On the Ground: With LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal now reopened after major reconstruction, traffic flow around the terminal is far more organized. Inside, I was second in the business-class line for China Southern Airlines, and the staff handled check-in quickly and professionally. Although the new SkyTeam VIP lounge in the renovated section had not yet opened, the original lounge offered plenty of comfortable seating, plentiful power outlets and light finger foods. About 45 minutes before departure I walked through the impressive new terminal and headed to Gate 148.
Pre-Flight: Business- and first-class passengers boarded first. The Airbus A380’s business-class cabin is located on the upper deck; we were directed to the gate escalator and warmly welcomed by the cabin crew. A flight attendant assisted with my heavy carry‑on and took my coat. Within minutes of taking my seat I was offered a towel and a welcome beverage. Boarding an aircraft of this size takes time—about 45 minutes in this instance—so I slipped into slippers and began inspecting the seat area I would occupy for the next 14 hours.
In-Flight: Upper-deck business-class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. My window seat provided a private nook with a generous tabletop to my left and two storage compartments to my right, convenient for a laptop, tablet, phone and reading material. Multiple power outlets kept devices charged throughout the flight. The seatback entertainment screen measured about 13 inches and offered a wide selection of new Hollywood releases, classics, TV shows, music and a live flight map. The noise-canceling headphones were high quality and comfortable for long use—important for a passenger with sensitive ears. The seat itself converted to a fully flat bed with a variety of recline positions, allowing for productive work or a full rest. A thin mattress pad, a warm cream-colored quilt and two pillows added to the comfort.
About 30 minutes after takeoff the cabin crew began meal service. I started with hot green tea and sampled a French Chardonnay from a modest wine list. The appetizer course featured a selection of seafood—shrimp, crab and baked scallop—presented as a tasting. For the main course I chose the Maine lobster tail, which paired nicely with jasmine rice. I finished the meal with another cup of tea before preparing for sleep.
Preparing for bed, I checked the amenity kit. The attractive mint-green pouch contained a selection of Bvlgari toiletries, including a small perfume, lotion, lip balm and hygiene items such as a toothbrush and cotton swabs. A green silk eye mask was a particularly nice touch, and it came home with me.
The Experience: The crew on the A380 to Guangzhou was consistently friendly and attentive, regularly offering extra water, snacks and pillows before the cabin dimmed for rest. Given Guangzhou’s role as a major transportation hub in China and Asia, China Southern provides an efficient and comfortable option for travelers headed to the region.
GT CHECKLIST
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Friendly and helpful agents
Priority tagged baggage
Airport lounge access
Complimentary lounge food
Priority boarding
Helpful and courteous flight attendants
Pre-flight beverage service
Pre-flight newspapers and magazines (noted availability varies)
Extensive on-demand entertainment
Amenity kit provided
Slippers included
Lie-flat seat/bed
Turn-down service (noted as unavailable on this flight)
In-flight menu with multiple entrée choices
Top-shelf wines and liquors (selection varies)