my favorite North American airlines and stayed at Aloft Beijing and Westin Beijing Chaoyang.

Temple of Heaven 

I started my journey from Minneapolis, MN. Check-in for Air Canada is handled by United. The agent apparently was not very familiar with the procedures for checking in for Air Canada flights. It took him about 20 minutes to figure out he had to override the document check, which was used only for travel on United. He was nice though, no complaints here. Reminded him to priority-tag my bag. But the tag did not work well in Beijing Capital Airport. Continental and United still seem to use separate counters at MSP, no one was in line at the Continental side, but the counters were still staffed.

Kinda like the new United priority bag tag

Relaxed a little bit at the Red Carpet Club, oops, it is called United Club now, before boarding my CRJ-100/200. The gate was just next to the club, saved a lot of walking for me. Had been in here for many times, no surprises. Only that many signs had already been switched to the new United logos.

Had to work in the lounge...

Boarded my little 50-seat CRJ through a United boarding bridge. No priority boarding and everyone was rushing to the gate at the same time. It was a short journey from Minneapolis to Toronto. The most annoying things about Air Canada and this trip to Beijing is that none of my flights arrived or departed on-time. I was truly a little bit disappointed by Air Canada this time. The first leg was operated by Air Canada Express with only one flight attendant working on the flight. The flight was half-empty. I had the seat next to me empty.

Air Canada Express CRJ-100/200

Connections at Toronto from United States to International flights was a breeze. Went through Canadian Border Control and arrived at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International). My connection time was really short, I only stayed in the lounge for 10 - 15 minutes, then I headed down to the gate. (It was even shorter on my return.) It's so crazy people had lined up there for 40 minutes already. It's 50 minutes before scheduled boarding time. At least there was a priority line for premium passengers and airline elites. The gate agents actually enforced the rule that only those who were eligible were allowed to use the lane. It was a completely chaos on the plane, too. Overhead bins were turned out to be full so quickly and forced some passengers in the back to check their carry-ons. The departure was delayed as some passengers were trying to switch seats. My worst experience on Air Canada. The flight itself was nothing extraordinary as many would expect. My special meal was exactly the same for over 2 years. The regular meals were almost the same as well. You need to improve your meal, Air Canada!

The same Low Fat Special Meal over and over time on AC flights

Arrived at Beijing 20 minutes late. Waited super long for all the bags to come out. I definitely prefer Shanghai Pudong, which every time my bag come out the first load. They are also very efficient and quick in bringing all other bags to the belt. The ground traffic was really bad in Beijing on Friday night. It took me almost 2 hours traveling from Beijing Airport to Aloft Beijing.

Beijing Capital Airport PEK - Terminal 3. First time here.

Aloft was fine. Similar style everywhere. The location was a little isolated. Had to work at least 10 minutes to a nearby mall and an approx. 15-min taxi ride to the subway (didn't go to the subway station myself, but it was the information listed on Aloft's own website). Breakfast was included, but very average.

Aloft Beijing Haidian

I switched to Westin Beijing Chaoyang when my parents arrived in Beijing. It has a better location and more superior service comparing to Aloft. Room was upgraded to 31st Executive Club floor with Executive benefits. Nice view from my room. (A more detailed review to follow.) Buffet breakfast was awesome. One of the best I've had.

Westin Beijing Chaoyang, a.k.a. Westin Jinmao

Good morning, Beijing!

View from my room...

Best breakfast buffet ever!

Had a little tour by myself in Beijing and hanged out a little bit at night with friends. I actually had not been to Beijing since January 2007.

China Central TV headquarters

Apple Store, Sanlituan

People in front of the store try to sell you iPhones, a.k.a Huang Niu

Yummy colorful dumplings for dinner with friends

Wangfujing. Most of the food stalls were closed. 

On my way back to the States, flights were a little bit more enjoyable. Air China's Business Lounge for sure was not the best, but it did provide all the necessary stuff you would expect in an airport lounge. I seriously don't consider US Airways Clubs and United Clubs real lounges. Well, the plane was about 3/4 full. Departure was late as well. So I had to run to my connecting flight in Toronto as I waited for my bag so long at Toronto's US connection baggage belt. Vancouver did a much better job for not requiring to reclaim your bags when making US connections. Later found out the Minneapolis was delayed for about 10 minutes as well. So I headed to Maple Leaf for some quite and quality time there.

Air China Business Lounge

Had some Chinese food while working for school

An Emirates A380 parked next to our Air Canada B777 at Beijing

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto (Transborder)

What I got from the trip? Extreme tiredness and a hugh load of school work plus a free U.S. domestic ticket (25000+ redeemable miles); 1,500 Starwood Preferred Guest points; I will also reach the 75,000 elite-qualification-mile mark for United Mileage Plus Premier Platinum at the end of this year.

Happy Flying and more hotel reviews to come.