Trip Report: Hainan Airlines B787 Business Class Review – Boston to Beijing

We spent about 4 hours in Boston Airport most of which were spent in the AirFrance lounge which was so underwhelming; I’m not even going to review it. It was finally time to fly across the globe and head to Asia on Hainan Arilines B787 business class. Hainan Airlines flies non-stop from Boston to Beijing and Shanghai; both flights are operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners and they leave within 15 mins of each other.

Flight Details:

Hainan Airlines HU482
Boston (BOS) – Beijing (PEK)
Depart: 4:10PM
Arrive: 7:05PM+1
Duration: 13hrs 55mins
Aircraft: Boeing 787
Cost: 50,000 Alaska Airlines Miles + $180 in fees

During boarding two different gate agents checked our passports to make sure we have the Chinese visa. Even tho there’s a 144 visa free transit policy, I highly recommend getting the visa anyway. I applies for the 10 year visa at the Chinese consulate in NY on a Monday and got my passport back on Wednesday. It’s fairly easy and straight forward as long as you fill out the application accurately.
Back to the flight, the business class cabin on Hainan Airlines 787 is in a 2x2x2 configuration. The first thing I noticed about the cabin is that it’s extremely red 🙂 I generally don’t like the 2x2x2 seating because the person sitting by the window on wither side of the cabin has no direct aisle access. This means you’ll have to jump over your seatmate to go to the bathroom and it gets annoying especially when the seats are in bed mode. However, it’s not so bad when you’re traveling with a companion.

The seat has a ton of leg room. The ottoman in front of the seat has a storage area underneath it for a backpack or a small carry on and it also becomes part of the bed when the seat is fully reclined.

Awaiting at the seat was the amenity kits, slippers and headphones.

To the left of the seat were the seat controls.

Underneath that was the remote control for the TV and a cup holder for a water bottle.

Once settled in, we were offered a choice between a mocktail, orange juice and pear juice. We chose the mocktail and it was delicious.

The amenity kits and slippers were already at the seat. The amenity kit was well stocked. It contained toothbrush, toothpaste, Bvlgari amenities, comb, socks, eye shades and ear plugs.

Shortly after that the menus were distributed.

Soon after take off, service started and I got a glass of champagne.

The dinner table was set very nicely and every passenger in business class gets their own bread basket.

For the appetizer I got the marinated shrimp, teriyaki chicken and pineapple skewers.

After that I got a salad.

For the main course I got the Chinese option which was delicious. It consisted of twice cooked pork, stir fried lobster tail, braised bok choy, carrots and mushrooms.

Jessica got the grilled beef fillet

For dessert we shared the guava swirl cheesecake and the dark chocolate lava cake.

After dinner, the flight attendants asked if we want her to make our bed and we said yes please. The bed was very nice and comfortable and the pillows and blanket were plush.

The flight attendant gave us pajamas as well. They were nicely designed and soft.

I woke up a few hours later and I ordered the Udon noodle soup with shrimp and scallops.

A couple hours after that, it was time for the prearrival meal. I ordered the stir-fried noodles with chicken and mushroom.

And I also got a fruit plate and coffee.

Hainan Airlines B787 Business Class Bottom Line

Hainan Airlines B787 business class is a very solid product and I wouldn’t hesitate to take it again. It’s definitely a great option to get to China whether to Beijing or Shanghai on a direct flight from Boston. For only 50,000 Alaska Airlines miles it’s an awesome deal. The seat is not the best because of the 2x2x2 configuration; but if traveling with a companion it’s not an issue. The service was excellent, the food was delicious with a lot of variety. Well done Hainan Airlines.

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