When Virgin Atlantic joined the SkyTeam alliance, it opened up a lot of new options of earning and spending Virgin Points with some interesting new airlines. China Airlines, the flag carrier of Taiwan and no relation to Air China of the mainland, is one such example. With an incredibly competitive local market against the likes of Starlux and EVA Air as well as regional rivals such as Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific, Taiwanese airlines need to be ‘on the ball’ to survive.
China Airlines currently provides the only non-stop, direct flight between the UK and Taiwan which operates five days per week in both directions. While the airline does offer some connections to elsewhere in Asia and Australia, the lack of frequency to London does mean that it won’t be the most practical option. EVA Air operate direct flights daily with a stop in Bangkok, which requires disembarking and re-boarding the same plane, offering a far less competitive experience.
Here’s our review of the China Airlines Premium Economy experience flying aboard the Airbus A350 from Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport to London-Heathrow Airport.
In this post:
On-the-ground experience
China Airlines’ London flights depart from Terminal 1 at Taoyuan International Airport where I availed priority services and lounge access through my SkyTeam status. The whole ground experience is unremarkable, particularly when you compare it to other Asian hubs like Hong Kong or Seoul-Incheon. Low ceilings, dark in places, however at least it’s clean and does have some charm with their themed gates including Sanrio/Hello Kitty, Taiwanese Cinema and Folk Culture.
‘This is pretty nice’: First impressions
China Airlines’ Premium Economy on this A350 had a total of 36 seats in a 2-4-2 layout which is a good for both families and couples. The cabin was rather gloomy when we boarded at 0730 in the morning thanks to a combination of the windows being closed and generally dark interior. That being said, I do think it is one of the swankier Premium Economy cabins in the market. With the patterned grey seat cover and use of faux woods, it looks distinctive and unique when compared to much of the competition.
Premium Economy usually comes in two varieties – a seat that reclines into the passenger behind you or a fixed shell design where you seat slides forward to create a similar recline effect. China Airlines opted for the latter, and I feel conflicted. Generally, it is a win for seat etiquette and manoeuvrability since you are not intruding on anybody else’s space. Although, that recline function can become foot crushing if you are taller than average. This is because it leaves very little space for you to place your feet. On balance, it is probably better than the other seat type – even if it’s not perfect.
The seat has some nifty features too. A smartly located reading light above your shoulder, adjustable headrest as well as all around comfortable seat – something that is a necessity on these long routes to Europe. Storage is limited to the pocket on the bulkhead as well as small section below the reading light. Like almost all Airbus A350 aircraft, China Airlines opted not to include overhead air vents.
Amenities and entertainment
In the front row seat, screens are located directly in the bulkhead with no ability to adjust the screen angle. Other Premium Economy products locate their screens in the arm rest, with both having their benefits and drawbacks.
The screen can be touch-controlled but is too far away to be comfortable for anybody, so the remote control is a necessity to use the system. If you’ve flown almost any long haul, widebody aircraft flight in the past decade you will be familiar with this remote control. If you’re opting to use your own device, international power outlets and USB-A ports can be found between the seats with one each per passenger. This is particularly important as more airlines, especially those in Asia, begin to limit or prohibit entirely the use of power banks.
The selection of entertainment on-board was passable, although frequent travellers will struggle to see the same selection you’ll find on most airlines – including Taiwan-based competitors EVA and Starlux. Emirates and Qatar Airways, who are competing directly on Taipei to London routings, provide a far greater selection of films and television on-board. WiFi is available – even if prices and performance are inadequate.
Since travelling, China Airlines have changed their amenity kit brand but, at the time of travel, they offered this ‘The North Face’ amenity kit. It had the basic items you would expect and not much more. Unlike many kits, it is really practical – and I still use this item on my travels for cables in my backpack. Thin, scratchy blankets are provided to all passengers.
Other key amenities can be found in the bathrooms, including cologne, body and hand moisturiser. Those bathrooms were kept spotlessly clean and, in what I think is a first for me, have nonstop relaxing sounds piped into them. Completely unnecessary? Yes! A classy touch? Also, yes!
Extensive printed publications and even a duty-free shopping service can be found aboard. Something of a rarity now.
Food aboard
Taiwan is famed for some of its culinary excellence and a diverse offering of food – can its flag carrier meet that standard? A menu was provided at the seat after boarding with multiple choices available consisting of a Taiwanese or Western options.
The Taiwanese option was ‘co-created’ with Taipei-based Michelin three-starred restaurant, Le Palais, and the result was decent – even if I wouldn’t personally say to Michelin standard. The Steamed Chicken and Rice with Pork Sausage was flavourful and enjoyable with a sufficient amount of volume.
A second was provided thanks to the length of the flight, which was equally good, in the form of Stir Fried Noodles with Pork. A good selection of alcoholic and soft drinks were on offer, though I suspect wine and beer connoisseurs would probably be disappointed with the lack of named options. Coffee was, unsurprisingly, awful.
Self-service snacks can be found in the galley between the Premium and Business cabins, consisting of pre-packaged crisps and nuts. Finally, a pre-landing egg and ham sandwich was provided – not the best but a good touch considering how many airlines don’t bother with a second, let alone third, meal service.
Conclusion: Is Premium Economy worth it?
After sampling a few different Premium Economy products from several airlines, from what can be described as a marginally better Economy to differentiated cabin. I can say that China Airlines offers an excellent product, even if it is compromised. The core seat is great, particularly if you are under 5ft10/177cm, thanks to the cocoon-like seat that does not intrude when fellow passengers recline. Food is very good with plenty provided, while entertainment is passable. If you can get a ticket on China Airlines at a good price, around 1.5 to 2 times more than Economy, then it is worth the upgrade.
I would fly this product again, despite being taller than 5ft10, simply because it is a) available on Virgin Points and b) is a good halfway house between Economy and Business. I paid 70,000 Virgin Points plus taxes, which were relatively low as a one way flight from Taipei, compared to the 100,000 points required for non-existent space in Business. Flights on China Airlines do not appear on the Virgin Atlantic website, with you best using the live chat function or call centre to check availability.
