On the Ground: Departing from LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal can be unpredictable due to ongoing construction, but my experience was smooth. Foot traffic moved steadily and I was helped immediately in the first-class line. Check-in was quick and my boarding pass was issued without delay. The VIP lounge security checkpoint operated efficiently, and within 15 minutes of entering the terminal I was inside China Airlines’ shared lounge on the fourth floor.
Pre-Flight: China Airlines shares its business- and first-class lounge with several partner carriers, creating a varied mix of travelers. Located in the center of the terminal, the lounge does not offer tarmac views, but its calm palette of grays and blues makes it a focused, comfortable place to work or relax before departure. Both the first- and business-class areas include a full business center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and two buffet and bar stations offering a selection of Asian and Western dishes. The first-class section, just to the right of the main lounge, features plentiful club chairs and sofas with easy access to electrical outlets.
My flight experienced a 30-minute delay, but lounge staff kept passengers informed and organized an escorted walk to the gate. First-class boarding avoided queues and I was shown to my seat within moments. Before takeoff I was offered a selection of beverages and nuts; I chose water and we departed shortly thereafter.
In-Flight: First class is arranged in the nose of the aircraft, with single pods positioned so each faces its own window. The pods face away from the aisle, increasing privacy and reducing stray light—an advantage on a 14-hour overnight crossing. My seat in the fourth row converted to a fully lie-flat bed and included intuitive, illuminated controls that were easy to operate in the dark. The entertainment system featured a 15-inch personal screen with recent American films and a wide music library spanning genres and languages. While TV programming in English was limited, the movie selection kept me entertained. The cabin trim of burl wood provided a tasteful, refined atmosphere up front.
The amenity kit contained Salvatore Ferragamo lotion products and a complete toothbrush and hairbrush set. I put on the plush slippers before takeoff and kept them on for the duration of the flight. The menu offered multiple courses and I enjoyed a full dinner: perfectly cooked sea bass in a light teriyaki sauce paired with mashed yams, an unexpectedly delightful seasonal combination. I accompanied the meal with a 2010 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc. After dinner the flight attendant converted my seat into a bed and supplied extra pillows so I could get comfortable in the cabin’s cool temperature. A few hours before arrival in Taipei the crew gently woke passengers and served a light breakfast with coffee or tea.
The Experience: This was my first trip with China Airlines and I left impressed by the attentive, professional service from check-in through arrival. The flight encountered turbulence, and the cabin crew adapted seamlessly—serving meals carefully and ensuring passengers’ needs were met without unnecessary movement around the cabin. The smooth service and comfortable flight were a positive start to my business visit to Taipei.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged baggage
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors