China Airlines Business Class Review: An INCREDIBLE Flight to Asia

China Airlines business class might just be the most underrated premium cabin in the sky. After flying dozens of business class flights over the past five years while building Inside the Upgrade, I can confidently say this was one of the most impressive experiences I’ve had at 35,000 feet. 

I recently flew China Airlines from Singapore to Taipei, then onwards from Taipei to San Francisco on their Airbus A350, and honestly, I think this might be the best business class I’ve ever flown.

The fact that you can book this on points (I’ll walk through exactly how to do it) makes it that much sweeter. 

China Airlines Business Class Review: Quick Guide

I flew the China Airlines business class route from SIN to TPE to SFO on the Airbus A350-900. Let’s break down the trip according to some of my favorite travel dimensions:

Lounge Access: 8/10

The China Airlines Taipei lounge was perfectly solid, though not quite at the level of a Centurion Lounge (I’m completely addicted to my benefits from The Platinum Card® from American Express).

What I loved:

• Fresh beef noodle soup station – I’m a soup girl, through and through, so the fact that Asia is renowned for delicious soups definitely makes it one of my favorite places to visit.
  
  The lounge lived up to its local heritage with an actual kitchen making beef noodle soup (a Taiwanese special that I frickin love).
  
  
• Good food and drink selection – Solid variety of both food and drinks, though our flight was pretty early, so I was too tired for drinks yet (I know, it’s surprising)
  
  
• Clean, comfortable space – Everything was well-maintained and spacious, but it wasn’t particularly luxurious. 

It wasn’t anything fancy that would blow you away, but it served its purpose well. The beef noodle soup alone made the stop worthwhile.

Seats & Cabin: 10/10

Now let’s talk about the good part – what happens when you get on board. The China Airlines business class cabin design is absolutely stunning. I was genuinely impressed by the aesthetic attention to detail throughout the entire business class portion of the plane.

Seat Selection Tips: I chose the two middle seats since I was flying with my partner, which worked perfectly for us. However, the window seats looked very nice as well and would be ideal for solo travelers who want extra privacy and views.

The seat was extremely comfortable for the entire 13+ hour flight to San Francisco. Having flown a few business class products, the bed quality here rivals the best I’ve experienced. The whole cabin felt spacious and well-designed, I loved it. 

Amenity Kit: 8/10

The amenity kit covered all the essentials you’d expect from a premium carrier.

What’s included:

• Hand Sanitizer
• Lotion
• Lip Balm (a must for flights for me)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Socks
• A comb
• Carry string for the bag

All the basics, really.

What’s missing: The only thing that would have elevated this to a perfect score was pajamas. Sure, I don’t need that, but it’s a really nice touch that I wish more airlines offered

Food: 10/10

This is where China Airlines business class absolutely shines. The collaboration with Skyward Michelin 3 Stars created what was hands down the best airline food I’ve ever had.

SIN to TPE – The Filet Mignon: I ordered the American Prime Filet Mignon with Porcini Port Wine Sauce, and oh my god, it was AMAZING. How do you perfectly cook a steak at 35,000 feet? I have no idea, but China Airlines figured it out.

TPE to SFO – The Lobster: On the way to the States, I opted for the traditional Asian meal featuring lobster with Mapo Tofu and rice. It was INCREDIBLE.

I know people will freak out that I ate lobster on an airplane, but clearly I lived to tell the tale, and it was worth every bite.

Breakfast: I love an Asian breakfast, and the congee was perfect. To be honest I’m not usually very hungry by the time we land (jetlag makes me feel like I should be asleep, not eating again), but I couldn’t resist trying it.

Drinks: 10/10

Pre-flight service: Boarding was lovely with water and juice offered before takeoff. It wasn’t champagne, which at first I missed, but it was actually a very refreshing way to start our flight (and there were plenty of drinks to be had later)

After we took off, the beverage program rivals the best I’ve seen in any business class, with an impressive selection of premium spirits and wines.

Alcoholic Beverages Include:

• Premium whisky selection – Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky (!!), Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky.
  
  
• High-end cognac – Baron Otard XO Gold Cognac.
  
  
• Quality spirits – Absolut Vodka, premium gin options.
  
  
• Wine selection – Thoughtfully curated wines. I personally love a glass of red wine and nice flight nap.
  
  
• Cocktails – Several craft cocktail options.

Unique Partnership: The China Airlines x WooTEA collaboration offers specialty teas including Peach Black Tea & Sparkling and Lychee Oolong Tea & Sparkling – it was a really nice local touch.

The only place I’ve seen a better drinks program is Emirates, where they have a full cocktail menu and an actual bar, but even they don’t offer Johnnie Walker Blue. 

Service: 10/10

I was completely blown away by how attentive and genuinely caring the China Airlines crew was throughout both flights. The service level throughout the cabin was consistently excellent.

What made the service exceptional:

• Flexibility with meal timing – I know this seems small, but they let me choose when to have my meal, which was refreshing. Last year I flew Air France to India, and because I slept during meal service, they wouldn’t let me eat later even though there were still hours left in the flight.
  
  
• Consistently attentive – The crew was present when needed but never intrusive, checking on all business class passengers regularly.
  
  
• Genuinely kind – I honestly love the flight attendant who was assigned to our section. She was so sweet and so kind and every minute with her was a joy.

This level of service flexibility and genuine care is what separates good business class from great business class.

How to Book China Airlines Business Class With Points

I booked my China Airlines business class flights through Air France-KLM Flying Blue, which opens up several credit card transfer partner options. That means you can essentially fly this incredible business class experience for free using credit card points – which is exactly what I did.

Getting this premium experience for free: By strategically using credit card points, you can book China Airlines business class without paying cash. I covered the entire SIN-TPE-SFO trip for me and my boyfriend (isn’t he lucky?) using transferred points. 

This is the power of points and miles when used correctly (and what I’m here to help with in my free consultations!).

The booking process:

It’s actually pretty straightforward, but you need to make sure you have a Flying Blue account first (it’s free).

1. Set up your Flying Blue account at airfrance.com if you don’t have one
   
   
2. Transfer points from your preferred credit card to Air France-KLM Flying Blue using the steps above
   
   
3. Search for China Airlines flights on the Air France website or app (look for flights operated by “CI”)
   
   
4. Book using Flying Blue miles – you’ll see both cash and miles pricing options

Pro tip: Flying Blue occasionally runs transfer bonuses from credit card partners, so keep an eye out for 25-40% bonus opportunities that can significantly reduce the points needed. I always wait for these bonuses when possible since they can save you thousands of points.

You can also call Flying Blue and ask them to hold the flight for you until your points transfer. Points transfers from cards to airlines are one way, so you want to make sure you’re not stuck with points in Air France you can’t use if someone else books your seat.

That being said, be prepared to wait on hold for Flying Blue (I’ve waited an hour before).

Best Credit Cards for Booking China Airlines Business Class & How to Transfer Points:

Recommended Chase Ultimate Rewards Cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – This is always the card I recommend everyone start with. It has a low annual fee so it’s perfect for beginners, and transfers 1:1 to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Learn more here
  
  
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – It’s more expensive, but it has higher earning rates and better benefits (like lounge access!) if you travel frequently. Learn more here. 

How to transfer: Log into your Chase account, go to “Ultimate Rewards,” select “Transfer to Partners,” choose Air France-KLM Flying Blue, enter the amount, and confirm. Transfers are instant.

Recommended Amex Membership Rewards Cards:

• American Express® Gold Card – Excellent for everyday spending with 4x on dining and groceries. I use this card daily. 
  
  
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – God I love this card. It’s expensive, but I get a lot of value to make it worth it. 

How to transfer: Log into your Amex account, go to “Membership Rewards,” select “Use Points,” choose “Transfer to Airline Partner,” select Air France-KLM Flying Blue, enter your Flying Blue member number and points amount. Transfers are usually instant but can take 24-48 hours.

Recommended Capital One Card:

•  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Transfers 1:1 to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and earns 2x on all purchases. This is my everyday card and I love their new lounges (dare I say, as much as Centurion, but without the lines?). 

How to transfer: Log into your Capital One account, go to “View Rewards,” select “Transfer Miles,” choose Air France-KLM Flying Blue as your partner, enter your Flying Blue details and transfer amount. Transfers are usually instant but can take 2-5 days.

Citi Cards:

• Citi Premier® – Transfers to Flying Blue and offers bonus categories
• Citi Prestige® – Premium option with transfer capabilities

How to transfer: Log into your Citi account, navigate to “ThankYou Rewards,” select “Transfer Points,” choose Air France-KLM Flying Blue, enter your member details and points amount. Transfers can take 7-10 business days.

Alternative Booking Methods:

Travel Portals and Cash + Points Options:

You can always book through your card’s travel portal:

• Capital One Travel Portal – Use Venture X miles to cover travel purchases at 1 cent per point
• Chase Travel Portal – Book with Sapphire cards for 1.25-1.5 cents per point value

Other SkyTeam Partners: Since China Airlines is part of SkyTeam, you can also book through:

• Delta SkyMiles – Though award availability can be limited and pricing inconsistent
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club – Another option, though less common for trans-Pacific routes

China Airlines Business Class FAQs

China Airlines Business Class Review: TL;DR

Overall: 10/10 – This might be the best business class I’ve ever flown, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The food is incredible, the drinks are top quality, and the lie-flat bedding was lovely. 

For travelers looking to experience top-tier business class without the premium pricing of some traditional carriers, China Airlines should absolutely be on your radar. Don’t let the fact that it’s not as well-known fool you – this product competes with the absolute best in the sky.

Bottom line: China Airlines business class delivers an exceptional premium travel experience that exceeds expectations in every category. Book it, fly it, get the lobster.

Cheers to your next adventure ✈️🥂