For the return portion of my trip I was flying Philippine Airlines from Taipei to Manila to Toronto, thanks to a great business class fare (~1,200USD). That would allow me to finally experience Philippine Airlines' A350 business class, which has been on my radar fo ra while. I had spent the night at the Novotel…
Continue reading: Review: China Airlines Lounge Taipei Airport Terminal 1
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Totally agree with you
It us far better than two major EVA lounge
But how about comparable to Starlux lounge
I was there in August and it was literally wall to wall people in the lounge . I agree it’s a nice lounge, but not when there are no seats.
I was there a few years ago - looks like it was empty when you were there! It was slammed with people when I was there, but one of the nicest lounges I've been to with great food - there was a long wait for a shower. I annoyed my gf at the time by insisting I take a shower after our JFK-TPE flight while then connecting to KIX, even though we were about to head to the gate when my name was called. Love an airport shower though! (We made the flight just fine)
Am I the only one surprised by how lowsy EVA’s lounges are at TPE? Seems like a missed opportunity for one of the world’s best airlines. That said, the have pretty nice shower rooms 🙂
I find EVA to be the best in Business Class across the Pacific but their lounges tend to be below average. It would be nice to see facilities upgraded along these lines.
PAL - especially ground service and connecting through Manila - is probably the worst option in South East Asia. I try them every few years then swear it off again. Friendly crews, but ground service can be frustratingly messy; and the inflight product is not sophisticated. However, you seem to be well adjusted to this with all your AA travels out of Miami.
Happy travels.
No. Just no.
This lounge is terrible. Except the case they have revamped it completely in the last 4 months (pictures look the same), it's not good.
Half of the sitting was uncomfortable. The space had the feel of a cave. There was no natural light, and the ambient lighting was way too dark. Worst part was the capacity, or there lack of. Horribly crowded! Even priority pass lounges have been better! And I was there on a Saturday. Between the people and the smell of food and lack of natural light, it was positively suffocating. I ran out to the gate early.
This seems to be China Airlines style, because their SFO lounge feels exactly the same (af lounge downstairs feels much more breathable, even though it's priority pass).
Lucky seems to have a soft spot for China Airlines, which I feel to be unwarranted.
So your final analysis Lucky is that EVA is better overall in the air, but China Airlines has better lounges in Taipei?
This is one of the few areas where China Airlines is better than EVA. EVA should really upgrade their lounges. They can easily close off one side (preferably The Star, since that's more dated than The Infinity) and renovate without too much impact.
Starlux still seems like the top of the pack though, with a la carte dining.
The food quality improved significantly since they switched the catering to Novotel, the food used to be sub-par but it's much better now. The paragon/emerald area has a different made to order menu similar to those of other F lounges which is pretty nice.
I agree with Ben. The CI lounges at TPE are pretty good. As for the business class lounge admittance, anyone ranging from gold member to paragon member in CI Dynasty’s program can access it on any ticket. As for the exclusive area, I have used it before as it is a more secluded area reserved for emerald and paragon members. The door is unlocked as you need to be escorted in there and there will be another attendant checking you in at the front. There is a smaller buffet section with complimentary a la carte dining. I know emerald members can bring in a guest.
Hi, does anyone know, if you can exit departures areas, back through to arrivals? I'm flying J class with CI from SYD-VIE in May, with an 18 hour transit. Hoping to use the CI lounge in terminal 1 to shower and freshen up, before clearing immigration/ customs and heading into the city for a few hours.
Can BC passengers arriving from USA early morning use the lounge before going to Taipei City?
Can a china airline business class bring a guest into the lounge? Guest on same flight. Hong kong to taipei. Tickets issued by Qantas. Normal Qantas policy is that business class passenger can bring 1 guest , travelling on same flight into the lounge.