Talking Travel: Good Flights to China, A Family Trip to Hangzhou, Air China Introduces Sky Chef

Sadly for those of us that live here, airlines would rather fly people to Beijing than fly us out of here. Fly from Chicago to Beijing on Delta Airlines for USD 714, from September 1 through December 9, or December 25 through January 14, 2015. The deal requires only three days' advanced purchase. Learn more here.

United Airlines will fly you from Seattle to Beijing roundtrip for USD 772, from September 1 to December 10, all taxes included. Three days' advance purchase is necessary.

All Nippon Airways will fly New York-based passengers (or anyone willing to fly through New York) to Beijing for USD 830, valid October 26 to December 11, 2014, and January 1 to March 31, 2015, including taxes and fees. The fare must be purchased three days in advance.

TUI is offering free travel to Hangzhou for four days and three nights to an expatriate family that applies and is selected. It includes train travel, accommodation, meals, and entrance to major sites. Of course, the family will be used in a promotional campaign for the city, which advertises on international television networks including CNN. If that sounds like fun, there are more details here.

Air China is now offering "Sky Chef" service on flights between Beijing, Shanghai, and Paris. Anything better than the usual three types of bread that seem to make up a Chinese inflight meal would be an improvement. Get some menu ideas here.

That's all for now. Until Thursday, one road flat safe. If you don't understand that phrase, learn some Chinese.

Photo: Wikimedia