Been considering China Airlines but not sure what it’s like?
Whether you’re looking to book a long-haul flight or a short jaunt somewhere else in Asia, it can be helpful to understand what to expect.
In this review, we’ll examine China Airlines in more detail, from the comfort and dining aboard to the customer experience and overall cost, so you can determine if it’s the best airline for your upcoming travels.
Overview of China Airlines
Based and headquartered in Taipei, China Airlines is Taiwan’s largest airline. This company was established in the 1950s and has expanded considerably in the years since.
They currently utilize a decent-sized fleet of modern planes to operate flights throughout Asia and beyond, including cities in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
The airline is based at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, a major connecting point for many travelers. If you’re heading anywhere in Asia, Taipei is a good city to connect through.
China Airlines is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which provides a huge global network via additional airlines. That allows you to have more flexibility and opportunities as you travel the world.
The airline has invested in a wide range of aircraft so it can cater to different types of travelers. Its planes are comfortable for both short- and long-haul flights.
This is all part of China Airlines mission to create consistent and comfortable air travel for its passengers.
Flight Experience
Booking Process
It’s really easy to book with China Airlines. Their website is intuitive and makes it simple to search and book. If you’d rather book on your phone, their mobile app works just as well. They also work with third-party sites if you want to shop around before buying.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class on China Airlines is usually a comfortable way to fly. The seats are sufficient and the IFE will help pass the time. Premium Economy provides a bit of extra value for your ticket, with extra amenities that can help make the trip more enjoyable.
Business Class, meanwhile, offers luxury, meaning plenty of space, good food, and attentive service. If First Class is available for your flight, you’ll be treated to a truly refined and luxurious experience, though this can vary by aircraft.
Onboard Service
The cabin crew are one of the standout features of China Airlines. They’re friendly and efficient and speak Mandarin, English, and Japanese, which is an added benefit for overseas travelers.
They are very attentive and you’ll feel well-looked after during the duration of your flight. Most people said the customer service is exceptional and that the flight was a pleasant one.
Food and Beverage
China Airlines has delicious and diverse meal options to suit all tastes. They also offer special dietary meals such as vegetarian and halal. Many travelers enjoy the meal service. T
he variety and quality elevate it above what you might consider “standard plane food.”
Inflight Entertainment
There is loads to do while flying. The onboard entertainment system has movies, TV shows, and games. On some flights, you can also connect to Wi-Fi. Most seats have seatback screens and power plugs, but not always, and it can vary by aircraft.
Punctuality and Safety
In terms of timeliness, China Airlines has a decent track record. Overall, the airline is reliable and keeps to its schedules, with flights typically departing and arriving on time.
There are occasional delays, of course (no airline is immune to them), usually related to weather or air traffic control problems. However, for the most part, the airline is reliable and trustworthy.
Of course, safety is a huge concern. China Airlines is well aware of that fact and they want travelers to trust that they will be safe when flying with them.
The airline adheres to all international safety guidelines, continuously updates training, and has earned good marks from various aviation authorities. You can trust that safety is at the forefront of the airline’s mantra every time you fly with them.
Ground Services
Check-In Process
Checking in for your flight with China Airlines is a piece of cake. No matter if you check in online or at the airport, you won’t have any trouble doing so.
Checking in online is easy and saves you time standing in line at the airport! You’ll also find that the bag drop process at the airport is fairly efficient, causing negligible delays.
Lounges
If you’re travelling Business or First Class, China Airlines has some nice lounges for you. In Taipei, their main lounge is small but cozy and has all the amenities you need, including plenty of comfortable seating and some good snacks.
For those connecting to other destinations, there are partner lounges throughout the world that make transit more enjoyable. Featuring free Wi-Fi and a decent food spread, it’s a good spot to get comfortable before your flight.
Baggage Policy
China Airlines’ baggage policy isn’t too complex. Just be aware that baggage allowances vary based on the class of your ticket, so it’s a smart idea to confirm your limits ahead of time.
If you do need to check something bulky, expect to pay. But knowing this information now can save you stress at the airport later and help ensure a smoother trip.
Pricing and Value for Money
When it comes to booking airfare, finding the best deals is crucial. And that’s one area where China Airlines usually delivers. The airline provides excellent value, especially on flights within Asia, so it’s a go-to option for travelers on a budget.
The best part is that you don’t have to compromise quality for price. The comfort, service, and perks — especially in its Premium Economy and Business Class — are usually better than what you find on other airlines charging similar prices.
In addition, their frequent flyer program, Dynasty Flyer, helps you earn points. If you frequently travel with the airline, I think it’s worthwhile to join as you can also earn miles from its non-flight partners.
Be sure to look out for seasonal offers or discounts too, as they are impressive and will make your journey even more enjoyable.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
China Airlines gets a lot of positive reviews from travelers regarding the comfort and service. Everyone seems to love the ample legroom and the fact that there are lots of dining options in the air.
They also talk up the very friendly and attentive cabin crew, which just makes the whole journey nicer. These little things definitely help you enjoy your China Airlines experience more.
On the downside, not every flight is perfect. For example, some passengers have shared complaints of older aircraft that may not feature the most up-to-date inflight entertainment.
Wi-Fi isn’t always available, either, and when it is, the connection isn’t offered on all flights. Although rare, there have been instances of delays as well, which are never enjoyable for passengers.
If China Airlines is anything, it’s responsive to feedback. When customers complain, the airline listens and regularly looks to make the travel experience better based on that feedback.
This is always a good sign, as it shows the airline is paying attention to your needs and complaints and is willing to adjust.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
There are several things that make flying with China Airlines an easy and enjoyable experience. The flight attendants are extremely friendly.
They do a great job taking care of passengers — and it shows. They also make a point of serving good food, and many people seem to enjoy the meals onboard. And most importantly, the airline keeps things safe and clean.
You never have to worry about those two most important aspects of air travel. I always find their price on Asian routes to be competitive. I think they’re worth flying if you can.
Cons
With that said, there are a couple of things that China Airlines could work on. If you have a flight that’s a miss, the inflight entertainment is likely to let you down. While it’s usually acceptable, it’s not uncommon for onboard systems to be antiquated or for the selection to be lacking.
And, not all their flights have Wi-Fi, which isn’t ideal for those who always want to be connected. These are things to keep in mind when booking with China Airlines.
Who Is China Airlines Best For?
And that’s a wrap! China Airlines has a lot to offer travelers of every stripe, whether business or leisure. The quick check-in and cozy lounges make it a particularly good option for business travelers, too, particularly if you’re flying out of Taipei.
And the partner lounges make sure you can be productive and comfortable when you have to catch another flight and jump right into a meeting.
China Airlines gets a thumbs up from families for the friendly service and the provision of special meals. Children are well taken care of on board, which goes a long way on long-haul flights.
Price-conscious travelers value the competitive fares to Asia. You get solid service and comfort at a reasonable price point, which is a good recipe for holidaymakers and those flying occasionally.
If you’re traveling around Asia-Pacific, China Airlines is great value, with a good network of long-haul flights, such as to Japan, Korea, and all over Southeast Asia. It’s comfortable and reasonably priced, with frequent deals and sales.
And if you find yourself flying a lot around the region, the regular flyer miles can really add up.
FAQ
1. What cabin classes does China Airlines offer?
China Airlines has a few different options including Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, and occasionally First Class. With each class, you’ll get a different level of comfort, quality, and service to fit your budget and needs.
2. Are there any special meal options available on China Airlines?
Yes, China Airlines has a number of meal choices available, including special menus such as vegetarian and halal. Most travelers find that their dietary requirements are tended to during their flights.
3. Is my China Airlines flight changeable or refundable?
Yes, you can make changes or cancellations to your flight with a few exceptions depending on the type of fare you booked. Fees may apply.
4. What are the baggage allowances on China Airlines?
Baggage allowances vary depending on your class and route. On most flights, Economy travelers are permitted 1-2 checked bags, each weighing 23kg (50 lbs).
Conclusion
All in all, most travelers will have a decent experience with China Airlines. Booking is easy, the aircraft are comfortable, and the crews are warm and welcoming, doing their best to ensure you have a good flight.
Even though there’s room for improvement (like with their entertainment), there’s more to like than not.
Their competitive pricing, particularly throughout Asia, makes them a solid option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort.
Therefore, if you’re weighing your airline options, China Airlines is certainly worth considering for your upcoming trip.