Hainan Airlines review by David Schlosser

Hainan Airway's reputation for fantastic service is well deserved, though its coordination with partners is at times poorly executed. Highlights: - Flight attendants are personable, engaging, linguistically talented, and extremely service oriented, especially in business class. They are always available, eager to please, and quick to smile. Bathrooms are kept spotlessly clean, being touched up between each use on my Brussels to Beijing flight. Special accolades to Momoka on the 22 May 2025 HU 0492 BRU-PEK flight, who really went above and beyond to ensure the perfect cabin experience to the passengers in her zone. The cabin manager, Zhi Jianru expertly manged the flight that day, making it a real pleasure for passengers. - Pilots are communicative, frequently sharing updates and conditions. - The aircraft are well maintained, the food delicious, and the whole on-board experience feels very professionally managed. Opportunities: - Coordination with partners: the feeder airline on my London to Brussels flight was Brussels Airlines, and they refused to let me board, saying Hainan needed them to verify my credit card and passport. I handed both to the Brussels representatives in London, who had no idea what to do next and refused to call Hainan Airlines. For 2.5 hours, I stood at the counter, calling Hainan, trying to get the Brussels reps to speak to them, and made no progress. Each Hainan representative advised that there were no issues with my tickets, but the Brussels staff would not proceed. Finally I found a manager, who allowed me to check in and catch the aircraft, almost missing the flight. - Politics: Hainan crew are required to wear pins indicating their political party affiliation, which unfortunately brings politics into an otherwise lovely travel experience. Much of the on board entertainment includes political programming. I would definitely fly Hainan again, but would avoid any itineraries that require coordination with partners, especially Brussels Airlines.