I’m live-blogging my SAS EuroBonus SkyTeam Million Mile challenge this week. Click here for background and route information. We enjoyed a lovely 3.5-hour journey from Tapei to Ho Chi Minh City on a China Airlines A350-900 in economy class,...
Review: China Airlines Lounge Taipei (TPE – T1)
China Airlines has a beautiful lounge in Taipei Terminal 1 that is virtually unchanged since my 2017 review. Nevertheless, here’s an updated look at China Airlines’ flagship lounge. China Airlines Lounge Taipei Review (TPE) The lounge is open daily...
How China Airlines Said Goodbye To Boeing 747
After 45 years of gracing the sky for China Airlines, the Taiwanese airline has completed its final Boeing 747 flight…to nowhere. Final China Airlines 747 Flight Last autumn, I noted that China Airlines would retire its 747 passenger fleet...
Another Carrier Announces Retirement Of Boeing 747
This has been a bad year for the Boeing 747. As the pandemic has made larger, four-engine aircraft less attractive, carriers have accelerated retirement plans for the Queen of the Skies. Now another airline, China Airlines, has indicated it...
Fake Flights Are Taking Off
Would you spend an afternoon checking in for a flight, going through security screening and passport control, boarding an A330, enjoying food and beverage onboard, but never actually leaving? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, China Airlines and...
China Airlines Reducing Service to Ontario, California
Despite strong loads, Taipei-based China Airlines is reducing service to an unlikely West Coast city. China Airlines serves Ontario, California daily…an odd route, despite the large Chinese diaspora in the San Gabriel valley of Southern California. The airport remains...
China Airlines Adds New Service to Ontario, California
China Airlines will serve Ontario International Airport starting in Spring 2018, the first transpacific route from the small Southern California airport. I hate to be crass, but let me start off by correcting a common misconception. China Airlines =...
Review: China Airlines A350 Business Class Amsterdam to Taipei
China Airlines’ A350-900 in business class was every bit as impressive as I hoped it would be. Great service, great food, and a great seat made for a great flight. I had started in Los Angeles the previous morning, with a...
Introduction: Adventures on SkyTeam
I’ve flown most Star Alliance and oneworld carriers, but very few on SkyTeam. When Garuda Indonesia offered 90%-off first class award redemptions, I sensed an opportunity not only to try SkyTeam’s premier first class product, but also sample additional...
Upscale China Airlines Lounge in Taipei
During my SkyTeam trip I have been to many lounges, most of which simply met expectations. The KLM Lounge in Amsterdam, for example, was a bit bigger than I pictured, but the amenities, food, and service were exactly what...
Twice As Nice: China Airlines A330 Business Class
My Jakarta award via Flying Blue included CI679 from Taipei to Jakarta. When booking, there was no indication the flight was not non-stop. I later found the flight made a ground stop in Hong Kong. That meant even an even longer...
Wow! Great Flight on China Airlines A350 Business Class
Hello from Taipei. Fresh off a 12.5hr flight from AMS-TPE in China Airlines’ new A350-900 Business Class, I am pleased to report another great in-flight experience. China Airlines’ A350 is beautiful on the inside and out– The business class...
My Awesome Routing to Jakarta for Garuda First Class
I’m enroute to Jakarta for the long-awaited 90%-off first class award redemption on Garuda Indonesia. Although I am very excited to try Gardua First Class, I must admit my routing to Jakarta is giving it a run for the...
