SkyTeam members Air France, China Southern, and KLM offer discounted fares for flights to Shanghai or Hong Kong. The cheapest option for a roundtrip will be from Prague to Shanghai at prices starting around €1,293 (~CZK 32,679). If you want to visit Hong Kong, you will have to pay a little more. All trips feature a layover in either Amsterdam or Paris.
All itineraries feature an inner European feeder flight. Of all possible connections to Asia, please note that Air France operates an Airbus A380-800 on certain flights to Shanghai. Sadly, these planes do not feature lie-flat-seats in their business class section. If you want to ensure a full night’s sleep, we recommend avoiding these flights.
Search & Book
Unfortunately, the fare rules don’t indicate as to when this deal will be available. So the better act fast if you want to secure tickets. The offer is valid within the following periods:
- February 10th through June 18th
- August 24th through November 30th
The mentioned dates fit the availability we’ve been able to find exactly. The minimum stay requirements are for five days, and you can spend up to 3 months at your destination of choice before returning to Europe.
The fastest way to find suiting flight dates is Google Flights (instructions). Enter these dates in our flight search to find the cheapest ticket possible. Since Air France and KLM sell these flights for just €30-50 more than the cheapest online travel agencies, we advise you to book directly with the airlines.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Mileage
Air France and KLM issue long haul tickets in dreaded booking class O. This might be the single most unattractive business class booking class there is. It generates no mileage outside of Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles. A trip to Hong Kong via Amsterdam yields the following award mileage:
- 13,278 RDM + 2,656 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 13,060 Miles on CSA OK Plus
- 13,060 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 13,026 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 13,026 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 12,840 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 12,840 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 12,622 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 12,622 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 4,800 Award Miles + 80 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 2,500 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 1,534 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 1,096 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 1,096 Miles on Air Europa Suma
Information & Tips for China
China is the most populous and the third largest country in the world, so naturally, there is a lot to see. The most touristically important cities are the capital of China, Beijing and the financial and trade center Shanghai.
Best Time to Travel
Since the country is vast and extends over several climate zones, there is no best travel time for China. China is connected to Europe through numerous direct flights and the travel time is about 11-13 hours. Flights to China can be found for less than 400€ throughout the year, and there are also often excellent Business Class fares.
A general advice is that travel should be avoided during the Chinese national holidays, which span over the first two weeks of October. During these time tourist destinations are overcrowded with Chinese tourists on their domestic vacation.
Visa for China
Most European citizens will need a visa to enter China.
You can apply for a tourist visa at a Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country. There you’ll hand in your visa application personally and can pick it up again after a few days. There is no faster and cheaper way.
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa by mail. The processing time will be up to two weeks, and you’ll have to pay for extra for shipping.
There are also so-called Visa services available that sometimes offer a faster (and maybe even cheaper) way to get your Visa. Check local sites to find out more.
→ All Dealz for China
Information & Tips for Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an Asian city-state and a vital trading metropolis in the Pearl River Delta not far from the Chinese coast. The city has long been a center for trade and business. Hong Kong is one of the largest air traffic hubs in Asia and therefore offers excellent connections to the rest of the world, hence the good deals that various airlines often provide. Flights in economy class usually are between 400€ and 500€ sometimes for even less than 400€.
Best Time to Visit
Winters are mild and dry, whereas summers are hot with rainfall and high humidity. The best time to travel is from October to early December when the weather is sunny, cool and therefore very pleasant.
Entry & Visa
Entry is possible for most EU citizens without a visa, and only a passport is required. A permit for 90 days is issued upon entry. For further information, please visit the website of your countries Ministry of foreign affairs.
Currency
The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar ($, HKD, HK$). One Euro is approximately HK$8. Many credit cards may charge a foreign currency fee (up to 2% for payment) in Hong Kong Dollars.
Getting from the airport to the city centre
The fastest and most convenient way into the city is by Airport Express. This train will take you to the city centre within 24 minutes and will cost you around €12 per trip. Alternatively, you can also get into a taxi and pay approximately €35.
→ All Dealz for Hong Kong
Cover Picture: © Air France