China Airlines Surprisingly Good Premium Economy

[@TheChosenRed]

Loving the interior, clean and classy.

[@planesense7390]

Really like the wood bulkhead, 70's vibe but modern, nice!

[@robbycheng]

I feel happy to see these two great videos uploaded by you, especially during the moment that I am flying Brisbane- Auckland return flight tomorrow. Thanks for the positive review regarding the services and hope that I have a chance to welcome you onboard again in the near future.

[@Thesmellofrain-h6o]

It is so nice to see you again in all of your elegance. You make beautiful videos dude! Really!

[@henryshen5445]

Hi Denis, I met you in Melbourne Airport in 2017, I was a pharmacist at Amcal in the airport. I was hoping you try our national carrier, China Airlines, you finally made it!

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

I remember that - was buying some stuff just before flying out somewhere.

[@grantcrawford823]

Looks great. I'm often not a fan of the timber veneer (or faux timber) that some airlines use, but I really like the China Airlines decor. I look forward to flying them one day.

[@hollygrace6814]

you must not like Emirates then? I personally like it but can see how it could be tacky looking. Singapore airlines is one of the best airlines but their interior is very boring. I like that Emirates has more thought into the interior design

[@CookingAroundTheWorld]

I would so rather have airlines hide the extra food costs in my ticket price, so they can spoil me with free food and drink throughout the flight. Another cracking good flight review Dennis.

[@clairedobson2240]

Brilliant video yet again Dennis. Looks like a great product. What a great crew.

[@danielparadiso2457]

Great video, I’m looking forward to my flight in premium economy from Singapore - Rome in Singapore Airlines. It was nice to meet you.

[@ianpalin8318]

Looks great in PE, great video report as always🎉

[@Alistarc1969]

Business Class all the way!!!! I've flown in the Swiss Air 777-300 Premium Economy with similar shell seats and the leg room wasn't very good once you reclined. Great review nonetheless!

[@ameyab930]

I liked Auckland Airport lounge! Substantial spread and good wine selection. You would've loved it Dennis

[@botruong4102]

Thank you for sharing your vlog about China airline in premium economy.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Phenomenal trip report Dennis!

[@maplestory5530]

Hey Dennis, PE on Air New Zealand also has the same quality and style in terms of dining on their long haul flights compared to Emirates. I took a few flights between PVG/HKG and AKL around 2017-2018 and they were fabulous. Im happy to send you a few photos of their breakfast and dinner services if you like.

[@YohanMEL]

Another awesome video Dennis! I hope to bump into you sometime at the airport or on one of my VA flights!

[@avonleanz]

Excellent video. Always interested to see Premium Economy reviews as they tend to be left out. Love that they've used shell seating and haven't tried to shoehorn the extra middle section seat. Would consider as an alternative to NZ. QF are going to have to seriously consider upping their 737 product as it's now significantly behind the opposition.

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the info + video!

[@DaBahoo]

Great review. I have flown long haul in Prem Economy with China Airlines, they were great. I'd argue that their seat is marginally better/basically the same as JAL Prem Economy, which was also quite fantastic and shares the same clamshell seat design. Difference is that JAL provided lounge access with their Prem Economy options, which was a godsend (best shower I've ever had, haha). As a big/tall person, the clamshell design is both a ray of light and a detriment. Like you said, when reclining the leg room is quite limited, so bulkhead seats are definitely the go in this case. Not having someone recline back into you though, is quite fantastic. On a side note, it's crazy to see how high premium economy seating options have gotten. Getting to the point where it is almost worth looking at the cheaper business class options, that's for sure. I have some some cheaper Prem Economy options with some of the Chinese carriers (China Eastern, etc.). Would be intriguing to see what they are like, considering the price.

[@GavraSin82]

I have flown PE with CI a few times years back, it was by far my favorite PE product and on international long haul, we used to get an upgraded entree added to meals. I hadn't flown Emirate and NZ, so my comparison were PE in VA, BA, SQ, CX. ❤

[@debramage739]

Nice flight Dennis 😊

[@davidcole333]

That is an absolutely beautiful and brilliant premium economy. With a cabin that good, I honestly see no need to pay for a business class fare (unless it was a 14-hour flight and I had to go to work immediately upon landing!) I would place that cabin over Emirates, I think it's that good.

[@danielsweetenham5474]

Maybe time you did a "trying all three classes" set again. Your SQ a few years back was great 👍

[@GRD1978]

I was lucky enough to fly China Airlines, London Gatwick to Sydney (via Taipei) in 2018 on China Airlines A350s in Premium Economy... Loved the flights and whole experience with them. The crew were not as out going, as on your flight, and more reserved, but that was not an issue. Got to give it to China Airlines, they really look after the interiors of these aircraft and look like new, especially considering I flew them over six years ago.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

This Premium Economy seat looks as good or slightly better than domestic First Class here in America! Also, Dennis thanks for the tip about taller passengers should sit in the bulkhead seats. I would at a minimum fly in Premium Economy if I flew from America to Taipei, but if I could I would go for Business class. China Airlines looks great! Cheers, Dennis!

[@brettcoates3759]

Elephant in the room! old mate shuffling through back of shot twice lol!

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Yeah managed to get him going to the bathroom and then coming back 😂

[@brettcoates3759]

@@DennisBunnikTravels Great flight review btw!

[@philcleaver2703]

nice no nonsense review. Sadky In Perth we have NO fifth freedom opportunities. The seats look well-designed

[@wannabedal-adx458]

"...BO the freedom opportunities." Please explain, I'm curious and don't understand all the Aussie slang. from the states.

[@cazl2875]

​ @@wannabedal-adx458

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

means an airline has the right to fly between two countries that it is not based in. Because Perth is so isolated there are no practical 5th freedom city pairs available.

[@philcleaver2703]

@@DennisBunnikTravels X ro PER then to NZ [problem solved

[@m3932213]

This seat is nearly identical to the premium economy on Japan airlines although JAL had more legroom. We really enjoyed this seat on daytime flight!

[@k9killer221]

Love the decor, it's got QATAR Airlines vibes with the colours. The seat design is top notch.

[@sheilaathay2034]

So fancy✨️🥂💗as usual. Thanks!

[@MicahSchulte-c5c]

Dennis, I've personally flown China Airlines internationally three times including their economy and premium economy cabins and I can say the experience has been second to none on every occasion... I'm sorry Singapore Airlines I still love you haha

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Great to see another wide-body flying across the Tasman Sea! Much comfier than the 737s and A320s

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Wow! First off the new China Airlines 🇹🇼 A350 looks pretty fabulous both from the outside like all A350s do but I especially love their livery design and the inside, the cabin looks spectacular! The shell seats in PE look pretty good it is a great design when it’s a shell seat for the reasons you mentioned however, I do wish the legroom was better when reclined, that is probably the only major flaw I noticed with the PE seat. Also is the AKL-MEL route a 5th freedom flight? I’d imagine so because the flight then continues onto Taipei right? Finally I think I’d rather save my money and fly Economy a few times and get the miles for a Business Class trip someday! China Airlines is part of Skyteam so maybe someday I’ll splurge all my Delta miles with them because they really do look that good!! Cheers 🥂 mate! -Caleb

[@glarnlinthal2688]

looks good Dennis.

[@davidlazarus67]

Even economy class deserves a pudding and a bread roll.

[@oliver5403]

Excellent video

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks!

[@sarahfrith1984]

I hate flying, only flown 10 times in 40 years but I love these videos 😂

[@kerijames]

Flew with China Airlines Premium Economy and other than a problem with a special meal being completely frozen, they were fabulous. Incredible value for money when you get a good price.

[@pastorcmentarny8504]

As a fluffy person... this type of seat recline assuming that I need to chop my leg from knee to foot to be able to use it .. BUT... It turns out to be useful for me to sleep in weird on-the-side positions, and it allows me to get a decent night's sleep. It is something that I found useful on BA premium economy. This premium economy looks great, but it depends on the price. For example, for the flight I do on BA Economy costs 400 pounds, Premium Economy Costs 560 and Business 1500. For a flight of 8 hours, an upgrade to 20 pounds per hour has sense. If it is 900, it doesn't, so the price will dictate if it is worth an upgrade for me. However, I must admit this seat looks comfy. Thanks for awesome video

[@sharynmillar8810]

Now they just need to do what JAL and ANA do and give premium economy lounge access and that would make it really good.

[@davidlazarus67]

@@sharynmillar8810 That would boost numbers in lounges but would attract more people to upgrades.

[@davidpascoe5842]

It looks like a great cabin and something I would consider travelling if I was down that part of the world

[@merridybenton7028]

Great video. Have you flown with Sichuan Airlines as i noticed they have cheap business class seats?

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks. No I haven't flown them yet, hope to one day though.

[@karenappleby7810]

We flew in premium economy to London with China Airlines and found it Avery good experience. Great service and quiet cabin.

[@DanielOppliger]

China Airlines PE is wonderful. We flew to Bali with stopovers in Taipei.

[@christopherhill2786]

I checked out some sample return flights from Paris, and the duration of all the flights was crazy! 50 hours, and 2 stops! The price may be right, but not for this duration.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Yes their connections to some European cities aren't great. I believe London and some US city connections are better. I wouldn't do 50 hours either.

[@peterblackmore7560]

Their seat is a winner. In most PE, when the person in front reclines, you need to be quick to save the laptop screen from being damaged. And no more work. Enjoyable as always!

[@nickmaguire4914]

Maybe revisit the airline after 6 months in addition to a milestone special event with all the extra attention that goes with that. It may still be awesome but be fair everyone was trying very hard.

[@mblack6945]

I'm a travel agent in the UK. I book a lot of flights with China Airlines for my customers in all cabins and feedback is always very, very good. The only problem I've had is one of my disabled customers was abandoned in Taipei airport. This was not China Airlines fault. But when they found out they were deeply concerned and sent my client a very nice Christmas hamper by way of an apology. I doubt the quality of the experience will be any worse than shown in this video. They just do a great job all the time.

[@dannykelly9951]

CI is very solid. That flight looked so empty even in economy. I hope the load factor increases for them

[@PJThommo]

Flown this Taiwanese airline a number of times in the past. Always good service

[@shanevella4982]

Great idea with the shell seat but come on, even cattle class deserves a cold bread roll and butter that you can't spread...🤭

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

That's true, at least they provide them on the long haul :)

[@leannebree2459]

Years ago Cathay Pacific had shell seats in economy that slid forward rather than recline. It was fine but they dispensed of those unfortunately. No one likes having someone’s head a hand space away

[@emmo_93]

Great product right? Brother in law did BNE to AKL on China Airlines he said he loved it! Great service

[@nickmaguire4914]

Wow they really amputate your feet in PE.

[@davidlazarus67]

Yes they need a few extra inches of pitch.

[@philipbaker4003]

JAL have the same PE seats. While the non invasive recline is appreciated, it results in a very awkward angle for recline, I’m standard height 180cm, and my wife is short, and neither of us could get into a comfortable recline. I would avoid these seats in future.

[@hanj31]

Emirates does 2-3-2 on their newly acquired A350's as well

[@patrickburke3212]

JAL Premium Economy is the same or better. Key factors for Premium Economy. Shell seat, 42” pitch, food one step down from Business, and separate toilets for Premium Economy

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

They are definitely on my list to try one day

[@santinomamone2674]

You don’t need to explain your the king

[@nirmalsharma5918]

Chinese airlines premium economy class excellent❤

[@_w_w_]

No, these seats are horrendous! I am on these CI aircraft all the time and the seat back is SOOO hard and uncomfortable that you are literally sitting on cloth wrapped hard plastic.. This cabin is due to refurbishment soon and not a minute too soon.

[@tw238]

Not surprising at all. China airlines has been excellent for years. It is a state owned carrier from Taiwan. I've flown them many times over the years,and they've always been great.

[@l3v1ckUK]

Every seat on every airline should have a recline that doesn't steal space from the person behind you.

[@sharynmillar8810]

JAL premium economy has this and we enjoyed our flight with them.

[@l3v1ckUK]

@sharynmillar8810 JAL is just awesome in general. Last time I flew them, their 787s still had 8 across in economy rather than 9 like most airlines.

[@Dave_Sisson]

I sincerely believe that there is a special place in hell reserved for the selfish people who recline their seats in economy class.

[@flimgenco]

I think older aircraft had these in economy. Not sure why everybody decided to change that. That said, I really don’t get the fuss of reclining.

[@maryburger1232]

​@@Dave_Sissonit's not selfish to recline the seat you payed for

[@accesser]

Might be a nice middle ground for those of us that can't afford business,

[@emmo_93]

Yeah premium economy is definitely worth it I did it last year on anz Brisbane to Auckland and Hong Kong to Auckland

[@accesser]

@@emmo_93 As we get older it may have more value, years ago an 8 hour flight Brisbane to Japan in economy was something I could take, today I’d likely choose premium.

[@fakhramaan1312]

❤

You should think about gettin a better camera haha

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

i agree - desperately waiting for the new Samsung Galaxy S25 to come out - have worn this camera out completely.

[@Allright890]

I dont have experience get on a plane. So let you tell us... Have a good day

[@lopesh.4431]

Sounds more like an advertisement. Free ticket????

[@chairmandan1794]

Taiwan needs to ditch the name China Airlines and go with a modern fresh start. Taiwanese Airlines?

[@erik_griswold]

Why would they do that? They are the Airline of the Republic of (Free) China.

[@philcleaver2703]

@@erik_griswold air R\TAIWAN or free china airlines that would pur rhe fox amongst the chooks

[@carine4318]

Nooooooo I’d never fly them. Poor emergency training

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

its bad... go with EVA air instead

[@KarenSmith-o3q]

mightytravels AI fixes this. China Airlines' Premium Economy experience