3.5 Hours In China Airlines A350-900 Economy Class

I’m live-blogging my SAS EuroBonus SkyTeam Milion Mile challenge this week. Click here for background and route information.

We enjoyed a lovely 3.5-hour journey from Tapei to Ho Chi Minh City on a China Airlines A350-900 in economy class, where full service continues behind the curtain in an era of budget carriers.

First Impressions: China Airlines A350-900 Economy Class

This was the one flight I booked without looking at which aircraft type was operating it and was delighted during check-in to see that it was operated by an A350-900. I reviewed this aircraft several years ago in business class from Amsterdam to Taipei and was happy to review it in economy class on the shorter journey from Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City.

Boarding began 40 minutes prior to departure but was very efficient and took only about half that time (giving Tokyo a run for the money). While the 3-3-3 configuration is standard, the 32-inch seat pitch makes it quite comfortable onboard, at least for regional flights.

Blankets and pillows were provided, including a fairly thick blanket that is better than what US carriers offer in their domestic “first class” product.  My son Augustine was given a little cube-shaped toy that kept him occupied (at least for a few minutes).

Service was efficient and courteous, with a full meal service onboard. The choices were pork or shrimp…Augustine had shrimp, I had pork. Both meals were served with a rather nasty-looking bright yellow potato salad as well as a fruit bowl on the side.

Coffee and China Airlines-branded ice cream (“WooTea Passion Fruit Green Tea Jelly Ice Cream”) was served after.

The IFE library included hundreds of movies and TV shows…

So the bottom line is that you can still very much expect a full-service flight on China Airlines, with a hearty meal, blanket, pillow, excellent legroom, and at least on the A350, a large library of TV shows, movies, games, and audio.

Next: And I thought Jakarta Immigration was bad?!