Prior to arranging a trip to China, I knew little about China Southern Airlines, but when I discovered Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was the airline’s focus hub (and I was going to Guangzhou), I headed for the airline’s website.

I quickly found China Southern flies daily from Los Angeles (LAX) to Guangzhou (CAN) using an Airbus A380-800, and the trip is non-stop — always a plus in my book. So I reserved one of its 70 fully flat business-class seats and prepared to be pampered.

China Southern has gone to some trouble to make its product more appealing. The entire area of the double-decker Airbus is about the size of three tennis courts, and the fact that China Southern has 19 fewer seats than other A380s makes for a slightly roomier cabin. The airline prides itself on fuel efficiency and on having the lightest, cleanest and most environmentally friendly engines available. In addition, it minimized engine noise and installed an efficient air filtration system. On my flight, the cabin temperature was consistently comfortable and the engine noise was minimal. Thanks to the A380’s 1-2-1 configuration in business class, direct aisle access is available at every seat.

Business class features a charcoal gray, cream and soft yellow color scheme, including the pillows and cozy lightweight comforters. The noise-canceling headphones are great for watching the 15-inch, flat-screen LCD TV. The business-class amenity kit is a chic, understated gray flannel bag filled with luxury Salvatore Ferragamo lotions and sprays.

© Ellen Clark

The food’s presentation was excellent throughout. Every dish looked appealing, and while we’re not talking Michelin-star quality here, nearly everything was more than just edible with some standouts, such as the potato and leek soup. There was no shortage of drinks, alcoholic or not.

© Ellen Clark

Finally, in terms of service, when the flight attendant offered water or orange juice prior to takeoff, I tentatively asked if a mimosa might be a possibility. She smiled and reappeared not 10 minutes later with a lovely-looking orange concoction in a stemmed martini glass with a fresh orange slice on the rim. A class act for sure!

China Southern Airlines

Business Class
Los Angeles (LAX) to Guangzhou (CAN)
tel 888 338 8988