CHINA AIRLINES Excellent A350 BUSINESS Class | Taipei to Ontario

INSTAGRAM: @PatrickFliesPlanes
Sorry for the short delay in posting! I am working at the upload speed of the Aerolineas Argentinas lounge which was less than ideal. Thanks for y’alls patience
Earlier this year, I tried Starlux (the new Taiwanese boutique carrier) and loved it! I heard so many of y’all talking about EVA and China Airlines, so I had to try those next. I was very excited to try China Airline’s route from their hub out to one of their more unique destinations in Ontario. Let me know your thoughts on the product below!
Airline: China Airlines
Aircraft: Airbus A350-941
Registration: B-18918
Flight Number: CI24
Route: Taoyuan, TP (TPE) - Ontario, CA (ONT)
Flight Time: 11h 34m
Flight Date: June 9, 2024
Cost: $1,650 (Booked as BKK-TPE-ONT)
0:00 Intro
0:29 Terminal 2
3:34 Dynasty Lounge
6:22 Boarding
7:31 The Seat
9:07 Amenities
10:32 China Airlines Background
13:32 TPE Departure
15:11 Menu
15:48 Entertainment
17:09 Best Dinner Service EVER?
18:13 Bed Time
19:55 Snack Time
21:01 Evening Breakfast Time
21:30 Why Ontario??
25:44 ONT Arrival
27:35 China Airlines Name Issues
29:30 Final Thoughts

[@tally1604]

What I love about your videos is that you don't have an agenda and give every airline a fair shake, even though manufactured drama and klickbait titles would probably get you more eyeballs. Don't ever change, Patrick.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks man! Great to hear that!

[@ErnestoRoy]

Patrick - Love your content! Beyond the typical flight, seat, menu, amenities, and lounge I extremely appreciate the stats, historical facts and heavy analysis providing a 360 degree, holistic review of the airline! Seriously, great review!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks man! Love to hear it!

[@ErnestoRoy]

@@PatrickSheaAviation I’m SFO-based as well. (Migrated to Alaska after the Virgin America merger and so now exclusively oneworld.) Hopefully we’ll cross paths in Terminal 1 someday. Continued safe travels!!

[@Sydorrah]

Love they have different themes at the gates. The inflight food looked delicious.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! A fun experience for sure!

[@marioimori]

An American saying "aubergine" instead of eggplant causes me astonishment, Patrick Potter! Thanks for sharing!

[@jtinsfo]

Excellent as always Patrick. China Airlines is a great experience - both hard and soft product.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! I definitely enjoyed it!

[@gabrielvarig]

I was looking forward to this one! Thanks for posting 🎉

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@rowanmle11]

glad you had a great flight! I commented on your delta video from Seattle into Taipei, told you that you'd like it😂

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the info + video!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@Nobi36]

A350, im hyped!

[@stevene465]

Great video Patrick - I flown them several times and they are always excellent

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome! It’s definitely a fun flight

[@bodyloverz30]

American Airlines used to have a major San Jose Asian hub, in the 1980's.

[@sblue3964]

Amazing review as always and thx for the history lesson 😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elliebeep27]

as a Californian I find it so fascinating this flight goes to Ontario of all places! Really enjoyed this as I do all your videos. Love you exploring all these different airlines and sharing with us :-)

[@tally1604]

@elliebeep27 me too. It's, methinks, the smallest airport in Greater LA. Much smaller than Burbank or John Wayne, with a lot less domestic connections. But then, San Bernardino and Riverside are now considered their own metro area, separate from LA. In fact, until CHA launched the flight, Inland Empire was the largest metro area in the US without international-carrier operated direct services. Plus, CHA is one of the largest cargo airlines in the world, and Ontario is the SoCal hub for UPS, so I'm sure cargo flights had flown to Ontario from Taiwan for decades before the passanger service begun. So, on closer examination, it makes a lot of sense.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! Ontario is mostly because of the Taiwanese population of the inland empire. Still fun to see big airplanes in small places

[@elliebeep27]

@@PatrickSheaAviation It makes sense but is still so weird being ONT is such a small airport! I could just imagine some huge plane coming in to BUR or something lol.

[@LBDizzyDog]

@@elliebeep27 Actually, ONT is a much larger airport from the standpoint of its facilities. BUR has two relatively short runways whereas ONT has two very long runways that are double the length of BUR's. ONT is also a major but for UPS and sees large aircraft every day.

[@botruong4102]

Thanh you Patrick for uploaded this trip,I have been waiting for couple weeks.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@cptpltM2000]

CI is certainly highly under rated, both hard and soft product and safety improved vastly in recent decades. The ROC Taiwan government owns just under 40% of CI now, (down from almost 70% 2 decades ago) about 1/3 via the government owned China Aviation Development Foundation and the rest via the sovereign wealth National Development Fund.

[@herenow6953]

I didn't even know that there was an Ontario in CA - I assumed it was Canada (also CA - confusing huh?! How many Canucks have booked the wrong flight?!) - looks a great service - I loved the finish on the back of the business class 'shell' seats - and the nice touch of the eagle claw lamp- - even it a little incongrous in a modern airliner! You are very knowledgeanle and I really appreciate the time and research you clearly put into your videos - so thank you from London - UK (not London, Ontario lol)!

[@get2dachoppa249]

Seeing how it’s China Airlines, that lamp is probably a dragons foot.

[@Peizxcv]

I think it symbolizes a dragon capturing the dragon ball as the passenger is literally flying

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Interesting. I guess that could make sense

[@airfreak75]

TPE=DTW would be a great route for them with the DL connectability. DL/NW used to fly DTW-NGO-TPE with the 744.

[@hungo7720]

Another superb video Patrick! Ontario is the airport to supplant LAX in LA county for a handful of asian airlines. They purportedly abstain from flying into and out of an oversaturated airport such as LAX. Amusingly, I was thinking of Ontario province Canada first while seeing the title of the video.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Tbh idk if we will see other Asian carriers in Ontario soon. The Taiwanese population is definitely the main draw to ONT

[@ChuckConnNYC]

Ont is a solid little airport. With the ongoing rail infrastructure upgrade and build going on, it could become much more important soon

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It’s always great to avoid the giant airports like LAX. I just wish that these secondary airports became more normal of an option with long haul flights

[@ChuckConnNYC]

@@PatrickSheaAviation Same, def a ways to go still but I think we will see the industry trending in this direction if demand keeps up.....there's almost no choice. I only hope that we continue to build out reliable infrastructure to support.

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Have Experience A350 Business Class Amsterdam-Taipei,I Love Product.Great Video And Info

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome!

[@Aeronpaulalcaraz]

Thanks for the info as always. I didn’t know that China Airlines is flag carrier of Taiwan 🇹🇼.

[@faizaanniazi1519]

Regarding China airlines’ routes in America, you mentioned they were interested in Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. Which of those do you think is most likely? I think Atlanta could really use them. Are there any ongoing talks?

[@Faliyoooooos]

Excellent review I have flown with China Airlines many times, and each time their service has made me feel comfortable and surprised. Although there was one occasion when they forgot my checked luggage in Bangkok, they promptly delivered it back to me the next day. After all, which airline hasn't misplaced luggage before? I'm also curious why, despite China Airlines providing such excellent service, their ranking on Skytrax is consistently in the forties. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific, which I often find provides average service, has been ranked fifth this year.

[@davidbalcon8726]

San Jose did have nonstop service to TPE that started up just before 9.11 operated by AA. It didn’t last long but I flew it twice back then.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea I do miss the SJC days of long haul travels

[@kenneth59324]

So lucky we took the same air craft and also same seat 😂😂 I was on the flight 6/10 ONT-TPE also sitting on 17K.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha damn almost the same place same time

[@DudleyDawson9]

I’ve had nothing but great flights out of SFO on China airlines.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome! Still haven’t flown them to SFO, but seen them around here forever

[@flyingdreams5005]

American Airlines once operated between San Jose and Taiepi in early 2000s

[@perryugalde639]

Traveled SEA-TPE-SEA on BR and CI. Favorable experiences, to say the least. Can't wait to try JX. I'll (hard) pass DL.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Definitely a great collection of airlines in TPE!

[@alexshea3127]

When you try Eva, try departure from Houston

[@xjaspx]

No visit to the onboard Sky Lounge located just behind Business class? Last time I flew CI, the business class Sky Lounge was stocked with Taiwanese snacks, teas, Nespresso, and even had a mini bar. On both their 777 and A350 it’s located by the L2/R2 doors.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Something else for next time I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@RN-DNP]

Flying into ONT has benefits. It's closer to Disneyland and only 37 minutes (39.5 miles) from downtown LA. Also, the landing fees are far cheaper than LAX.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It has its benefits, but people still book LAX because it has better recognition still. SJC shared the same fate

[@theinternational397]

SJC actually had nonstop flights to TPE at one time: In 2001 when SJC was still an American Airlines hub, American Airlines served TPE from SJC. The route only lasted very briefly and was permanently discontinued not long after 9/11.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

SJC used to have a big AA trans-pacific presence… I wish that still existed

[@theinternational397]

@@PatrickSheaAviation It was never a large presence, just flights to NRT & TPE.

[@darlawittmier1793]

Can you get into the lounges with economy?

[@dfonseka2120]

How is the load factor on this flight? I saw this one on approach to ONT and I was like mhmm detour but after some research i got to know it was a scheduled flight and was pleasantly surprised.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It was fairly full but not quite as much as LAX/SFO. I didn’t get a good look at economy, but most airlines make the money off business class which was probably around 75% full

[@EpicThe112]

Looking at the Passengers you would have CI703/704 passengers from Manila NAIA because CI has better service than PR102/103 which is basically the same plane As your Manila to San Francisco trip PR104/105. If you have Hong Konger passengers some see it as CI (中華航空)🇹🇼 A350-941 > CX(國泰航空)🇭🇰 A350-941. Will this beat a DL A350 or not? Excellent trip report, Patrick and for Eva Air TPE-SFO you might use a Hello Kitty gate. From what I can see their they are definitely an improvement from the 2006 era

[@xjaspx]

Dynasty used to be the name of their Business class and why the lounge is still call the Dynasty Lounge.

[@kevin19358]

5:27, Really, they have Dyansity lounge in Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu? No way, wow. China airlines used to fly to Hawaii with stopover for refuel to fly to Los Angeles. Before the pandemic, China airlines used to fly to Hawaii from Taipei, sending the Airbus A350-900. Unfortunately when the pandemic began in 2020 and even post covid, China airlines stop flying to Honolulu, very sad. Hopefully next year, Starlux will fly to Hawaii for the 1st time, but will see what happen if Starlux announce new flights with approval.

[@dannyong4843]

Hi Patrick, thank you for this flight report. I still prefer EVA Air, then Starlux, finally China Airlines. We still have phobia flying CI due to its past accidents which could be prevented. Anyway I enjoyed this flight report and hope to watch your flight report with EVA Air.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Starlux is still my favorite Taiwanese carrier, but I do hope to get an EVA video out soon!

[@dannyong4843]

@@PatrickSheaAviation I am looking forward, which route will you fly on EVA Air? Their longest flights are Taipei to Houston or Taipei to LHR via BKK.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

The Chinese "brushstrokes" on the lounge walls is called calligraphy; I don't think I'd wanna get lucky with any of United's crew, Singapore yes but not United.

[@kevin19358]

How many hours did you sleep on the plane and did you sleep well on the plane with a comfortable seat? I wish China airlines, Airbus A350-900 have 1st class. 1st class is better than flying business or premium economy.

[@aboutplanes]

Ontario Airport’s International Terminal is so small lol. It almost feels like it can accommodate only one big airplane in one time

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea basically lol… maybe a couple but like still no other interest outside of China Airlines 🤷‍♂️

[@kahunaguruguru9809]

Nice review, could you review emirates business class from jfk to dubai or something of that matter. If you want, I could give some potentially popular ideas for trips. If not and you have a schedule, that’s fine. Cheers from a 14 year old aviation lover. Saying hello from Athens.

[@danalamborn4464]

China Airlines starts SEA-TPE service in 2 weeks, July 14th, 2024.

[@onhiatus526]

Ontario is kinda like the Narita of LA, it's like a secondary airport to LAX.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I see your point. You’re correct, although it’s a much much smaller airport obviously

[@darlawittmier1793]

I prefer long beach. It's easier to get in and out. Good airport

[@clarkvincentga-as]

Also try Philippine Airlines' A350, too, either from Manila to Toronto or Manila to JFK

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I’m holding out for their A350-1000s but then I’ll be back for sure!

[@clarkvincentga-as]

@@PatrickSheaAviation what about their A330? Or their A321neo?

[@bodyloverz30]

I am curious, how this compares to EVA as well.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Should find out soon 🤞🤞

[@bodyloverz30]

@@PatrickSheaAviation Hope you have fun!

[@iancooper2213]

Is that a wood pattern or a bamboo pattern?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Good point. Looks wood to me… but bamboo I guess could be symbolic of culture 🤷‍♂️

[@loganclarke6475]

They don’t fly to Montreal or Toronto there only Canadian destination is Vancouver - Eva serves Vancouver and Toronto but not Montreal.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yup. On their bucket list still

[@janellek21]

Taiwan is my favourite country in Asia that I've been to, and TPE is a great airport. It's not as big as HKG, NRT, HND or ICN so it's easier to navigate, and it's very well equipped with lounges and dining options. I hope you had time to explore Taipei - it's a very cool city worth spending at least a few days in. What I love most about Taiwan is that it's a great place to experience Chinese culture but without the onerous visa requirements, Orwellian surveillance and hostility towards foreigners you often find in mainland China. I flew CI LAX-TPE round trip and TPE-SIN round trip, and they didn't disappoint. The A333 cabins on the SIN flights at the time were a bit tired, but I heard they've been updated. The 773 cabins on the LAX flights were in great shape. The crew were some of the friendliest and most efficient I've dealt with. I was pleasantly surprised to hear you say "aubergine"! I lived half my life in the USA and I think the E word is about the most unappetising name for a food I've ever heard. The 3 Yankese words I refused to let pass my lips are the E word, the C word for "biscuit" and the S word for "football."

[@hanj31]

this is probably the most unique long haul flight in the world. If I lived close to that airport I would considering flying china air and connect at TPE to get to Korea to see my parents. Especially if I can get business class or premium economy. I think China airlines will put you in business class for the regional sector if you fly premium economy and the connecting flight doesn't have a premium economy.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It’s definitely a fun route. Not sure if it wins the award of “most unique” but it’s up there for sure

[@kevin19358]

12:36, That's weird. EVA air flies to Paris non stop, but not China airlines. Interesting. EVA flies to London and Amsterdam with a stopover in Bangkok, but China airlines flies to London and Amsterdam non stop, which is interesting and weird. Even US flights, EVA air flies to Houston, Chicago and Toronto, not China airlines, that's interesting. 22:12, Hainan airlines used to fly to San Jose from Beijing, but stop flying because of the pandemic and even to this post covid day, no signs of resuming flights to San Jose from Beijing.

[@composimple364]

9:55 it’s not essential oil. It is hair treatment oil. I mean it does smell good

[@margaretpittman9650]

Air Europa put my mattress pad on when arrived at the seat.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Interesting. I gotta try Air Europa

[@margaretpittman9650]

@@PatrickSheaAviation it was my first time in business. I flew from Miami to Madrid then to Barcelona. They were supposed to have a 1-2-1 layout mia to mad, but switched aircraft. It was a 2-2-2. But hey, was my first business class flight, wasn’t going to complain. Service was great, food was great, but I didn’t have anything to compare to, LOLI hope you fly them soon! Can’t wait to see the report.

[@darlawittmier1793]

Check out long Beach airport

[@drakenie2654]

tried eva air

[@kevinfranks853]

Soon sea will have 4 services

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It’s fun seeing a new trans-pacific hub in the US. A 4th airline is big time. Not quite the frequency of LAX/SFO but still seeing a good share

[@Parkside29]

With regards to service to San Jose, CA, I feel it would cannibalize their SFO flights. San Jose has literally lost all their International flights pre Covid. Air Premia, Korea, initially announced a ICN-SJC but launched SFO instead. The “business” argument for SJC is a myth. AA tried 3 times to make it a hub, even launching SJC for 6 mths, but failed. IMO, you will not see another TW carrier into SJC.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Tbh I don’t know if cannibalizing SFO flights is the worst thing in the world. SFO is way way way over capacity and they still have big growth plans. If some of these carriers moved to SJC, it could open up most space at SFO for Alaska to grow their presence, or some of the other international carriers. San Jose just needs to grow its international recognition

[@darlawittmier1793]

Ontario is owned by Los Angeles

[@garrusvakarian3473]

Pretty sure ONT retook control back from LA in 2016

[@_autom]

die-nasty lounges and endless fake wood accents, oh my! looked like a great trip

[@Peizxcv]

Seriousely, love you are trying China Airlines but get the name of Communist Party of China and flag of the Republic of China right. Taiwanese flag is something else and not what used to be on CI's tails. Also, CI and BR are about exacly the same in size with one having higher revenue and the other passenger count.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Fair enough

[@nonesuchtofu]

Weird that you got this intermediate step towards hell that is the basement lounge of china airlines in a very empty state. I never experienced any trace of nice or quality food there. I would rather go to any random food shop in this entire airport than suffer this horrible apocalyptic lounge.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Dang that’s wild. I loved the noodle bar and snacks. Not sure why it was so empty 🤷‍♂️

[@faizaanniazi1519]

Regarding China airlines’ routes in America, you mentioned they were interested in Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. Which of those do you think is most likely? I think Atlanta could really use them. Are there any ongoing talks?

[@faizaanniazi1519]

@patrickshea