How to redeem Qantas Points for China Airlines flights

Taiwan-based China Airlines is a Qantas partner, making it an excellent option for those who want to travel to Taipei and potentially further afield. China Airlines’ network also spans Asia, North America and Europe. The airline also operates some fifth-freedom flights between Australia and New Zealand using its Airbus A350.

Here’s how you can fly with China Airlines using Qantas Points.

Where does China Airlines fly?

China Airlines flies from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to its hub in Taipei, Taiwan.

From Taipei, you can connect onwards to dozens of cities in China Airlines’ network. This includes long-haul routes like Vancouver, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Prague and more. Around Asia, China Airlines’ destinations include Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Manila and others.

China Airlines offers timely connections via Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport, especially for flights arriving from Australia. This makes it an ideal transit point if you’re travelling elsewhere in Asia, or onwards to Europe or North America.

How do I redeem Qantas Points for China Airlines flights?

China Airlines redemptions can be booked online through the Qantas website.

1. Start on the Qantas website and enter your desired travel dates, destinations, and number of passengers.
   • Tip: if searching for Premium Economy Class or Business Class, we recommend using the multi-city tool for a better view of availability.
2. Toggle the ‘Rewards’ button to view available seats using points, and ‘Flexible with dates’ button if your travel dates are flexible.
3. You’ll see any available reward seats across all eligible Qantas partner airlines, including China Airlines. Look for the CI flight number.
4. Choose the China Airlines flight option and continue with the booking process.
5. Use a valid payment method to pay the taxes and surcharges. And that’s it – you will now have a China Airlines booking made with Qantas Points!

How many Qantas Points do I need to fly China Airlines?

Here’s how many Qantas Points you’ll need to fly from Australia to Taipei with China Airlines:

China Airlines is usually quite generous with its award availability, including on flights to and from Australia.

Notably, China Airlines operates some fifth-freedom flights from Australia, which are part of its longer journey between Taipei and Auckland. These routes are:

• Brisbane to Auckland (continuing from Taipei-Brisbane)
• Melbourne to Auckland (seasonal service, commencing December 2024 and continuing from Taipei-Melbourne)

Both routes above utilise the Airbus A350, so you can experience China Airlines’ wonderful cabins without flying to Taipei!

You can use Qantas Points to fly with China Airlines between Australia’s east coast and Auckland. Here’s how many you’ll need:

When booking via the Qantas website, simply search as usual and keep an eye out for the ‘CI’ flight number.

Top up your Qantas Points balance with our sign-up offer below!

What kind of planes will I find on China Airlines flights?

On all flights between Australia and Taipei, China Airlines flies its exceptional Airbus A350 with three cabins: Economy Class, Premium Economy Class and Business Class. This is also the aircraft that China Airlines uses on its fifth-freedom routes from Australia, namely Brisbane-Auckland and Melbourne-Auckland.

Business Class on China Airlines Airbus A350 features comfortable lie-flat beds for the overnight journey between Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane and Taipei. The cabin is beautifully designed, while a crisp HD touchscreen and a selection of Taiwanese fare round out the experience.

For less of a points outlay, you can still enjoy elevated comfort in China Airlines Premium Economy Class. On the A350, this looks like extra-wide recliner seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with plenty of storage and an amenity kit by The North Face.

Mirroring the ambience of the premium cabins, China Airlines’ A350 Economy Class evokes a sense of warmth and comfort on overnight flights to and from Australia. Expect a 3-3-3 configuration and slim seats to allow for greater seat pitch.

Beyond Australia, China Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A321neo and A330, and Boeing 777 and 737-800. While the A321neo is commonly found on short-haul routes within Asia, its Business Class features flatbeds. On select routes, you’ll enjoy China Airlines A321neo with Pikachu livery.

Impressive: China Airlines’ sleek Business Class cabin.

Redeem Qantas Points for China Airlines’ stylish ‘Premium Economy Class’.

Even in Economy Class, all meals, drinks and movies are included in your ticket price.

Summing up

Qantas Frequent Flyer members will often find excellent reward seat availability on China Airlines, including its A350 routes to and from Australia, making it an excellent way to redeem Qantas Points.

It’s also a handy option to keep up your sleeve when searching for reward seats to Europe or North America, with Taipei being an ideal stopover point.

Also read: China Airlines Dynasty Lounge review, Taipei Terminal 2