{"id":140802,"date":"2025-03-18T02:32:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T02:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/airline\/cherished-dream\/"},"modified":"2025-03-18T02:32:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T02:32:14","slug":"cherished-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=140802","title":{"rendered":"Cherished Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\nHainan Airlines San Jose to Beijing Inaugural<\/h4>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nIn February 2015, Hainan Airlines announced<\/a> that they would start new service between Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (SJC) and Beijing (PEK) in June using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner<\/i>.\u00a0 As a resident of the San Jose area and a big fan of the 787, of course I had to fly on the inaugural flight.
\n<\/p>\n

To fully experience the airline\u2019s much-touted \u201cfive-star\u201d service, I purchased a ticket in Business Class for slightly over $3900 round trip, including taxes.\u00a0 Although Hainan is not a member of an alliance, miles accrued in its Fortune Wings Club frequent flier program can be exchanged to other airlines or loyalty programs via points.com<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\nPre-Flight<\/span><\/h3>\n

\nA couple weeks before my flight, the departure time changed 20 minutes from 1:10 pm to 1:30 pm.\u00a0\u00a0 I would not normally bat an eye at such an insignificant change.\u00a0 However, I was surprised to receive phone calls from Hainan, China at all of my contact numbers \u2013 plus email \u2013 informing me of the change.\u00a0 Would this be a sign of great service to come?\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Included with my Business Class ticket was limousine service to and from the airport.\u00a0 I called Hainan Airlines a few weeks before departure to reserve my rides.\u00a0 Later, I received emails from the airline confirming the pickup and drop-off times and locations, which was reassuring.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Evening before departure, I watched flight HU 7989, the inaugural departure to San Jose depart Beijing on Flightradar24.\u00a0 The flight was flown with aircraft B-2759, delivered only three months prior in April.\u00a0 I was excited that I would be flying on Hainan\u2019s newest Dreamliner<\/i>!<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nA new era begins.\u00a0 Two 787s enroute to SJC:\u00a0 ANA from Tokyo and Hainan from Beijing!<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nTen minutes before promised, my airport ride, a black Cadillac CTS sedan, showed up at my doorsteps.\u00a0 So began a long but exciting day.\u00a0 Despite being a Monday morning, there was no traffic slow down and I arrived at SJC before 10 am.<\/p>\n

SJC Terminal B \u2013 Southwest, Hainan, and Alaska (not shown).<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nA giant balloon panda along with a banner adorned Hainan\u2019s decked out ticket counter.\u00a0 It was still early and there were plenty of open positions.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nUnfortunately, there was a seat assignment snafu and I lost my pre-reserved seat at row 15 (last row in the first cabin – my favorite row on the 787). Since both window seats at row 15 were already assigned, I moved up to row 12, one row ahead.\u00a0 A manager from the ground staff apologized for the mix up and as promised, later followed up on email after ensuring my preferred seat on the return flight has been secured.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Even though counter agents were being trained, service was nevertheless quick and courteous.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\u201cSpace Observer\u201d sculpture by Bjorn Sch\u00fclke at the Terminal B mezzanine. <\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nGate 18 is one of two new \u201cswing\u201d gates at SJC, able to be converted between domestic and international configurations.\u00a0\u00a0 There, workers and caterers were putting on final touches for the gate event.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nAnd so we waited for HU 7989\u2019s arrival from Beijing while munching on dim-sum dumplings and chicken salad.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nAt 11:43 am, Hainan Dreamliner<\/i> B-2759 touched down at SJC\u2019s Runway 30L marking start of a new era at San Jose!<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nSJC\u2019s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting delayed their weekly water discharge test by one day so the tradition of a water cannon salute for an inaugural flight can be performed.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nI got interviewed by NBC affiliate Channel 11 about my trip.\u00a0 But I did not make the cut, because instead of noting the positives of the new service, the reporter decided to make an \u201cinvestigative story\u201d about how the airport\u2019s water waste \u201ccontroversy\u201d for the water cannon salute was not really controversial at all.\u00a0
\n
\nThe inaugural crew, consisting of nine flight attendants and four pilots, posed for photos prior to the presentations.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nThe press conference was emceed by Silicon Valley Leadership Group President and CEO Carl Guardino, who made opening introductions.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nSan Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, with City Council members (left to right) Magdalena Carrasco and Johnny Khamis.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nChina’s Consul General at San Francisco, Luo Linquan<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nSan Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Matthew Mahood<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nHainan Airlines Vice Chairman Mu Weigang (with translator), flew in from Beijing on the inaugural flight.\u00a0 He noted that the airline had specifically brought their newest 787 just for the inaugural flights today (thank you, Mr. Mu!).<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nSJC Airport Director Kim Becker<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nExchange of gifts<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nThe event culminated with the breaking of a giant fortune cookie.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nThe Partnership between Hainan Airlines and Silicon Valley’s Airport \u2013 SJC Will Be A Long and Prosperous One!<\/i><\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nRibbon cutting at the gate door officially opened Hainan\u2019s flight to Beijing.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\nThe Flight<\/span><\/h3>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aircraft:\u00a0 <\/b>Boeing 787-8
\nRegistration:\u00a0 <\/b>B-2759
\nmsn\/ln:\u00a0 <\/b>38056\/274
\nDelivered:\u00a0 <\/b>April 2015 (age 0.3 years) <\/b><\/p>\n

Hainan Airlines (HU) <\/b>7990
San Jose International (SJC) \u2013 Beijing Capital (PEK)<\/b>
Scheduled Departure \u2013 Arrival<\/b>:\u00a0 1:30 pm \u2013 5:00 pm (next day)
Actual Departure \u2013 Arrival<\/b>:\u00a0 2:04 pm \u2013 5:09 pm (next day)<\/p>\n

Take-off SJC Runway 30R<\/b>:\u00a0 2:15 pm
Landing PEK Runway 36L<\/b>:\u00a0 4:47 pm<\/p>\n

Flight Duration:<\/b>\u00a0 11 hours 41 minutes<\/p>\n

Flightaware Flight Track<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

Personal Achievement<\/b>:\u00a0 Sixth 787 Inaugural Flight<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. United Airlines 787 First Revenue Flight<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. ANA San Jose \u2013 Tokyo Route Opening Flight<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Norwegian Oakland \u2013 Stockholm Route Opening Flight<\/li>\n
  4. Air Canada 787 First Revenue Flight<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. American Airlines 787 First Revenue Flight<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Hainan Airlines San Jose \u2013 Beijing Route Opening Flight<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nWith all the hoopla for the inaugural ceremony, boarding for the flight did not start until about 1:20 pm, ten minutes before scheduled departure.\u00a0 While boarding, I was disappointed not seeing goodie bags being handed out like some previous inaugural flights I have experienced.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nI quickly made my way to seat 12A, second row in Business Class.\u00a0 I wanted to get some photos of the cabin before the crowd took their seats.\u00a0 This was made difficult, because the cabin crew immediately went to work.\u00a0 There was no time to settle in as I was \u201cbombarded\u201d (I say this kindly, of course) with my departure drink, warmed nuts, choice of hot or cold towel, and choice of magazines and newspapers.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nThere are two Business Class cabins, each with three rows.\u00a0 Seat pitch is 74 inches, in 2-2-2 layout.\u00a0 This layout is about one generation behind the latest cabin design that provides direct aisle access from all seats.\u00a0 Though less private for the solo traveler, this configuration doesn\u2019t put each passenger behind tall walls making one feel less claustrophobic.\u00a0 This configuration also makes the cabin feel more spacious.\u00a0 In fact, while banking on approach, I was able to enjoy the view below through the row of large windows on the opposite<\/i> side of the cabin.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \n\u201cHainan Passion\u201d \u2013 airline\u2019s own special drink \u2013 as recommended by the flight attendant.\u00a0 Taste was typical of a mixed fruit drink.\u00a0 The nuts (including those of the macadamia variety) were warm!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nThe menu \u201cGallery Service Collection\u201d was then handed out.\u00a0 I know typically, the meal order would follow quickly, so there would not be time to explore the cabin further.\u00a0 I read through the multitude of choices: there were four dinner options (two each for Chinese and Western) and same number of options for the pre-arrival meal.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nBeing a Chinese airline, I went with the Chinese option, but had a difficult time deciding between the two choices.\u00a0 As expected, the Flight Manager Liza came and carefully took my order, methodically reading off each course and carefully noting my choice in her leather portfolio.\u00a0 The drink order would not be simple either. There was more than one option for hot tea (should have expected this \u2013 it is a Chinese airline, after all).\u00a0 I flipped to the beverage page and quickly decided on longjing.\u00a0 Finally, I was asked whether I wanted to have my dinner immediately after takeoff or at another time.\u00a0 Having a choice on the meal time gives nice flexibility if one had a late breakfast or lunch prior to departure (I had neither).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Seat back reading material<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Menu, safety card, and airsickness bag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    \nThe captain welcomed everyone on board the inaugural flight to Beijing.\u00a0 Flight duration was expected to be 11 hours 40 minutes.\u00a0 Weather in Beijing was clear skies with temperature of 31\u00b0C.\u00a0 Our departure would be delayed a bit due to paperwork, but he wanted everyone to enjoy the \u201cDreamliner five-star service\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Headsets and slippers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Amenity kit featuring Bulgari items<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    \nWhile waiting, Liza asked me whether the cabin temperature was comfortable and needed adjustment.\u00a0 A bit taken back, having never been asked this before, I replied, \u201cfeels fine\u201d.\u00a0 She also explained the seat controls and lighting operations. <\/p>\n

    Unfortunately, the map on my 15-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) system did not work initially.\u00a0 There was obviously a glitch, as I finally got it working (albeit only intermittently) on the second half of the flight.\u00a0 New airplane gremlins?\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    At 2:04 pm, we pushed back from the gate, 34 minutes late.\u00a0 Our Aviation Port Services ground crew lined up and gave us a hearty wave goodbye while media and airport staff photographed our departure.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that was my last photo prior to reaching cruising
    \naltitude.\u00a0 Apparently, CAAC\u2019s electronics policy is stuck in the 1990s
    \nand I had to put away my camera for takeoff.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nHere is what we looked like from the other side<\/a>.\u00a0 And video<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    You can see me in waving at the fifth window from the front!
    Photo:\u00a0 Kendrick Dlima<\/a><\/td>\n    		<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    At 2:15 pm, we lined up on 30R and made a long sprint down the runway.\u00a0 With a sharp pitch up, we took to the skies and banked east and then south on the standard \u201cLoupe\u201d departure from SJC.\u00a0 Cabin noise up front was noticeably quiet.<\/p>\n

    \nAntiquated electronic policy continued to prevail.\u00a0 An announcement reminded everyone that electronic devices were not to be used until the seat belt light went off, which occurred when we reached cruising attitude some 20 minutes later.\u00a0 Cabin windows dimmed to half darkness, but I was able to override mine back up to full brightness.<\/p>\n

    Foul mood caused by separation anxiety between me and my camera and lack of map on the IFE was quickly quelled when dinner service began.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nFlight attendant\u2019s beverage tray was lined with a sheet commemorating our inaugural flight.\u00a0 I wanted to take a photo, but Liza instead gave me an unsoiled sheet as a souvenir.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nHot longjing tea along with canap\u00e9s.\u00a0 The tea was brewed just right with the correct temperature.\u00a0 It tasted perfect!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nHot towels came through for the second time.\u00a0 Place setting at my table was set individually.\u00a0 Two flight attendants, each playing a role in a choreographed play, took parts from the place setting cart and carefully placed each item on my table.\u00a0 Silverware were unwrapped their cloth napkin bundle and placed in front of me.\u00a0 Everything from the ying-yang shaped salt-and-pepper shaker to the toothpick had a specific place on the table.\u00a0 Capping it all off \u2013 my very own bread basket.\u00a0 Yes, my friends, no hard decisions on wheat roll or garlic bread \u2013 you can have it all!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nStarter \u2013 Fried five spices bean curd with marinated squid and mushroom<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nSoup \u2013 Egg white bouillon with crab meat.\u00a0 The soup was rather salty but definitely tasted crabby.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nJust like a fine Cantonese restaurant, soiled silverware were changed out for new ones between courses.\u00a0 The airline must carry an extra cart just for all the utensils they change out during meal service.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    Salad \u2013 with a choice of three dressings poured in front of you.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nNinety minutes into the flight, we said goodbye to Washington state and turned northwest paralleling the British Columbian and Alaskan coastal panhandle.\u00a0 And entr\u00e9e was served.<\/p>\n

    Entr\u00e9e \u2013 Stewed beef flank, saut\u00e9ed bok choy with black mushroom, and steamed seabass served with fresh steamed rice.\u00a0 Condiment was Hainan style hot chili sauce.\u00a0 The rice was just warm \u2013 not steaming hot – a bit too cool for my liking.<\/p>\n

    The chili sauce tasted interesting<\/i>.\u00a0 It was made with yellow latern chili<\/a>, found only in Hainan.\u00a0 It was nothing I had ever tasted before.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nEverything else tasted typical of what one would get a fine Chinese restaurant on the ground.\u00a0 The only thing exceptional was the crab soup.\u00a0 Having soup on board an airplane is still a novelty for me.\u00a0 Crab soup?\u00a0 That was luxurious!\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    With the completion of the main meal, all silverware, plates were picked up and out came the dessert cart.\u00a0 Choices were cheesecake, ice cream, or fruit.\u00a0 The cheesecake was the fanciest looking thing there as the ice cream was just a small cup of H\u00e4agen-Dazs \u2013 the same kind I had flying economy on ANA. I thought this was the weakest part of the meal.\u00a0 Yes, the Chinese is not really known for dessert, but a traditional banquet closer such as sweet red bean soup would have gone well here.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nAll was not over yet\u2026<\/p>\n

    To celebrate our inaugural flight, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group provided a sheet cake, chocolate bars, and trail mix. Hainan contributed with a packet of commemorative postcards printed for the occasion, along with a special gift \u2013 a coupon for $50 off on our next flight.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nSince I was the first passenger the cake cart came to, Liza asked whether I would do the honors of cutting the cake. I was taken back. \u201cYou want me<\/i> to cut the cake?!\u201d\u00a0 Proudly posing for the company camera as well as my own, I made my first-ever in-flight cake cutting in front of an audience of the few other passengers in the forward cabin.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nI had the eBay corner!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nFinally, Liza informed me that the pre-arrival meal would begin two hours before landing and asked whether I would like to be awoken for breakfast (\u201cyes\u201d).\u00a0 In addition, once I was ready for bed \u2013 in order to have \u201cbetter sleep\u201d – the flight attendants would provide turndown service and be providing pajamas. Unfortunately they were out of smaller sizes; I had settle for XL. <\/p>\n

    Like setting the table at dinner, turning the seat down for bed was yet another production.\u00a0 Bedding kits consisting of duvet, top and bottom sheets, and second pillow were stored in large vacuum-sealed bags in the overhead bins.\u00a0 The idea was your bed got made while you change into your pajamas in the lavatory.\u00a0 But since our cabin was only half full, it was easy to stand in an unoccupied row to get out of the way.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nCrew kept the lavatories clean throughout the flight.\u00a0 You knew this because paper towels and toilet paper always had the folded triangle lead.\u00a0 Impressive!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nWith windows in the full dark mode, I laid down for my nap and this is what I saw \u2013 full sun glaring into my eyes.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nBeing a window seat guy through and through, I appreciate the concept and technology behind 787\u2019s electrochromatic windows.\u00a0 However, when sleep is the priority, this idea is only mildly successful in execution.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    As typical with these kinds of lay-flat seats, I had to line my body up with respect to the cushions in order to get support at the correct location.\u00a0 Having an adjustable lumber also helped.\u00a0 The cabin temperature later got too warm for me.\u00a0 I opened the vents above my bed and was surprised to hear how loudly the air hissed in the hushed cabin.\u00a0 I closed it a bit to quiet it back down.<\/p>\n

    I got only about four hours of productive sleep (really \u2013 more of a nap) and decided to get up with four hours to go.\u00a0 For comparison, on the return trip, I got a very decent six to seven hours of solid sleep.\u00a0 I also got properly prepared for sleep on the return, wearing my new PJs, eyeshade, and eyeplugs.\u00a0 I surprised myself, actually, that I slept for that long when I had to be woken up for the pre-arrival meal.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    After some struggle with the laggy IFE, I finally got the in-flight map to show on my screen (yay!).<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nI made my way to the \u201cmiddle bar\u201d next to door 2R and helped myself to some fruit and nuts.\u00a0 A flight attendant refilled the fruit plate and asked whether I had rested well?\u00a0 \u201cNot too bad,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nWe hit some moderate turbulence near southern Siberia.\u00a0 Pilots announced that it would last around 30 minutes.\u00a0 Cabin crew remained seated and announced service would be suspended.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    I was getting concerned this turbulence would cut into the pre-arrival meal.\u00a0 After experiencing that elaborate dinner, I wanted more!\u00a0 Luckily, turbulence subsided in good time.\u00a0 A bit over two hours to go, simulated sunrise slowly filled the cabin.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nOnce again, hot towel.\u00a0 Coffee, juice, or tea?\u00a0 I decided to go soft drink and threw off the flight attendant.\u00a0 Like dinner, table setting was a choreographed exercise with each item neatly placed in front of me.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    Unlike dinner, each course came out one after another culminating in a full table.\u00a0 Steamed dumplings served as appetizer.\u00a0 My noddle<\/i> main course was stir-fried noodles with shrimp.\u00a0 It was accompanied by pickled vegetables and soup.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nFor reference, here was the other Chinese meal choice, the rice<\/i> main course.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nWith a change to clean silverware, fresh fruit closed a fine and tasty meal.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nAll was not prefect, however.\u00a0 Conversing with other business flyers after the flight, those that ordered special meals were disappointed with meals they received, both in terms of the quality and the simple fact that their dietary concern for the special meal was not met. I spoke to the crew in Mandarin, the airline\u2019s own language.\u00a0 However, for those that spoke only English, overheard in the cabin, communication was problematic when Q&A between passenger and crew went outside of the box.<\/p>\n

    Typical with all fine dining (and service-oriented) establishment in China, I was given a survey booklet evaluating the airline\u2019s service.\u00a0 It was quite comprehensive, covering everything from the ground service to IFE to the meals and, of course, cabin service.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

    A pre-landing announcement was made our Captain:\u00a0 weather in Beijing was expected to be overcast with temperature of 34\u00b0C or 93\u00b0F.\u00a0 We expect arrival at 4:55 pm.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for flying on the inaugural San Jose to Beijing flight \u2013 tell your friends!\u201d<\/p>\n

    At 4:57 pm, we touched down at PEK\u2019s Runway 36L.\u00a0 As we made the long taxi to Terminal 2, we bumped along on the concrete slabbed taxiway, causing the airplane to jar around and plastic grinding noises in the cabin.\u00a0\u00a0 The airport needs to repave those taxiways!<\/p>\n

    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nAt 5:09 pm, we arrived at gate 210.\u00a0 Total distance was 5934 miles according to the IFE monitor.<\/p>\n

    \nPost-Flight<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n<\/a><\/div>\n

    \nAfter thanking the crew for their excellent service, I was surprised to find an airline staff member holding a sign with my name waiting at the foot of the jet bridge.\u00a0 \u201cI did not expect to see you until I get outside, I almost missed you!\u201d I said. \u201cI will be escorting you through the airport,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 In all of my years of flying (with some recent flights in Business Class as well), I have never experienced this.<\/p>\n

    So this guy guided me through the concourse, through the fever inspection thermal camera, through passport check, waited with me for my checked bags to show up (too-long-for-Business-Class, I thought), and pushed my trolley through customs.\u00a0 He waited for me at the ATM and finally dropped me off in the parking garage to the awaiting black Mercedes sedan.\u00a0 It was a hot hand-off to the driver, who already had the Benz fired up with the air conditioning running.\u00a0 \u201cYu-Ning Hotel?\u201d the driver confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cYes, in the Dongcheng\u201d.\u00a0 As a proud do-it-your-selfer, at this point, I had quite a smirk on my face getting a taste of the high-life.\u00a0 We made it into the city proper via the Airport Expressway on a shockingly quick 20-minute trip. Equally shocking was yet another 20-minute trudge in afternoon rush hour traffic through the city to my hotel.<\/p>\n

    Almost 19 hours after leaving home, in a literal, pampered, door-to-door service, I crossed the Pacific from the center of Silicon Valley to the heart of Beijing \u2013 ready for a night on the town at Wangfujing<\/i>.\u00a0 What a five-star experience it was!<\/p>\n

    So how was the trip back?\u00a0 Check out my return flight trip report<\/a>.<\/b> <\/p>\n

    Copyright \u00a9 2015 Ben Wang.\u00a0 All Rights Reserved. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Hainan Airlines San Jose to Beijing Inaugural In February 2015, Hainan Airlines announced that they would start new service between Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (SJC) and Beijing (PEK) in June using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner.\u00a0 As a resident of the San Jose area and a big fan of the 787, of course […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":140803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12028],"tags":[33116,5041],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-140802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-airline","tag-cherished","tag-dream"],"yoast_head":"\nCherished Dream - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=140802\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cherished Dream - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hainan Airlines San Jose to Beijing Inaugural In February 2015, Hainan Airlines announced that they would start new service between Norman Y. 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