On the Ground: With LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal now open after major reconstruction, traffic around the terminal is much more organized. Inside the terminal, I was second in the business-class line for China Southern Airlines, and the friendly staff performed a quick check-in. I was disappointed the new SkyTeam VIP lounge inside the newer terminal had not yet opened; however, the original lounge offered lots of available club chairs, electrical outlets and finger foods for guests to enjoy. About 45 minutes before the flight, I explored the new impressive terminal and made my way to Gate 148.
Pre-Flight: Business- and first-class passengers were the first group to board. The Airbus A380’s business-class section was on the upper deck, and we were shown to the escalator inside the gate and greeted by the staff. My flight attendant helped me stow my heavy carry-on and whisked away my coat. I was offered a towel and beverage within minutes of being seated. As the aircraft holds so many passengers, the loading time takes about 45 minutes. I put on my slippers and began to explore the seat area I would be occupying for the next 14 hours.
In-Flight: Seats on the upper deck are in a 1-2-1 configuration. My window seat gave me my own private section, with a large tabletop to my left and two storage bins on my right, allowing me to keep my laptop, iPad, phone and magazines within reach. The multi-use electrical outlets were perfect for keeping my gadgets charged during the flight. With a 13-inch screen, the entertainment system offered a large selection of new Hollywood releases, classic movies, TV shows, music and a live map to chart our flight progress. As I have sensitive ears, I was impressed with the high-quality, noise-canceling headphones, comfortable enough to use the entire flight. The 180-degree lie-flat seat was also comfortable, with several positions to choose from, allowing space to spread out for sleep or the perfect angle for working on my laptop. The seats included a thin mattress, a warm cream-colored quilt and two pillows.
Just 30 minutes in the air, the crew served dinner. I opted for hot green tea at first, and from a smaller selection of wine, I tried the Chardonnay from France. The appetizers were a selection of fish, including a tasting of shrimp, crab and baked scallop. For dinner I chose the Maine lobster tail, which tasted delicious alongside the jasmine rice. I enjoyed an extra cup of tea before bed for good measure.
Getting ready for bed, I explored the amenity kit. The attractive mint-green bag held an assortment of Bvlgari products, including a great mini bottle of perfume, lotion, lip balm and, of course, the essentials like a toothbrush and cotton swabs. A green silk eye mask was a favorite, and I took it home.
The Experience: The entire staff aboard the A380 to Guangzhou was friendly and attentive, keeping a close eye on passengers to make sure we had extra water bottles, snacks and pillows before bedding down. As Guangzhou is a centrally located destination and a hub to China and Asia, China Southern offers a great way to get you there.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly and helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Helpful and courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits[/item]
[item check=yes]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with three entrée choices[/item]
[item]Top-shelf wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 23, 2023The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan Introduces Spring Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan offers travelers exciting experiences this spring. Opened in July 2020, the property overlooks Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai in Japan’s Northern Kanto region. With cherry blossoms (Sakura) set to bloom in April, the area is the perfect destination for a spring getaway.
Sponsored Content
Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App
Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.
Daily
Mar 23, 2023New Limited-Time Bonus Offers from Scenic, Emerald Cruises
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises currently offer travelers savings of up to $500 per cabin and a 50 percent reduction on deposits on select 2023/2024 river and ocean itineraries. The offers are available through March 31 and can be combined with others, such as early-booking savings of up to $1,500 per couple and a Pay in Full bonus that includes free or reduced airfare options.
Daily
Mar 23, 2023The Cape Ann Museum Announces Major Edward Hopper Exhibit
This July, The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts, hosts Edward Hopper & Cape Ann: Illuminating an American Landscape, the first major exhibition to explore Hopper’s connection to Cape Ann during his formative years as an artist. Visitors will be treated to 65 works that include paintings, prints and drawings assembled from collections housed at Whitney Museum of American Art; Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC; private lenders; and other institutions.
March 2023
Mar 22, 2023Global Traveler Celebrates the 2022 Winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards
Travel is back and better than ever! Last year brought a big boom to our beloved industry, and we were thrilled to celebrate the best of the best in December 2022 as we honored the winners of our 19th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, located downtown at LA Live!
Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023Brown Hotels Celebrates Beachside Greek Resorts Reopening with New Offer
In honor of the seasonal reopening of its beachside Greek resorts, Brown Hotels offers a generous 25 percent discount on all bookings made by the end of April. This discount can apply to Brown Hotels’ beachside properties of Isla Brown Corinthia, Brown Beach Chalkida, Brown Beach Eretria and DAVE by the Beach Loutraki.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023Air Tahiti Nui Announces Limited-Time Sale on Flights from LAX to AKL
Through April 24, passengers booking a flight with Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) enjoy round-trip fares from $974 per person in Moana economy class or $2,394 in Moana premium class.
ShareThis