Check-in was straightforward for both flights. The airline has an app, but I couldn’t get the check-in feature to work. This may be due to having been booked by the airline, as I've seen this issue before.
In both Taipei and Seattle, the airline uses common-use ticketing counters, so its exact location shifts day-to-day. But it was easy to find in both cases, with no line for business class. A helpful agent had me on my way in minutes.
Security in Seattle was challenging as the TSA reduces its footprint after midnight with no dedicated premium or TSA PreCheck queues. With three airlines headed west to Taipei at 0200, it backed up quickly. Taipei was smooth and efficient without dedicated premium lanes either.
The airline does not maintain its own lounge in Seattle but contracts with The Club. It’s adequate for a quiet place to relax and get a bite but not worth arriving early for.
Taipei is different; the airline recently opened its flagship ‘Galactic’ lounge in terminal two where all international flights depart. The two-story space feels like walking onto the set of Star Trek with sliding doors that open with a light whoosh and dark greys and blues against gold and yellow accents.
The space includes two showers which were appreciated after exploring the city before my flight. Catering offers both a traditional buffet and dine-on-demand meals via QR code along with top-shelf liquor and high-end non-alcoholic beverages like honey lemonade.
Boarding began exactly on time in both cities with first- and business-class passengers boarding after those requiring assistance.
Stepping onto the Airbus A350-900 widebody jet revealed stunning cabin design featuring silvery greys mixed with black, brown, dark blue, and gold creating a welcoming atmosphere despite bold colors. Lack of interior overhead bins lent an airy feeling while artwork on rear bulkheads combined with mood lighting gave it a high-end residence or hotel feel.
Logistically arranged in standard 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration with 26 suites including small single-row first-class section separated by higher privacy wall but not full bulkhead.
Seats are highly-customized Collins Aerospace Elements pod suite featuring Zero-G position based on NASA’s neutral body posture specifications along with adjustable armrests adding six inches width when fully flat among other tech features like four types chargers including wireless charging pad albeit slow one plus Bluetooth connectivity working well alongside dimmable windows normally found only Boeing’s 787s now uniquely installed Airbus A350s too enhancing experience further completed sliding door providing real sense privacy especially nice during full cabin flight out Seattle less crowded return leg San Francisco allowing undisturbed rest most journey length eleven twelve hours typically multi-course meal services supplemented light dine-on-demand options signature cocktails main entrees wine list desserts notably pineapple bun Wagyu hamburger black truffle butter ranking among best burgers ever tasted airborne otherwise also Taiwanese breakfast delicious pork dumpling frittata after-dinner dessert peach gum white fungus soup standout unexpectedly delightful
Inflight entertainment displayed crisp twenty-four inch monitor stocked above-average number movies below-average TV shows controlled touch tethered trackpad remote stored large storage cubby minimal lag occasional hiccup overall good system complemented attentive crew service asking preferred address sticking entire flight noting drink preferences proactively offering refills kneeling speak eye level delivering hand plates precise table settings avoiding generic trays service trolleys marking exceptional premium service marred only unreliable Wi-Fi powered Viasat Global Xpress managed aero ISP SITAONAIR exiting cabin connectivity market often failing connect properly impacting usage despite being free business class tiered rates economy passengers hopefully addressed soon future
Both flights landed slightly behind schedule appreciated given lack connections needing made extending enjoyable onboard time though ultimately disembarking disappointment booking options usual places pricing competitive China Airlines EVA award availability fantastic Alaska Airlines mileage program steep redemption costs overall loving experiences recommending others seeking similar top-notch premium cabin offerings eagerly anticipating next opportunity fly scouring Internet meanwhile burger recipe search continues
Alerts Sign-up
