With China Airlines now flying between Brisbane and Auckland again for increased access to New Zealand and Taiwan for Aussies, Karryon slid into an economy seat to test the Taiwanese carrier’s international short-haul service to New Zealand.
While perhaps a curveball choice for Trans-Tasman flights, Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines nevertheless offers an alternative airline option between Brisbane and New Zealand with onward flights to Taipei.
Check-in and boarding
Online check-in is available up to 24 hours before departure – get the pre-boarding requirements out of the way before arriving at the airport.
China Airlines does not have a dedicated section at Auckland Airport, so bag drop only opens three hours before the scheduled flight departure. There are also no kiosks available for self-check-in and bag drop so you’ll have to queue. Our tip? Plan ahead – with limited seating and things to do before check-in, don’t rock up at Auckland Airport too early.
The good news is once Auckland Airport staff are in position, it’s all systems go. Thanks to online check-in, our bag drop experience is quick and easy, as is clearing security. Our flight departs from Gate 6, which opened 50 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Also important for Aussie travellers to know: ePassports are not recognised for children under 12 (in Australia, kids aged 10 and over can use SmartGates) so you’ll need to line up in the family queue if you’re travelling with little ones.
Onboard comfort
China Airlines’ A350-900 Economy cabin has a 3x3x3 configuration, except for the very back row (75), which has 3×3 seating due to the toilets on the left. My daughter and I were seated in J and K in row 75 and ended up with a spare seat between us.
The cabin décor is understated and minimalist in dark charcoal fabric – no bright colours here – and Economy seats are slimline with a supplied pillow plus a personal seatback screen and USB port.
Standard Economy seats on the A350 have an 18″ width and a 32″ seat pitch. The slimline design aims to deliver more legroom but taller passengers will want to stow their luggage in the overhead lockers for extra under-seat space. There is one toilet located at the rear of the cabin and two at the front.
The current China Airlines safety video delivers the briefing using animation and dual language with English subtitles.
All onboard announcements are in Mandarin and English, which gets a little long-winded but you’ll still receive all the info you need. Masks are still recommended on China Airlines flights but not enforced.
The fun stuff
On China Airlines’ short-haul Economy flights, there is a limited selection of onboard entertainment. The responsive touchscreen has a variety of Western and Taiwanese movies, TV series, music and games, including kids’ options, with USB and power ports near the screen. Movies included current blockbusters as well as older releases – 2018’s Ocean’s 8 still seems to be a popular flick for airlines! Passengers are also provided with complimentary in-ear headphones.
Note: CI does not offer free inflight Wi-Fi on the AKL-BNE route, however, this service is available on other China Airlines’ A350 flights.
Inflight food
China Airlines accommodates a whopping 20 dietary needs as part of its special meal menu, including seven different vegetarian/vegan options. Outbound flights from Taiwan can even order vegetarian oriental meals catered by Michelin Green Star restaurant Yang Ming Spring.
On its short-haul flights, including Trans-Tasman services, special meals are available to pre-book online or through an advisor up to 24 hours before departure.
I’ve pre-ordered a vegan meal for me and a kids’ meal for my daughter (available for ages 2–12 years). The Economy cabin offers a hot meal choice of two dishes – beef and potatoes or chicken and rice on our flight – plus a hot and cold beverage service.
My dinnertime vegan meal consisted of a Mediterranean-style vegetable medley in a tomato sauce with pearl couscous, fruit salad and choc bliss balls, while my daughter’s children’s meal was bangers and mash with fruit salad and Whittaker’s chocolate (when in NZ!). All meals were well-presented and appeared appetising.
The details
- Aircraft: Airbus 350-900
- Seat: 75K (back row; aisle)
- Flight time: 3h 35m
- Luggage allowance: 2x 23kg checked; 1x 7kg carryon (for Flex Economy fare)
- Arrival in Brisbane: 21:25 (scheduled) / 23:21 (actual)
China Airlines operates an Auckland–Brisbane–Taipei service five times per week all year round.
Cassie paid for flights with China Airlines.
