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 Air
Travel
 Airfare
Flying to China doesn't have to cost a
bundle! Regent Travel is an airfare consolidator for major U.S.-China
airlines and works with all major airlines flying from North America to
China and other Asian destinations. You can obtain the latest
group-based individual China-bound airfares in our ChinaPlanner (http://www.regenttour.com/planner),
and you can also obtain current Asia-bound individual airfares at
wholesale pricing at our Wholesale Airfare section of the site. Compare
our airfares against those offered by others, including the airlines
themselves, and you will see the advantage of traveling with Regent--in
cost savings as well as other Regent perks.
Seat
Assignment
All group-based seat assignments are done at
the airline check-in counter at the international departure airport. If
you have an individual air ticket, your seat can be confirmed prior to
arriving at the airport. Note that airlines often save bulkhead seats
for travelers with infants and those who are physically disabled. If you
wish to request bulkhead seating, obtain a letter from your physician
and present a copy of the letter at airport check-in. Be aware that the
airline cannot guarantee a seat assignment prior to check-in.
Luggage
Check-in
When you arrive at your departure airport,
make sure that your luggage is checked through to your first city in
China. For example, if you live in Cleveland, are flying to China via
Chicago, and your first stop in China is Beijing, double-check that your
luggage is marked for arrival in Beijing.
On-board
Comfort
It is a long flight from North America to
China. After all, you are traveling halfway around the world. During the
flight, try to move around as much as possible. Walk the aisles
frequently in order to minimize swollen feet and ankles. When seated,
put your feet up on the edge of your carry-on case in order to keep the
seat edge from limiting the circulation in your legs. Place the
airline's pillow or your own roll-shaped cushion behind the small of
your back. Neck pillows or inflatable pillows also help to make long
flights more comfortable.
There are exercises you can do while seated
that will help you relax. Move your head back and forth and from side to
side in order to relieve neck tension. Loosen your shoulder muscles by
shrugging. Relieve facial tension by opening your mouth as wide as you
can, letting your tongue hang out, and opening your eyes as wide as
possible. Stimulate your abdominal and gluteal muscles by contracting
and releasing several times. Point your feet and wiggle your toes. Flex
your hands, spread your fingers wide, and then make a fist.
Pack a sweater and a pair of slipper-socks in
your carry-on. Be prepared in case it gets too cold for your comfort on
the plane. Ask the flight attendant for a blanket if necessary.
Set your watch to China time as soon as you
board the plane. This will help you start thinking in terms of your
destination time and diminish some of the psychological effects of jet
lag. In order to prevent dehydration, try to drink at least four ounces
of water per hour of flight time. Flight attendants will serve water and
fruit juice frequently. Avoid alcohol as it accelerates dehydration.
Also, to counter the effects of the dry air in the cabin, use a
moisturizer on your face and hands or spray your face with water from an
atomizer bottle. Some people develop earaches during flight. In order to
relieve ear pressure, "pop" your ears by holding your nose shut, closing
your mouth, and attempting to blow air through your nostrils before
take-off. During the flight, swallow frequently, chew gum or candy, and
"pop" your ears as pressure builds. Do this especially if you feel you
are coming down with a cold.
Lost
Luggage
Luggage loss is rare--at an average of one
piece out of every 1,000 items. If an airline does lose your luggage,
complete the lost baggage report with the appropriate airline. Leave
your itinerary with the airline so that when your luggage is found it
can be delivered to you wherever you are. Keep receipts for any items
you may have to purchase while your bags are missing in order to make it
easier to obtain compensation from the airline for those items. Also,
check your bags carefully for damaged or missing items before leaving
the airport; the airline may not honor your claim once you have left the
baggage claim facility.
Airport
Taxes
U.S. and Chinese airports charge various
airport taxes and fees. U.S. side of the airport taxes are reflected on
your invoice. China side airport taxes are due at each local airport.
You should prepare to pay approximately US$6 for each airport departure
in China. For example, if you are flying from Beijing to Hangzhou, you
should prepare to pay about 50 yuan (about US$6.25 at the January 2000
exchange rate) in airport tax at the Beijing airport. Your local guide
will assist in this matter at the airport.
When you leave China, there is a departure tax. Currently, this tax is 90 yuan
(about US$11).
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