This economy cabin doesn't feel low-cost at all - the seats are surprisingly roomy

The first leg of my Sydney to Amsterdam flights with China Eastern has me joining the daily MU562 from Sydney to Shanghai. Thanks to a Qantas codeshare, frequent flyers can book seats with Classic Flight Rewards. To earn any Qantas status credits be sure to book the flight with the QF codeshare number.

CHECKING IN: When I arrive three hours before my flight, there isn't a single person in the queue, so I breeze straight through. My bag is checked all the way to Amsterdam, and the agent makes sure I have the QR code for my China Arrival Card ready. This isn't necessary if you're simply transiting, but as I'm adding a land-side airport hotel to my layover, it's a must.

THE FLIGHT: Departing at 11am Sydney time and landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 7.25pm, this may be a day flight but it feels more like a night flight as all window shades must be shut after take-off. All the better for getting a nap in on a long journey to Europe, though if you're staying in China you'd be better to stay awake and on daytime.

THE CLASS: Our A350-900 has four Premium Business, 36 Business, 32 Premium Economy and 215 Economy seats. I'm travelling in economy class, which has a 3-3-3 layout of seats with a 78cm pitch, 46cm width and 15cm recline. Somehow the seat feels a lot roomier than other airlines I've flown with the same pitch, and even with my water bottle in the seat back pocket, it doesn't touch my knees. The head rest holds its place well when curved into position to sleep, and pillows and soft blankets are provided.

FOOD AND DRINK: Two meals are served, with the first service arriving about 40 minutes after take-off. Choices include chicken with mushroom sauce and potato, and beef black bean with rice. Bread is brought out after meals have been served, but it's nice and hot and just in time to sop up the last of the sauce. The only alcohol served in economy is a Chinese beer, in our case a colourful can of Snow Beer SuperX. Rather than biscuits and chocolates the snack station has a bread roll with fish, so bring your own snacks if you like a mid-flight nibble.

ENTERTAINMENT: Seat-back screen options are very limited on the TV side with just three episodes of Fisk as the only English-language option. Movie choices are better with 62 international options. Short videos sharing Today's Odd Fact are fun, but I spend most of my time watching downloads on my own tablet.

THE SERVICE: From the moment we step onboard, the flight attendants are friendly and very helpful, to the point of asking people their seat numbers when they look a little lost while boarding, and guiding them to the right spot and helping parents carry bags.

IN A NUTSHELL: It may be a competitively priced flight but this does not feel like a low-cost airline, making it great value whether you're flying to China or continuing on to Europe like me.

The writer flew courtesy of Avalon Waterways