Talking Travel: Mancunians Rejoice, Inexpensive Flights to China, and An Appalling Travel Trend

Some interesting opportunities and developments for this week's edition.

Fans of Manchester City, Manchester United, and residents of northern England in general rejoice: Hainan Airlines, which seems to be China's official air route pioneer, has received authorization to begin non-stop air service from Beijing to Manchester, although the start date for those flights has not yet been set. For people traveling to destinations in the northern half of England and parts of what may soon be an independent country -- Scotland -- it should reduce travel time by a few hours once on the ground.

Autumn is a great time to visit Beijing! I mention this because of all airlines, Air Canada is offering a really good deal from Los Angeles to Beijing (although not vice-versa). For USD 717 roundtrip, fly from LAX to Beijing, before November 30, with a minimum six-night stay. Only one catch: it must be purchased and ticketed today, September 16.

Our friends at thenanfang reported on what they call "the hottest trend in Chinese customer service": kneeling. It especially applies to air hostesses -- we don't see any stewards kneeling to talk to passengers, especially male passengers. "Based on initial feedback, male customers love it. To best serve passengers, flight attendants adopt a uniform kneeling stance: both feet on the ground, one knee up with the other down, back straight, and both hands in the lap," thenanfang wrote. We'll be avoiding kneeling airlines, which include at least the aforementioned Hainan Airlines and also China Eastern Airlines. Pathetic. Once again, the train proves itself a better choice in China.

One road flat safe.

Photo: news.yahoo.com