United now flies Beijing Washington DC

United Airlines has the first-ever, non-stop service between Washington, DC and Beijing. Which makes 29 world capitals offering non-stop service to the Chinese capital.

(Note that to say you are flying direct to Washington D.C. is somewhat misleading. You are flying to Dulles Airport which is in Virgina and is 50km away from Washington DC which is further than I go for my holidays.

Is there a train service? Let us not rush matters.

The terminal only opened in 1962 so the train connection will not be available until 2015. When people tell me China is slow in sorting out its transportation problems I tell them about Dulles and laugh and laugh like a mad thing. 53 years does seem a longish time for an airport to sort out its rail transportation system.

Glenn Tilton, United Chairman, President and CEO, said 'This inaugural flight is more than just another service in United’s robust global network. Connecting for the first time two of the world's most important cities is a historic occasion.' If he were to be totally honest he would have said 'nearly connecting.'

The new route will depart daily from Dulles Airport at 1233 which means travelers will need to have an early breakfast to get to the airport in time. It will arrive in Beijing at 1355 the following day when you can use modern transportation into the city.

Source: PATA