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Tip: Bring A Tablet or Laptop Loaded With Content if You're Flying a Chinese Carrier

Jan. 31, 2017
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2 min read
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Tip: Bring A Tablet or Laptop Loaded With Content if You're Flying a Chinese Carrier
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I recently had the chance to fly Xiamen Air's business class between Seattle (SEA) and Shenzhen (SZX), and I really enjoyed my flight. However, since it was my first experience on board a Mainland Chinese carrier, I wasn't fully aware of some of the quirky policies that many of the Mainland Chinese carriers have. One of the most unusual (and unexpected) was a ban on cell phone use of any kind while in flight.

I learned of this policy the hard way — meal service had finished and I was ready to attempt to sleep. I pulled out my phone, which had been switched to airplane mode, popped in my earbuds and reclined my seat. However, a few minutes later, a flight attendant poked me and explained that I couldn't have my phone turned on at all. I tried to explain the purpose of airplane mode, but it was to no avail. She then proceeded to kindly explain that the amenity kit includes a handy velvet pouch that was designed with phone storage in mind. After obliging and stowing my phone in the pouch, I was left without my own music for the rest of the flight.

The velvet phone storage pouch was included in the amenity kit on Xiamen Air.

Interestingly enough, you're allowed to have your iPad/tablet or a laptop turned on while in-flight. So, if you find yourself booked on a Mainland Chinese carrier any time soon, make sure you download whatever music, Netflix, movies, books or any other entertainment you desire on your tablet or laptop before you go so you're not left listening to boring, pre-programmed radio stations after you've made your way through the movie selection.

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Why We Chose It

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.