When it comes to Taiwanese airlines you’re spoiled for choice. Its three largest international carriers are all excellent, with some of the best service in the world. Flag carrier China Airlines is perhaps the least exciting of the three (EVA and Starlux are the others) and that makes it easy to overlook. That and its somewhat confusing name (the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China is Air China). But ignoring this airline would be a mistake.
Why should you consider China Airlines?
China Airlines offers a consistently good service across all classes, delivered in an understated way. It doesn’t have the space-themes and ultra-luxurious approach of Starlux or the Hello Kitty-themed aircraft of EVA Air. But it’s an all-around great way to fly with friendly flight attendants, good food and lots of fun Taiwanese snacks and drinks too. It’s also a Skyteam member meaning reciprocal benefits and points across partner programs like Delta Skymiles and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
Destinations
For an airline many in the west have barely heard of, China Airlines has an impressive route map with extensive service to North America, Europe, Oceania and of course all over Asia. It’s particular handy for reaching Japan (including connecting there from further afield) as it serves about a dozen destinations in the country including some smaller cities and Okinawan islands.
Tip: for those in southern California who are far from or want to avoid LAX, don’t overlook China Airlines’ direct service from Ontario, CA to Taipei – the only one of its kind.
Classes of service
China Airlines offers three classes of service on its long-haul flights: Economy, Premium Economy and Premium Business. All of them are strong options in their category when it comes to the actual seat and space.
The best aircraft types
There are variations between aircraft types but they’re mostly minor. On long-haul you’ll either fly on the 777 or the A350, and I’d recommend the A350 only because it’s a bit newer and more modern, everything is fresher, and the cabin altitude can be kept lower so you arrive feeling better. But the 777 is a perfectly nice ride as well.
On regional flights you’ll either fly on an A330, 737 or A321neo. Here the A321neo is the clear winner if you can get it, especially in business class which features beautiful lie-flat seats whereas the other two have a more old-school recliner.
Long-haul economy class
On A350 and 777 flights economy class gets many of the nice touches seen in the more premium cabins too. This includes the distinctive carpeting and bulkhead designs, quality fabric seats and personal entertainment.
You can expect around 32 inches of legroom which puts it in the upper ranks of economy class comfort. The food also tends to be tasty compared to what you might be used to in the back of the plane.
Long-haul premium economy class
Premium economy is available onboard 777 and A350 long-haul flights and it’s among the better examples of this class of service. Arranged in a 2-3-2 (A350) or 2-4-2 (777) layout, it’s especially ideal for traveling as a pair with added comfort and space.
The A350 has a little bit more legroom (39 vs 38 inches) and a little bit more width too (20 vs 19 inches), so as always, that’s the better choice of aircraft if possible.
The fixed-back shell seats mean no one is reclining into your lap, which can be a real pain in other premium economy cabins. Note that because of this, if you’re taller you might find that in the reclined position your knees can touch the seat in front. But for most people, the added width and general breathing room is well worth it.
Meals are an upgrade over economy with bigger portions and more to choose from on the drinks side as well. China Airlines collaborates with local restaurants to devise the menus on a rotating basis, so there’s usually something interesting to try.
Long-haul business class
China Airlines business cabins are really something special. Whereas most airlines opt for simple color schemes, China Airlines has gone all out. It’s thrown a lot of different design elements into one space and somehow it all just works beautifully. The color choices and low lighting create a cozy feeling in the cabin.
China Airlines is not especially known for its food but it certainly gets the job done, especially if you like Taiwanese and Chinese food. They always have western options as well. To give you an idea, on a recent flight I particularly enjoyed the mid-flight snack of steamed dumplings and a fizzy peach tea drink.
Most importantly you can expect nicely padded seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, each with direct aisle access, that are plenty comfortable for sleeping and lounging.
There’s also a “Sky Lounge” for long-haul passengers which is really just a section of the galley with snacks and drinks (including some very choice whiskey and digestifs, etc) displayed in a nifty red bar. It’s not a full-blown lounge, but it’s a nice touch all the same.
Regional business class
Regional business class is a quality offering even if much of the fleet operating these flights has an older recliner-style seat. You can still expect the typical quality China Airlines service with good food and drink, just with less extensive menus than on long-haul. For shorter regional flights, it’s a perfectly adequate service.
Onboard experience
China Airlines aircraft are new and comfortable (especially the A350s), the cabins are nicely appointed and look unlike anything else in the sky in a good way. The seats are spacious and well-padded in all classes. Notably, the airline does lighting really well (think warmly glowing claw-footed lamps at each business class seat and you get the picture).
Service is usually friendly if not effusive. It’s unfussy. And it all feels distinctly Taiwanese from the snacks to the design choices. That’s something I value in an airline, that it offers a taste of its home country and not just with its cuisine.
Baggage allowance
On China Airlines you’ll always have at least one checked bag included (23kg/50lbs) regardless of how cheap your ticket is. For long-haul routes (including to/from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand), economy fares typically come with two free checked bags.
In premium economy you’ll always get two free bags, with a weight of up to 28kg or 61 pounds. Business class also includes two free bags, but with a 32kg/70 pound limit.
Wi-fi
A350, 777 and A321neo flights all have Wi-Fi. On long-haul flights it is reasonably fast and functional and it’s free with unlimited data for Premium Business and Premium Economy passengers. For everyone else, a data package can be purchased onboard.
Loyalty program
I wouldn’t recommend joining the China Airlines Dynasty Flyer program unless you’re planning to be based in Taiwan and/or fly China Airlines regularly and exclusively. It’s just not that flexible for the average traveler.
But the good news is that as a SkyTeam member, you can earn miles on SkyTeam partner airlines and enjoy SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus benefits with the appropriate Dynasty Flyer tier status. If you have status benefits with a partner airline, they will carry over here.
Pre-order your meals
Premium Business, Business and Premium Economy Class passengers can pre-order main courses via the China Airlines E-Menu service. For Premium Economy, it’s available on all long-haul routes to and from Taiwan and select regional routes. For Business Class, it’s available on all flights departing from and returning to Taiwan. Selections can be made from 21 days up to 24 hours before departure (48 hours for select return flights). That said, I’ve never had a problem getting my first choice of meal when ordering onboard.
In-town check in
One of my favorite things if I have bags to deal with is an in-town check-in service. It’s still a rarity in the world but China Airlines offers it at Taipei Main Station (A1) and New Taipei Industrial Park Station (A3) on the Taoyuan Airport MRT. This means passengers departing from Taoyuan Airport who plan to take the train can get boarding passes and drop off their bags in town. The service at Taipei Main Station operates from 06:00 to 21:30 daily and closes 3 hours prior to flight departure. You’ll be unencumbered the rest of the way. It’s a really nice time and energy saver, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Free JFK bus
The airline has the interesting distinction of offering a complimentary shuttle bus to and from various points in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to JFK airport. It links up with its flights there. So if you’re located in either of those places be sure to check the website for details.
Taoyuan versus Songshan Airport
It’s worth being aware that while all long-haul flights use the bigger airport outside the city, Taoyuan, China Airlines operates a number of flights from the smaller Songshan Airport. Songshan is located closer to downtown. This includes the “Golden Triangle” routes to Tokyo (Haneda), Seoul (Gimpo), and Shanghai (Hongqiao), as well as additional destinations in Mainland China and domestic routes, so if you’re headed onward to those places, be sure to check on Songshan flights too.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
