Hello from Taipei, as I just flew China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 business class on the 13hr50min flight from Phoenix (PHX) to Taipei (TPE). Taiwan is perhaps the most competitive airline market in the world on a per capita basis, with the island having three full service, global airlines.
I had flown EVA Air business class and Starlux business class across the Pacific in recent years, and was looking forward to flying China Airlines business class for the first time in around six years. I got an amazing deal on this flight, as I paid just 72,500 Flying Blue miles (which I acquired with a transfer bonus).
So, how is China Airlines’ long haul product nowadays? I’d argue that it’s excellent, and offers a very well-rounded experience. However, I do think it’s a tier below its two biggest competitors, both of which I rank as offering among the world’s best business class products. I wouldn’t quite put this in the top tier of Asian carriers… though it’s close. Let me share some initial thoughts, and then soon I’ll have a full trip report.
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As is the case on all three Taiwanese airlines, the meals are absolutely massive. The first meal began with drinks, an amuse bouche, and two types of packaged snacks. I had a glass of champagne to drink, and China Airlines serves Laurent-Perrier Brut Millesime 2015 on US routes, which is pricey.
The appetizer consisted of foie gras pate and smoked salmon salad, along with a garden salad (why can’t airline salads always look that nice?!).
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
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