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, where full service continues behind the curtain in an era of budget carriers.
First Impressions: China Airlines A350-900 Economy Class
This was the one flight I booked without looking at which aircraft type was operating it and was delighted during check-in to see that it was operated by an A350-900. I reviewed this aircraft several years ago in business class from Amsterdam to Taipei and was happy to review it in economy class on the shorter journey from Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City.
Boarding began 40 minutes prior to departure but was very efficient and took only about half that time (giving Tokyo a run for the money). While the 3-3-3 configuration is standard, the 32-inch seat pitch makes it quite comfortable onboard, at least for regional flights.
Blankets and pillows were provided, including a fairly thick blanket that is better than what US carriers offer in their domestic “first class” product. My son Augustine was given a little cube-shaped toy that kept him occupied (at least for a few minutes).
Service was efficient and courteous, with a full meal service onboard. The choices were pork or shrimp…Augustine had shrimp, I had pork. Both meals were served with a rather nasty-looking bright yellow potato salad as well as a fruit bowl on the side.
Coffee and China Airlines-branded ice cream (“WooTea Passion Fruit Green Tea Jelly Ice Cream”) was served after.
The IFE library included hundreds of movies and TV shows…
So the bottom line is that you can still very much expect a full-service flight on China Airlines, with a hearty meal, blanket, pillow, excellent legroom, and at least on the A350, a large library of TV shows, movies, games, and audio.
Next: And I thought Jakarta Immigration was bad?!
This is one reason why the Republic of China (Taiwan) cannot fall due to an invasion by the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan is among the top 25 medium to large countries (greater than 20 million population). The world, including the US, should show solidarity with democracies and defend each other.
Taiwan falls and airlines like EVA, Starlux, and China Airlines go under.
Correction…Among countries with at least 20 million people, there are only 10 or 11 moderate to high income democracies. So few. Democracy is precious.
Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Korea, Canada, US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain…
The Netherlands and Chile are almost there.
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and others are too small.
I think the potato salad was yellow because of egg yolks? Egg yolks, especially salted ones, are super popular in Asia, especially Taiwan. How was that ice cream? To me, it sounds AMAZING! Also, f SGN immigration. There are over a dozen lines and they all move at a snail’s pace! No premium line, the only way to get priority is to be a diplomat. I have heard stories that you can just walk up and grease the palms of the agent working there, but I have never tried that.
Some think yellow potato salad has too much mustard in it.
Perhaps, but mustard isn’t the most popular condiment in Asia. I don’t think I’ve encountered it in Asia outside of hamburgers!
This type of potato salad isn’t the popular dish in Asia either, and yet it is being served on this flight (if it is potato salad).
I don’t think China Airlines have bad catering, even in economy (okay maybe super short route like TPE-FUK)
The super yellow potato salad could be from egg yolk, or turmeric.
And the ice cream is a collaboration with a local boba tea brand, and the regional sensational anime character Chiikawa.
I have done a few long haul flights CI, and while a full service carrier is always nice, there is something just uninspiring about them. Especially the food and drinks.
attention everyone obsessed with the potato salad: is it too yellow? is it too orange? does it even have potatoes in it? has a gun been put to your head requiring you to eat this? the article is about the flight, not some mystery side dish.
We took a 14-hour flight from Taipei to Frankfurt and was pleased with their service overall. Two in-flight meals and coffee included. The staff were courteous and friendly.
First off, I think it is very cool that you and your son are doing this epic adventure together. I’m not sure if it will result in more memories for him or for you. He will have learned more about the world that most kids learn in school over 5 years. Secondly, I like how you review Y class on this trip. Some of us are in Y much more these days – so while it’s fun to see F or J – it’s good to see a dose of reality. I like to see the meals (please show if plastic or metal cutlery.)
Thanks, David!
I recently flew with China Airlines from Pudong, China, to Taipei. I was seated in the premium economy section of the aircraft.
The service was good, however the premium economy seating is a disaster for anyone over 5.3 in height. As I was very tired I then pushed the button on the arm rest to stretch out, but my legs hit the seat in front with a very painful bang as my legs were trapped! China Airlines have made a very bad decision by choosing such a dreadfully designed seat. The officials who made the decision to equip premium economy with a seat designed for customers challenged by size, must also have been challenged. My flight was short. but I will never travel in China airlines premium economy again, after such a dreadful flight.
That’s interesting. This was the A350?
I walked by the premium economy cabin, but did not try them.
It’s the fixed shell seats that are terrible in CI’s PE. Flew twice JFK-TPE-JFK aboard 77W – albeit six years ago in Dec 2018/Jan 2019
Food was good (although cocktails were terrible), service was also good – but the fixed shell PE seats even in the bulkhead row were awful.
We flew CI economy TPE-MNL & HKG-TPE aboard 333. Seats were fine for those short flights, and the meals were good, especially TPE-MNL meal served back then.
We liked the airline – but the fixed shell PE seats are much less comfortable than the recliners found on other airlines’ PE seats we’ve flown.
Yes, totally agree! CI’s Premium Economy seats are the worst! The seat pitch is just not enough when it slides forward and it has no padding. Comfort is way worse than their Economy, which is already pretty hard (in terms of padding). I would avoid CI’s Premium Economy, or any fixed-shell seats frankly, at all costs.