Air China

I’ve had good experiences flying Air China, both alone and with my Chinese-speaking wife, which admittedly makes things easier. It covers the usual full-service basics you’d expect from a non-US airline, including assigned seats, baggage allowance, meals, and business and first class. Things ran efficiently and flights were on time. The attendants were generally friendly and professional, and did their best with basic English when I traveled by myself. I’ve flown both economy and business, and business passengers are treated very well, with tasty food and responsive staff. A couple of things I noticed on my few flights: people seemed to use carry-ons less, so overhead space was less of a struggle, and boarding was basically divided into preferred/business/first and everyone else. Boarding began right on time, so being near the gate then can get you an early place in line if that matters to you. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again as I travel to China more often.