What’s it really like to fly on a Chinese airline? I upgraded to Business Class to find out! ✈️🇨🇳
From surprise service to unexpected luxuries (and some weird moments too), this flight was nothing like I expected. In this video, I take you onboard one of China’s most talked-about airlines to see if the experience lives up to the hype — or the horror stories.
Dridgers fly China's worst airline in business class for £260, then arrive in Sri Lanka for tuk-tuks, £1 coffee and monsoon adventures.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Flying China's most controversial airline turns out to be an unexpected delight for travel couple Dridgers. After a quick stopover in Shanghai, they upgrade to business class for just £260 each and discover a world of legroom, flat beds, and restaurant-quality meals. The real adventure begins in Sri Lanka, where they navigate visa-on-arrival hiccups, score a bargain SIM card, and haggle their way into a tuk-tuk for a fraction of the online price. From monsoon rains to £1 coffees, this journey is a raw, joyful return to a country they love.
China Airline Business Class: Surprise Service & Unexpected Luxuries
What’s it really like to fly on a Chinese airline? I upgraded to Business Class to find out! ✈️🇨🇳
From surprise service to unexpected luxuries (and some weird moments too), this flight was nothing like I expected. In this video, I take you onboard one of China’s most talked-about airlines to see...
Flying China's Worst Airline Business Class to Sri Lanka Travel Vlog
Prepare for an unexpected journey as this travel vlog dives into the realities of flying with a Chinese airline. The traveler upgraded to Business Class, anticipating potential issues based on warnings, but was met with surprising service and unexpected luxuries. This video offers an unfiltered look at the experience, contrasting the hype and horror stories with the actual onboard adventure, making it a must-watch for anyone curious about air travel in China.
Attractions in this video: Pudong International Airport
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-07-13)
Travel couple Dridgers are at Shanghai airport, buzzing for their flight to Sri Lanka. They forgot about the new visa rule for UK passport holders but plan to get one on arrival for $60. The couple boards China Eastern, an airline with a dismal reputation, and spontaneously upgrades to business class for just £260 each. Inside, they discover spacious seats that turn into near-flat beds, proper cutlery, metal chopsticks, and a menu with chicken, fish, or beef. The service is attentive and the food delicious. Dridgers marvel at the value: £150 for economy plus £250 upgrade for a seven-hour flight. After landing in Sri Lanka, the visa process is quick but the officer insists on cash. They grab a local SIM for $6, withdraw cash, and haggle a tuk-tuk ride to their hotel for 2,000 rupees — a fair price. The tuk-tuk is brand new, and the driver goes out of his way to find their accommodation. The hotel welcomes them with a beer and AC. Next morning, they enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, explore the area, and find a coffee shop with £1 drinks. The rainy monsoon season slows them down, but they're thrilled to be back in a country they adore.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: How much did the business class upgrade cost?
A: It was £260 each after asking at the gate. The economy seat was £150, so total £410 for a 7-hour flight plus a domestic flight.
Q: What was the food like in business class?
A: It was restaurant quality: proper plates, metal cutlery, choice of chicken, fish or beef, and even a garlic bread roll.
Q: How much was the SIM card at Colombo airport?
A: Just $6 for 30GB data and unlimited local calls for 30 days. Way cheaper than an eSIM.
Q: What was the tuk-tuk fare from the airport?
A: We paid 2,000 rupees, which is about £5.50. Always negotiate and know the per-km rate.
