Seattle -> Shanghai conditions?

[ukwomble]

Hi folks,

I'm flying Seattle->Shanghai on Friday (Hainan).

Just curious what conditions are like right now and what sort of ride to expect.

Not a fan of flying, read far to many NTSB reports for my own good :)

Thanks.

[northbynorthwest]

Rides across the North Pacific and eastern Asia can be quite turbulent at any time of year, and normally you can count on turbulence over Japan and on into Shanghai. Typically caused by the position of jetstreams and convective activity. However, conditions the past few days have actually been been pretty good over the Northern Pacific and over Japan. Only turbulence I have really noted the past three days at work was southeast of Anchorage. Of course, things can - and will - change. Typhoon Soudelor is moving towards Taiwan from the southeast, but will not affect your routing on Friday. So, relax and enjoy your flight.

[SeenItAll]

Just a question, not a wind up, but you seem to be interested in NTSB reports. These are usually filed if something goes significantly bad. Given that statistics show that major U.S. and Western European airlines have significantly better safety records than others, why did you choose Hainan?

[lomapaseo]

why did you choose Hainan?

Highly rated airline, B-787's, cheap business class fares, free stopovers and a Delta partner ?

[ukwomble]

Thanks northbynorthwest for the response, was pretty much spot on. Nothing near anchorage, occasional very light chop after passing Japan but overall very smooth ride.

Seenitall - price/availability. It's only Delta or Hainan who fly direct from Seattle -> Shanghai.

No 787 unfortunately - was an A330, with what looks like a 10+ year old interior. And they dumped us on the tarmac in Shanghai, presumably it's cheaper than paying for a gate? Otherwise no complaints though, CC were efficient, helpful etc.

Western airlines.... well you might be right overall, although I'd be curious what the data is only including major eastern carriers. That said reading the AF447 report didn't exactly increase my confidence. There is a bell curve for pilots just like any other profession, in every country.

[ExXB]

I believe there is a big difference between western built aircraft and others. But I don't think there is a large difference depending on where the airline is based.

Look at AF, who have had 3 'unscheduled hull retirements' in the last 15 years. But nobody would say don't fly them.

If an airline doesn't meet the ICAO safety standards they don't fly. If a country doesn't meet the ICAO safety standards then sanctions are imposed on their airlines by other safety regulators.

Hainan is just as safe as Delta, British, Lufthansa, etc.

[PAXboy]

ExXBLook at AF, who have had 3 'unscheduled hull retirements' in the last 15 years. But nobody would say don't fly them. I do like your euphemism but I, for one, am avoiding AF for another few years.