China Airlines, the flagship carrier of Taiwan, currently has 14 Airbus A350 aircrafts with a reverse herringbone business class. These are mainly used on long haul routes to Australia, Europe and North America, but during the day the airline also uses these aircrafts on routes within Asia, including Bangkok-Taipei. I was lucky to fly them last year between Bangkok and Taipei during my 2 month trip through Asia and Oceania.
Flight: China Airlines 834
Route: Bangkok (BKK) – Taipei (TPE)
Date: Monday June 11, 2018
Depart: 11:30AM
Arrive: 4:10PM
Duration: 3h40min
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Class of service: Business Class
China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Bangkok
Although China Airlines doesn’t have that many flights departing from Bangkok, the airline has its own Dynasty Lounge located in the D-concourse. I knew the lounge wasn’t anything special but decided to have a quick look before I boarded my flight. Unfortunately, there is no view on the planes. The lounge wasn’t crowded and a classic music was playing in the background. The lounge offers several facilities like working areas and a buffet with a decent selection of food and beverages. However, there are no showers.
China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class Seat
My flight was operated by an Airbus A350-900 and this aircraft features 32 flat bed seats in business class in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 configuration. I entered the aircraft through the first door and was warmly welcomed by the crew. The business class cabin looks spacious and modern.
The window seats offer the most privacy as they’re not facing to each other. Therefore, these seats are great for solo travelers, while the seats in the middle are great for those who are traveling together. Directly after booking my flight, I assigned myself seat 15K. On my seat, I found a pillow and blanket. A lamp can be found next to each seat. Another nice detail is the movable handrail on left side which allows you to determine the space and comfort yourself. In the unit next to the lamp, I found the safety information card and in-flight magazine. The seat itself is comfortable and offers a lot of space and privacy. In front of me was a large in-flight entertainment screen.
All of the seat’s functions such as in-flight entertainment controls with touchscreen and seat controls are located in the unit on the right side. Here I also found my headphones. Immediately, I put my seat in a more comfortable position to wait for what the crew would bring me.
Pre Departure Service
A few moments later, the crew came to introduce themselves and the menus and warm cloths were distributed. As a drink before take off, I could choose from water, orange juice and champagne.
In-Flight Dining
After take off, I was offered another champagne. I had a look at the menu to look what to take for lunch during this flight. Smoked halibut and marinated salmon were served as an appetizer. For the main course, I went for wok fried ginger with sliced beef tenderloin and egg noodles with fried garlic and kailan. The starter and main course were served at the same time. Bread was also offered. The meal tasted very good, especially the meat I found very tasty. The crew regularly came by to ask if everything was fine and if I wanted something to drink. I said that I liked the food and that I was quite impressed by China Airlines.
After this delicious meal, it was time for dessert. I could choose from fresh fruit, raspberry yogurt cake and Häagen-Dazs ice cream. A combination of two was not a problem so I went for the fresh fruit with ice. I really enjoyed my dessert and later I also ordered a coffee. After lunch, business class passengers can still go to the galley for a snack and a drink.
Turndown Service
The China Airlines A350 features one business class restroom which is located in the very front of the cabin on the left. It would take up to 2 hours before our landing into Taipei so I decided to turn my seat into a bed to go to sleep. The seat offers a lot of privacy but to be honest, not much space is offered. For a good night rest, I would rather recommend the Garuda business class seats on the Boeing 777.
A modern aircraft like an Airbus A350 doesn’t make that much noise as other aircrafts like a Boeing 777. I was able to sleep well for another hour and when I woke up, I noticed that the landing into Taipei was just started. I ordered one last champagne. Once at the gate, I thanked the crew for the good service on board and I left the plane.
China Airlines Airbus A350 Business Class Bottom Line
China Airlines offers a decent business class product on their Airbus A350. I didn’t really like the Dynasty Lounge in Bangkok, especially as there is no view on the planes. The buffet in the lounge was average and I liked the classic music in the background.
The business class seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration offer a lot of space and privacy, but I wouldn’t recommend them during a red-eye flight. The crew was friendly and certainly in for a chat during this flight. The food and drinks were average, although some improvements for the champagne can be made. My first impression of China Airlines is quite good and I’m definitely looking forward for a long haul flight with them.
What’s your experience with China Airlines A350 Business Class? Have you flown them already or are you planning to make a flight with them? Let me know your questions and thoughts in the comments below!
