Dreamliner to Beijing – Dream trip or keep dreaming?

Yes! You read well! We flew far, far to the east. With the child. In addition, the pride of LOT Polish Airlines – the Dreamliner. However, before we start raving about China, a few words about the flight itself.

Why China at all? Why go so far with a baby?

We have always said that when the baby comes, we will continue to travel, fulfill our dreams and explore the world. Of course, the daughter will always come first, but we want to infect the travel bug from the very beginning :) We want to show the world, teach, get used to it and stimulate travel curiosity.

We knew that sooner or later the three of us would fly somewhere far away, the only question was when. With help came our native Polish carrier, which in September 2016 announced a good promotion in which you could buy tickets to countries such as China, Korea and Japan for less than 2,000 zł.

We didn’t buy tickets right away. We pondered and hesitated for a long time, even consulted our pediatrician about which direction from our list would be most appropriate. We knew we wanted to fly to a place where it was safe, clean, there was good medical care and a low risk of contracting diseases (children under 1 year old cannot be vaccinated). Adding up the number of attractions and places to see definitely won Beijing. The fact that it was a direct flight and on a “famous” Dreamliner was also of great importance.

Flight to Beijing

A big plus of the flight was the fact that it was a direct flight from Warsaw to Beijing, with a duration of about 8 hours one way and 9 hours the other way. No transfers, no risk of lost luggage, no delays. We were looking forward to finally flying LOT’s famous Dreamliner.

At the airport, we were pleasantly surprised by the special check-in counters for families, so you can save some time (which is scarce when you’re rushing for a flight). Also during the inspection, we used special crossings for families with children, although in this case, it’s the normal queues that go faster (if you have a choice, don’t go to the priority ones).

Of course, remember that for the baby you can bring additional liquids, food, medicine. We had with us a jar and, in addition, a lot of water with the only stopper acceptable to Olive (one a’la sports).

At the airport itself, we didn’t have too much time, so we immediately walked towards the next windows – still passport check-in and we can load up for the plane. Well, maybe you still have to take into account a visit to the changing table (fortunately, there are quite a few of these at Chopin Airport).

Cradle in the airplane

Since we traveled with an infant we were given seat assignments in advance and a special cradle/gondola for sleeping – we recommend writing to the airline in advance to be sure that the cradle will be available. We had a seat in the first row, just behind premium class (row number 7).

We always had misgivings about these places, and they turned out to be a hit. First of all, we had a great deal of legroom and could have everything in our legs during the flight. The mounted cradle could also hold extra things (when the behemoth is not sleeping in it, of course).

Still from practical information, babies up to 12 kg can sleep in the cradle, at least that’s what it says on the cradles. Previously, the information was about 10 kg, and the cabin crew themselves did not quite know whether 10 or 12 kg….

The overrated Dreamliner…. or LOT?

Unfortunately, this is where the pluses end. We were disappointed by the famous Dreamliner.

Let’s start with the fact that it’s relatively tight. Seat distribution is 3+3+3, In width it is tight and in length also. As mentioned, we had a lot of room, as we were seated in the first row. However, looking at the other rows it is unlikely Paweł would have had much comfort for such a long flight…. let alone if one were to add a lap bean to the mix. We didn’t measure, but we had the impression that the space was less than on budget airlines.

The aircraft was worn out. This was immediately apparent, especially from the worn-out seats, although it was generally clean (even the toilets were kept clean throughout the flight, although the flush was not working in one on the way back). The seats, however, did not work properly – yes, yes, we spelled it right :) Twice we flew and each time there was a problem with reclining, once even one did not work at all (on the way back, more than 9 hours of flight!). Weak.

We were disappointed, and very much so, with the entertainment system. First, the screens are touchscreen in name only. Second, the remotes and the entire navigation are completely unintuitive and resistive. Our fellow passengers were completely unaware of how to use them. This is not what we expected from a “modern” aircraft.

In addition, the selection of films and series was quite poor. The number of items may be sufficient, but 95% are oldies that everyone already knows by heart. OK, you might think we’re comparing to one of the better airlines (Emirates), but we’ve flown cheap charters as well, and it was not much better there.

LOT didn’t even make an effort to use correct Polish….

Finally, we filled out an electronic survey, we just wanted to evaluate our flight since there is such an opportunity. However, this survey will not do anyone any good anyway. The questions are structured in such a way that you can’t express your own opinion, there are no open-ended questions, no negative answers…. I wonder what LOT does with the collected responses. Would like to see this presentation to the board saying how great and wonderful it is ;)

Anyway, see for yourself (you can choose only one answer):

Maybe at least the food will make our flight more enjoyable? Unfortunately, neither. While it was still decent on the way to China, the meals on the way back were a joke. Yes, in jest. We got tiny, modest portions (in the vege version, the main course was just rice and four slices of vegetables), and then sandwiches the size of Olive’s fist (literally, we measured!). We were hungry the whole flight, although on the plus side we have to admit that snacks (nuts and waffles) are available.

And here we were reminded of our return entry from Rome, where, after being served sandwiches, we were glad that LOT had given up free food on short European routes.

How about at least service? Towards us OK, although. they forgot to remove the carrycot to one side for landing, we ourselves had to ask for a seat belt for Olive before takeoff (because we were already taxiing and no one gave it to us), well, when asked to heat up a jar of food for the toddler they completely pounced on it…. Toward others? They do not lead by example. We witnessed stupid remarks and comments being thrown at foreigners, including in English, which is definitely not befitting an airline crew! Shame on you.

It’s a pity, really a pity, because even the tinted windows that we delighted in at the beginning will not overshadow the złexperience of this flight….

In fact, the only plus point of this flight/plane was that the flight passed comfortably, without the feeling of large pressure differences, turbulence. The air also seemed “fresher.” Thus, we can conclude that the Dreamliner itself is a good option. Worse with LOT Polish Airlines’ service and offerings :-/

You may think we’re up to our asses, but we really aren’t demanding. Seriously. Perhaps we were hoping for too much having heard good things about LOT’s Dreamliner?

Baby on a plane

Olive in our opinion endured the flight very well! Toward China she half slept, on the way back definitely less, but it was an early morning flight, so no wonder. Nevertheless, we dispel the myth that children sleep on planes. They do not sleep :) Others didn’t sleep either. Too many interesting things, so many people, screens, remotes, food, etc. How does one fall asleep with so much stimulus?

During takeoff, I fed, which helped with the pressure change, but by the time I landed, it was no longer necessary.

The cradle worked, but only for a moment – unfortunately, despite the fact that Olive weighs a little more than half the allowed weight, it was cramped for her and she could not even turn around, and all attempts to put her down ended in crying. And lo and behold, I sat still for 4 hours with a sleeping baby in my arms ;)

In addition to sleeping, Olive was eager to peek over the seats, learn how to use the remote control and stare out the window.

We also got a baby meal on board in the form of two, ice-cold jars. Our requests for warming were of no use, but fortunately we didn’t count too much on solid foods anyway.

Beijing!

In Beijing we were greeted by smog! Terrible, large smog that subsided only in the evening. Visibility was very poor both during the landing and later throughout the day. Fortunately, this was the only day with so much smog. It got better with each passing day.

As befits a major metropolis, the airport is far from the city itself. The easiest way to get to Beijing is by subway, the terminal station of which is right at the airport. Before entering the subway, it’s a good idea to get a pre-paid card, which you recharge and with which you can travel on the subway and buses around the capital (it also works for commuter trains, such as the Great Wall). We will definitely write more about it :)

So, upon arrival we stocked up on the card and headed for Beijing. It was young in China, and for us it was the middle of the night. Not surprisingly, the first thing we did at the hotel was to go to bed :) The whole report coming soon!