A 13-hour China Eastern economy flight from Osaka to Rome via Shanghai delivered kind service and on-time arrival—then stumbled on language-heavy check-in, confusing WiFi pricing, and a limited, largely Chinese entertainment lineup. The experience left one cle
He landed right on time—then the trip’s real problems started with a website.
In June last year. the traveler flew China Eastern on a 13-hour long-haul economy route from Osaka. Japan. to Rome via Shanghai. The flight cost about $500, a few hundred dollars cheaper than most comparable options. The morning departure was aboard an Airbus A350, and it landed on time. In the cabin, the crew were described as very kind.
The seat itself—an economy middle seat—was “fine,” with linens and a headrest. But the overall experience didn’t match the smooth landing.
The first friction came before boarding. The China Eastern website and mobile app appeared designed primarily for Mandarin-speaking users. Online check-in took over an hour, with the site switching between languages and including many broken links. It wasn’t just inconvenient; it turned what should have been routine into a time-consuming scramble.
On the plane, WiFi added another layer of confusion. The traveler said that basic speeds cost $20, which they found too pricey. There is a path to free internet, but it was not clear at the time of booking. To access it, passengers need to pre-register for a limited pool of first-come, first-served passes before the flight.
Food and entertainment also landed poorly. The broccoli-and-rice dish was described as overly sweet, while the veggies in a noodle dish tasted overcooked. The meals felt “one-note,” and were among the least favorite airplane meals the traveler has had.
Entertainment was another disappointment. Movie options were described as lacking, consisting almost exclusively of Chinese films and offering limited subtitle options. The traveler acknowledged the airline likely serves Chinese customers well, but as an American the selection wasn’t enjoyable.
That combination left a clear lesson. The traveler said it was a reminder to always bring their own snacks and movies rather than relying on the airline’s offerings.
China Eastern did not respond to Business Insider for a request for comment.
China Eastern economy flight Osaka to Rome Airbus A350 inflight WiFi airline entertainment online check-in
How is the WiFi $20?? That’s highway robbery for 13 hours.
So they got there on time but the website was “broken”? Sounds like typical airline IT to me. Also if it’s Chinese movies only, I’d be annoyed too.
Wait, why would you need to pre-register for free wifi? That’s like… punishing people for wanting it. I’m pretty sure if the plane landed on time then everything else should’ve been fine but idk.
Broccoli and rice overly sweet?? That’s the real crime right there. And the entertainment being “almost exclusively Chinese films” like ok cool but what about English? I saw one thing about Airbus A350 and thought that means it’ll be modern and smooth, but nah, still a mess with the app switching languages and broken links. Honestly I feel like they should’ve just advertised the free wifi thing better instead of making people race to it.