SHANDONG AIRLINES (Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Qingdao Airport), BOEING 737-800

Shandong Airlines Boeing 737-80NG parked on a rainy night at Qingdao Airport: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Route: Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Qingdao International Airport

Departure date of flight: March 22, 2015, 20.50

Flight number: SC4776

Flight duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Boeing 737-800
 
Punctuality of the flight:
 
This short-haul flight departed on time on a rainy and dark evening in Hangzhou. The city had been experiencing a thunderstorm all afternoon, and there seemed to be no end to the horrible weather. However, remarkably, this didn’t stop flights from departing on time. This was rare because even under normal weather conditions, more times than not, flights are delayed in China, and for the flight to depart to depart on time during rain was something to cheer about, I guess. 

Any baggage issues:
 
No issues- I only had hand luggage.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

No check in issues. Everything went perfectly smoothly at check-in at Hangzhou Airport. The check-in gates for domestic flights to second and third tier cities, such as Qingdao are located in the A-section of the departures building (though this may change later). For an airport the size of Hangzhou, it is somewhat underused and quieter than it should be (the international departures terminal is practically dead quiet 80% of the time). Qingdao is only less than 45 minutes away from Hangzhou, but it is a world away: Qingdao has clearer skies and a seemingly much better lifestyle because of it being a coastal city.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Herbal Chinese tea, orange juice and some other drinks, including tea and coffee. 

Comments regarding the first meal:

For this short-haul flight, we were served with a packet of salted peanuts and a packet containing cream crackers.
 
Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks were offered before (orange juice and water), during, and after the meal. Plenty of milk, coffee, and tea.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The cabin crew seemed proud to work for Shandong Airlines, and provide a very warm and friendly service.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

Shandong Airlines fleet consists only of Boeing 737 aircraft, with a variety of new Boeing 737-700/800/900NGs. All of these aircraft come in the following configuration:
 
Economy Class seats have a pitch of 32 inches, and a width of 18 inches
First Class seats have a pitch of 38 inches, and a width of 21 inches (some aircraft have a only Economy Class seating).

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 10

Interior of the Boeing 737-800NG belonging to Shandong Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Peanuts served on Shandong Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Lemon flavored cream crackers: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh