China Airlines...!

[m8verick 0]

Recently through other chat boards, I have gained the impression that China Airlines are not the greatest airline in the world.  I am booked up with them for my next trip.  Should I be worried??

 

Thanks

 

Mav

[TURBO 1]

I first travelled with China air last September & again in January . I'm going back to LOS in May & I'll probably travel with China again . My reasons -

 

1 - There are no direct flights from Ireland to Bkk so no matter who I fly with I have to connect somewhere . Schipol airport is a palace compared to most UK airports & a much nicer place to wait for your next flight . It is also very easy to find your way around using the signs & the free maps/guides .

 

2 - The price . They are always cheaper than anyone from Ireland .

 

3 - Schedule . You arrive in Bkk at around 7 am & leave at around 2 am giving you a full day on arrival & departure .

 

4 - The staff on the flight are usually a mixture of Thai & Taiwanese . Very helpful , courteous & pleasing on the eye .

 

5 - If you call China Air a week before departure to reconfirm your seat you can put in a seat request . I recommend row 36 or 47 as these are the exit row seats with loads of legroom .

 

The only down-side is the food . I don't mind asian food but what they serve is foul smelling , tasteless muck . I eat a good meal before boarding & bring a couple of pot noodles & snack food to keep my hunger at bay . The stewardesses will make up your pot noodle for you & offer you chopsticks to eat it but they will give you a fork if you ask nicely . Sometimes they have their own pot noodles available and some ham rolls .

 

I'm not worried about their safety record . Travelling by air is still the safest way & you're at more risk crossing 2nd road than flying .  I believe that when your time is up you will die no matter where you are , so it doesn't matter if you paid £200 more to fly with BA , you will still die .

 

Derek

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

Flew with them in October 2003 for the first time.

I am off again next Monday, 23rd Feb, KLM to AMS and China to BKK.

Mostly agree with Derek's comments, except that I thought the food was fine both ways.

Seats are not as comfortable in economy as BA or Qantas, no "wings" on the headrests, so worth taking a neck pillow.

Amsterdam airport is great.

As discussed in a previous thread, they had a few problems a couple of years ago, but nothing recent.

You should have no worries, they will get you there.

[chipamundo 0]

My first flight to LOS was with KLM 2 years ago and since then every other trip (5 of em) has been with China Airlines. I fly from Newcastle so have to either go to heathrow or schipol.

 

They are always the cheapest and the arrival, departure times are spot on for me. Never had a problem with the food but I eat just about anything.

 

They also have a Dynasty Club card scheme so you can earn points for upgrades - http://www.china-airlines.com/en/club/club_mi_2.htm

[Julio 0]

I have flown to BKK with KLM, China, Emirates and Thai and rate China as the best deal. Amsterdam is a better place to change planes than Heathrow. Also the frequent flyer programme gives me an upgrade for flying 15,000 miles which means that the return flight is now nearly always in the economy deluxe section. KLM is probably the worst of the above 4 as seats are more cramped.

[Greg_B 306]

AS long as the plane gets there, it really doesn't matter which carrier you take.  If the price is good, go for it...

 

I used NWA on my last trip and it was the worst customer service, I've ever encountered

[bk_boiler 1]

cheaper priced tickets by about $50, but there flyer miles program is horrible.