Another update re the delays into mainland china,
Last evening we gave pdc readback early and asked "any delays".
ATC advised - word for word - "yes, 3 minutes delay flow control".
Sweet me thinks, 3 mins is nothing. 20 minutes later we are still waiting for freq change so we ask again. "further delay about 6-8 mins" was the reply.
During the total delay of about 30 minutes, I listened to 3 other KA aircraft with similar queries that were given similar answers from ATC. 2 of them after some time came back with further requests for info only to be told - "3 minutes flow control, you are number x so about 30 mins delay".
WHY DIDNT HE SAY THIS IN THE FIRT PLACE.
ATC's first response to our question was very clear to us and others and yet we still sit for 30 minutes in the dark.
My point - when aircraft ask "how long the delay", just give an answer to the question, even a rough guide.