only pre-covid & as a non-transit passenger (Australia, Guangzao, Shanghai return). bags were taken through Chinese customs without the passengers – not sure how that works for transit but I’d definitely look it up as it was totally different to anywhere else I’ve travelled. it was a mad rush to get to the plane – I’m not sure if they enforce seating arrangements. i didnt get much food so take snacks. there wasnt much English spoken but I found an American couple who did the trip regularly & they helped me.
I haven’t used the airlines that you mentioned but sharing our experience in case it helps. From Dublin it was way cheaper (around 600€ difference) flying through the USA (Dallas) than flying through the other side of the globe and we were only adding 2 hours in the total flying time. Sharing in case it’s something that might be worth checking for you
I’ve flown China Eastern pre-covid. They were fine and definitely a better airline choice than the national carrier, Air China. Transit was quick and easy in Shanghai. I flew LAX-PVG-MNL. Coming back, I took advantage of the 3 day transit visa that China offered and stayed in Shanghai. It was also fairly quick. All the immigration ask was our hotel reservation in Shanghai. I flew economy and their food choices were definitely Chinese food, which I don’t mind since I’m Asian. China Eastern is with the skymiles program and is together with Air France and KLM in the airline program
