China Southern Airlines Business Class

China Southern Airlines is Asia’s largest airline by fleet size and a SkyTeam member, operating from dual hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing. The carrier connects China with destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania, with particular strength on routes to Australia and Southeast Asia.

Seat and cabin

The Boeing 787-9 features business class in a 1-2-1 staggered layout with fully lie-flat seats extending to 74 inches and a 22-inch width, offering direct aisle access at every seat. Each seat includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen, USB and AC power, and noise-cancelling headphones. The A380 upper deck uses a 1-2-1 herringbone layout with lie-flat seats. The 777-300ER fleet has a mix of configurations, with older aircraft using 2-2-2 angled-flat seats that are significantly less competitive. The A330-300 varies similarly. Requesting a 787 or A380 is recommended for the best experience.

Dining and service

China Southern serves Cantonese-influenced Chinese cuisine alongside Western options, featuring dishes such as dim sum, char siu pork, congee, and steamed fish. Cantonese food is arguably the best regional Chinese cuisine for airline catering given its emphasis on fresh ingredients and subtle flavours. Chinese teas and baijiu are offered with international wines. Service is functional and efficient, reflecting the high-volume nature of the airline’s operations, with friendlier interactions typically found on international long-haul flights.

Lounge experience

China Southern operates lounges at Guangzhou Baiyun and Beijing Daxing airports, with the Guangzhou flagship lounge offering Cantonese dim sum, hot noodle stations, and a range of Chinese and Western options. The Beijing Daxing lounge is newer and more spacious. At outstations, passengers use SkyTeam partner lounges. The Guangzhou dim sum service is the standout feature, showcasing the best of Cantonese culinary tradition in an airport lounge setting.