Taipei-based SkyTeam member China Airlines is likely not the first choice that comes to mind when travelling to Asia and onward to Europe but they have a great but understated reputation for excellent seats and warm, professional customer service.
When flying to Taipei from Sydney or Melbourne, you will be on their newest Airbus A350 aircraft and then will continue onto Europe in the same seat on an A350 or Boeing 777 to Rome, Vienna, Frankfurt or London Gatwick.
In Premium Economy, you’ll enjoy a recliner seat in a 2-3-2 configuration with enhanced dining, an amenities kit and a 12-inch inflight entertainment screen.
Given that Economy Class fares can push the same price during peak travel periods like Christmas-New Year, Easter and the northern summer, this is a fantastic deal.
Note that all of the flights I can see, i.e. from Australia to Taipei and then onto Europe, are overnight flights, meaning you have a long transit in Taipei (~18 hours). If you have time up your sleeve and are not in a rush to get to Europe/home, you can take advantage of a day exploring Taipei on either side of your trip.
Depart: Sydney or Melbourne
Arrive: Rome, Vienna, Frankfurt or London Gatwick
Stops: Taipei
Dates: until end of July 2019
Airline: China Airlines
Lounge access: Priority Pass members can gain access to lounges or eateries in all airports; eligible American Express cardmembers can gain access to the American Express Lounge in Sydney or Melbourne
Cost: From $1,793 in Premium Economy from Sydney; add ~$50 from Melbourne; add ~$1,000 from Brisbane
Example found:
Sydney to Rome for $1,793 return:
Where to credit points: to a SkyTeam alliance frequent flyer program, with my recommendations being Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Korean Air SKYPASS or Delta SkyMiles (also a Virgin Australia partner). Read more in our guide to where to credit points.
Booking link: you can book directly through China Airlines or earn 0.7% cashback as well as Expedia Rewards points if booking through Cashrewards’ Expedia link.
Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. Fares may disappear quickly, so we suggest booking as soon as you are confident in your travel dates.
Images courtesy China Airlines.
Hi there,
These are amazing deals, how do I keep up-to-date with deals from China Airlines. I couldn’t find a subscription page..
Here is their promotions page.
I was going to try CI Business on a flight to SFO and return next March. All booked and paid for, was very excited to fly their A350 as the J looks incredible. $4250 Business Return, about 20-22 hours each way via Taipei. Then a week after I had booked it, CI changed their entire flight schedule out of Sydney which meant a 3 hour layover would become an 18 hour layover, putting me late for a work conference Stateside. So in the end, I had to request a refund from CI that took 8 weeks to arrive. This is not the first time a Chinese carrier has done this, and the lesson to me was stick with QF or VA even if the $$$ are a few K more.
I got back from flying this leg two days ago, however, we flew to Amsterdam. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to make the flight to the EU.
Taoywan airport does offer a free half day tour which you can organise on the ground though we elected for a hotel room and took the train to the city to ride the hop on hop off, lunch and Taipei 101.
Great to hear!
I flew with China Airlines in march this year best airline staff I have encountered in 48 years of flying I would certainly fly with China airlines again
Is there a free transit hotel with this ticket? I’ve heard CI use the Novotel at Taipei airport?
$2030 to LGW with a 4hr connection in TPE on the outbound and 5hrs on the return – which is a really good deal too. If only I had more confidence in CI’s safety culture …
Great win!