I flew onboard China Eastern Airlines codeshare with Shanghai Airlines flight FM877, operated by a Boeing 737-MAX8 from Shanghai to Penang Island.
The J-Class cabin is intimate, with just 8 seats arranged in a 2–2 configuration across two rows. The cabin crew delivered service that was both impeccable and attentive, making the overall experience warm and welcoming.
For breakfast, 2 options were offered such as Chinese or Western. I selected the Chinese option and was given the flexibility to have my meal served right after takeoff or an hour before landing. I opted for the latter. The dim sum was decent, but the porridge stood out which is comforting, flavorful and truly satisfying.
When it comes to the seat itself, I must admit it fell short of expectations. The recline angle was not very comfortable for sleeping especially for this red-eye flight and the headrest lacked adjustable side wings, making it difficult to find proper support. While the cabin and seating were clean and well-maintained, the overall design felt dated. Lesson learned, I'll be sure to pack a neck pillow for future trips, especially since I expect to travel this same route a few more times on a similar aircraft.
At Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1, there's a dedicated check-in counter "M" for all First and Business Class international departures, which streamlined the pre-flight process. Business and First Class passengers are then invited to the China Eastern VIP Lounge at Gate V36, providing a comfortable space to relax before boarding
