[TW; 2024] China Airlines review: SIN-TPE-LAX, with layover itinerary!
This is a review of China Airlines' premium economy, with an itinerary what you can do with a long layover in Taiwan! (This is not a sponsored post)
There were many layover options from Singapore to Los Angeles - mainly Taiwan, Japan, San Francisco. Of course, you can go for Singapore Airlines direct flight.
I decided to go with China Airlines, layover in Taiwan for both ways. I would avoid doing a layover in United States as you will need to clear immigrations and security checks before your domestic flight.. if your layover is less than 2 hours, there are chances you may miss your flight. My usual preference is to do layovers outside of US so I don't have to stress over time.
Unboxing Premium Economy (PE)!
That was my first official Premium Economy (PE) ride, so I was rather excited! The closest was once a flight from KUL>DOH on Qatar flight.. where I was given a super luxurious space on Economy with sort of a private space (similar to Scoot-in-Silence). And it wasn't my first time taking China Airlines.
Just one down side about China Airlines - no lounge access for PE, just priority luggage tag and boarding. Some airlines do give PE lounge access.
Note: not all China Airlines's SIN<>TPE flights has PE.
What was provided?
Menu - with meals & drinks options.
A headset which was comfortable and manage to cancel off some noises.
Amenity kit - pouch from "The North Face", very practical pouch that can be reused for other purpose.
Meals for PE!
Both breakfast and dinner meals were good, nothing to pick. I ordered a gin over tonic and it was yummy!
The macaron... super cute!
The cabin crews were all very friendly and helpful, the amount of snacks that gave me was like exploding my carry on backpack!
Verdict..?
Seats: I'm a petite size girl. Some airlines' seats were very uncomfortable as they were made for bigger build customers... you will understand what I meant if the back of your head is unable to reach the head rest. I would rate China Airlines' PE seats as average, not the most comfy I have taken so far, but passable since I managed to nap for a few hours. Leg space was good, I managed to stretch throughout the flight.
F&B: As mentioned above, asian meal ftw!
Service: All the crew members were very smiley and helpful, even the ground staff! I was checking-in at LAX airport and the ground staff was chatting non-stop with me. And in TPE, I was on the dot for counter closing, and without questions the ground staff helped to check-in my cabin luggage, she even tagged my luggage as priority despite my TPE-SIN leg was on economy.
It was an enjoyable experience - I would rate the PE 7/10!
Layover Itinerary at TPE
I intentionally booked the longest layover possible for the flight back to Singapore, so I have 10 hours in Taiwan. The transfer desk ground staff was confused as there was a flight to Singapore in 1-2 hours time.
Tip 1: Don't go to the transfer area, there is no immigration exit once you pass that area. Just follow the crowd to head straight to the immigration.
Tip 2: Ensure that your luggage is checked through, and have your boarding pass for the next leg. This means no need to collect your luggage on the carousel. I usually go onboard with a cabin luggage, so I can change to fresh clothes and pack in my shopping loots.
Immigration was a breeze - most of passengers on the flight were Taiwanese, so the foreigner lane was rather short. Off to the metro station with my cabin luggage!
#1: COZYHOME客憩旅宿
COZYHOME客憩旅宿
Since it was a long flight from LAX to TPE, I figured I need some space to wash up and just lie flat to rest for an hour or so. It was a very afforable place near to the Taipei Main Station, less than SGD$20 for a bunk bed.
Before arriving, I wrote to them and explained I booked for one night but I'm only checking in the next morning. And requested to get the lower deck so I will not disturb others from sleeping.
I didn't managed to explore the whole place - but it was quite a clean and cozy hostel.
After some rest, I was ready to leave and they provided free luggage storage service. Totally worth it for a short stay.
#2: Breakfast @ 八芳早餐
八芳早餐
I need my egg pancake (danbing 蛋餅) even if I only have a few hours in Taiwan!
I would also recommend this drink from Family Mart - Alishan Jinxuan Oolong Tea!
#3: Lunch @ Taipei City Hall
Managed to run some errands and complete my shopping list before lunch.
Lunch at some local eatery!
Very decent taiwanese meal, and they serve food real quick - good choice if you are in a rush!
#4: Window Shopping at Chifeng Street
I never been to Chifeng Street 赤峰路 (google map), and it has been trending the last few years with all the unique cafes and stores.
I exited at Zhongshan 中山 metro station and just randomly walked around. Lots of clothes store - my favourite Queen Shop!
If you walk in the alleys - unique vibe with two-storey shop houses. So many people were doing photoshoots and etc.
I wanted to try this tarot reading, but they locked the door :(
Had some cake for tea-break!
The layered cake was really good - soft and it melts in your mouth! Very recommended!
I was very lucky to catch cherry blossom in March!
And packed some street food to bring back to Singapore! I heated it up back home (many hours later) and it still tasted yummy!
And of course how can you visit Taiwan without a cup of bubble tea :)
#5: Gashapon at Taipei Underground Mall
I had an hour to spare, hence I decided to go for Gashapon at the Taipei Main Station undergound mall. Which I should have used precious hour for a good massage.
If you are a fan of gashapon - this place will be paradise! I was here as I had some requests to bring back specific spins.
#6: Back to airport
I was quite sad leaving Taiwan.. I mean 10 hours was definitely not enough for an layover!
Last gashapon at the exit of the airport metro station... and I couldn't spin it because I do not have 2 x $50 coins, and the exchange machine wasn't working!
I reached the airport right on the dot before the check-in counter closed - so I managed to check-in my cabin luggage! It was also fine if I couldn't be there on time, I could just drag it up the flight.
Chun Shui Tang Taoyuan Airport T2 Shop 春水堂 桃二航店
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nmWB7xsRh9oJ5PF79
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