Xiamen Airlines
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Good budget, if you can handle it.
First of all I have to admit, the price is INCREDIBLE! The option to go from Tokyo to Melbourne was half the price than any other airline. And 2(!) checked in bags were already included. So even cheaper than half the price. I was thinking of giving 3 stars just because of that to be honest, it's so rare nowadays. If nothing else, I do believe their pricing is fairly honest. Well then, on to the contra. Chaos. Utter Chaos. It started at the airport when I tried to check in. I was late, and the only one there, worried I wouldn't make it. Yet it took them more than 20 minutes to finally let me go. I did not have to repack, or else, just none of them knew what to do. But I made it, all good. First nuisance came though: I did not receive my special meal. I am not sure if that was because I booked through a agent who may have not forwarded the info, or if it was the airlines fault. But I talked with them and wanted to make sure I would get my request meal on the following flight. They said yes, they called ground and I will definitely get the special meal. Good then. NOW: Chaos erupts after landing. Chinese transfers are always a hastle, but this topped everything. After dozen controls, I stood at the baggage claim, confused. Do I have to get my bag? No, I didn't. But have to go through customs regardless. So I have to scan all fingerprints and officially enter China. I have to look where to get my second ticket now. They were not able to hand it out in Tokyo. I run around asking. Getting sent to counters, being told I have to pass security first. (Like they let me through without a ticket). I run there. Of course they don't. They tell me a different counter, no one there. I find a person of the airline again, the send me to the other end of the airport. After ANOTHER customs check. I end up in a massive line and have to wait over an hour with every other foreign person to get my second ticket. Finally receiving it, I tried to ask quickly if I will get the special meal? He didn't know.... Another hour later waiting in line for the actual security. I end up at the gate. They say I will not get a special meal.... I was pissed. Exhausted. In the end they did somehow manage to get me a spare special meal. But it was still the worst travel experience of my life. Since I am poor, I will probably do it again tho. The price is that unbeatable.