What's the Big Deal About Beijing-Calgary Flights? Manchester-Beijing Ramping Up

I'm used to seeing news stories reported multiple times by various outlets, but the coverage that Hainan Airlines's new service from Beijing to Calgary is receiving seems disproportionate. Sure, for people who live in Rocky Mountain Canada it's a boon. But if there was as much demand as the excitement expressed in news coverage of the new route seems to indicate, then why didn't it start earlier? Also, Hainan doesn't start flying to Calgary until June 30, about as far away from the winter sports season for which Calgary is in part known as one can get. Can anyone explain in the comments section below?

More understandable is enthusiasm for Hainan's new Beijing-Manchester route, which was just upgraded from the Airbus 330-200 to the Airbus 33-300. That means more seats per plane for the service, which will fly four times per week and also starting in June. Why doesn't Hainan get it over with and just change their name to Beijing Airlines?

Elsewhere, Valentine's Day is approaching. It might be a tad late to book something and fly away, but there are other solutions. Thai hotel chains Anantara Hotels and Avani Hotels and Resorts is offering gift cards -- give your significant other the gfit now, and zip off to Thailand some other time to enjoy it. I looked into this concept with some local hotels in Beijing and few if any seemed to offer it. It's a pretty good idea and we wish more hospitality chains would offer it. Both Anantara and Avani are part of Minor Hotels, owned by the Minor Group, which way back in the day first brought Pizza Hut to Beijing.

Remember that fuel prices remain low and that's creating good early spring deals on long-distance trips. Flights to the US are particularly inexpensive, with roundtrips to the east coast under USD 700 in some cases.

Have a great holiday and travel safe.

Photo: Bangkok.com