Talking Travel: Beijing to Honolulu Flights on Approach

Talking Travel is the Beijinger's new weekly travel guide to great deals, interesting destinations, and weekend getaways.

It's been a busy week in travel, especially as it regards air travel to and from Beijing.

In our previous edition we told you that Hainan Airlines was preparing to commence non-stop flights to Chicago from Beijing. For those of you who thought, "Hmm, Chicago, not much of a cold-weather destination," Air China has heard your cry. Thrice-weekly non-stop flights from Beijing to Honolulu will begin on January 21, short-cutting Hawaiian Airlines to the route. The latter doesn't start flights from the islands to Beijing until April. Hawaii still receives fewer than 100,000 Chinese visitors per year, so the new routes may help to push that number clear of the six-figure mark.

Hawaii's gain is London Gatwick's loss. Air China announced that it is suspending its flights into London's favorite alternate airport for the winter. Gatwick officials were none too pleased, as it weakens their case for a second runway in a fight to compete with London Heathrow.

In other travel aviation news, China just opened the world's highest civilian airport. Daocheng Airport in Garzi, a Tibetan area in southwestern Sichuan province, rests 4,411 meters above sea level. With regular flights from Chengdu, the connection between Garzi and the provincial capital has been cut from two days to just over an hour.

TUI China has been offering a number of specials for September, including Magnificent Myanmar and Ngapali Beaches for RMB 7350 and up per person, and The Charms of Laos for RMB 6350 and up. Both sound like good last-minute choices for procrastinators who haven't yet booked October 1 getaways. For more trips and information, visit TUI China's website.

Finally, a question: where are you going for your Mid-Autumn Festival holiday? Please tell us in a comment below, and let us know why you chose that location.

One road flat safe.

Look for more travel information from the Beijinger every issue in our Get Out column.