Hello I am deciding between plane or train travel especially between the Xian to Guilin route. I have been reading reviews regarding plane delays on internal travel. However the only option there is from Xian to Guilin is to travel by plane as I don't have enough time to travel be train (being a 26 hour trip) Can you tell me which is the best airline for reliability on this route. The cheapest one at the moment if China Southern (cz6376). Are they OK?

Dear Franya,

Thanks for contacting Top China Travel!

It is really hard to say which airline is the best. The flight delay generally has three reasons: air control, different safety standard in different airlines, and weather. 

Different safety standard in different airlines
1. Different types of planes have completely different safety standards, even the weather is likely to be in the same condition, the A380 can take off but A320 can't.
2. For the same type of plane, each airline safety standards is different also. In the same weather conditions, the weather is likely to conform to the safety of China Eastern Airline standard but is not in conformity with the China Southern Airline.
3. International flights have priority right of take-off, this is an unwritten rule accepted worldwide.
4. Base airlines have priority right of take-off, such as Air China in Beijing, China Eastern in Shanghai, China Southern Airlines in Guangzhou, Sichuan Airlines in Chengdu.If you request priority of taking off, suggest to choose airlines base.

Weather
1. The weather in starting point of the airport is unfavorable to take off;
2. Destination airport weather conditions are unfavorable to land;
3. Meteorological condition on the flight route is unfavorable.

About the planes from Xian to Guilin
Beijing Capital Airlines (Historical Punctuality Rate is 98%), using Airbus A320
China Southern Airlines (Historical Punctuality Rate is 91%), using Boeing 737
Tianjin Airlines (Historical Punctuality Rate is 90%), using Airbus 320
Air China (Historical Punctuality Rate is 95%), using Boeing 737
Hainan Airlines (Historical Punctuality Rate is 87%), using Boeing 737

Do you have any plan to travel? If so, we are happy to help you arrange your tour, but could you give me your information first:
1. When do you plan to travel?
2. How many days will you plan to visit Xian and Guilin?
3. Besides Xian and Guilin, do you have other interested places?
4. How many people will travel together?
5. Which kinds of hotels do you like? standard, comfortable or deluxe?

Any further request or question, please feel free to contact with us.

Best Regards,
Top China Travel