Other Asian, Australian and South Pacific Frequent Flyer Programs - China Airline TPE to NYC..monitors on board?

Hi, i'm a China Airlines member, trying to accumulate some points so I will probably be taking them from Taipei to NYC-JFK. I have a couple questions:

1) For those of you who have taken the flight recently, are there individual monitors on board for economy class? I was told its an 747-400. THat means its an old plane, and there are no indovidual tvs right? WHY IS THAT???

2) I am transferring some miles over from my credit card, which should give me the 40,000 miles necessary to upgrade to China's Business Class. However, the miles will not get transfered over until like the day before i fly, so I cannot book in advance. IF I get an econ ticket, what I the chances that I will get upgraded (by using my 40K mileage accumulated) to Biz class doing stand-by on the day i fly?

3) Eva seems to fly newer planes with indivudual tv's, at least for all the long haul flights. Is Eva better? Should I just swtiche over??

Thanks.

Hi, i'm a China Airlines member, trying to accumulate some points so I will probably be taking them from Taipei to NYC-JFK. I have a couple questions:

1) For those of you who have taken the flight recently, are there individual monitors on board for economy class? I was told its an 747-400. THat means its an old plane, and there are no indovidual tvs right? WHY IS THAT???

2) I am transferring some miles over from my credit card, which should give me the 40,000 miles necessary to upgrade to China's Business Class. However, the miles will not get transfered over until like the day before i fly, so I cannot book in advance. IF I get an econ ticket, what I the chances that I will get upgraded (by using my 40K mileage accumulated) to Biz class doing stand-by on the day i fly?

3) Eva seems to fly newer planes with indivudual tv's, at least for all the long haul flights. Is Eva better? Should I just swtiche over??

Thanks.

1. Occasionally China Airlines flies it's newer 747-400 on the TPE-ANC-JFK route - I've seen trip reports on another website which featured the new 744. For some reason, they have yet to retrofit their older 744 fleet and hence some don't have individual TV screens. They are planning on retrofitting them by the end of this year.

2. I've never flown with them on this route so can't offer anything for this one.

3. EVA's hardware is better in comparison to China Airlines though service wise China Airlines does better. The 77W it flies is newer and it's guaranteed you'll have AVOD as well, assuming they don't change aircrafts at the last minute. The flight is also direct, so if you the price is right, consider changing. Note the return flight has on EVA has a stopover at Anchorage. However if you're trying to upgrade on EVA, by memory they have a strange policy of only upgrading one class at a time. Since they have Premium Economy, I think you can only go Economy to Premium Economy, and not Economy to Business.

Hope this helps

1. There are only 4 747-400 with personal televisions and the chances for TPE-ANC-JFK v.v. to receive this is quite low. These aircrafts are utilized in TPE-FRA v.v. and TPE-LAX. It is expected that one of the retrofitted aircrafts will be introduced in early 2009, and the process will be finished by the end of 2010. I do not know why China Airlines fly the new cabins on TPE-FRA v.v. and TPE-LAX v.v., and I don't think anyone on board can answer you that.

2. You should pre-book your business class seats prior to see if there are any availabilities or you have to be wait listed. China Airlines allow pre-booking of a Business Class seat even if you do not have enough miles at the moment by lending you the miles. However, they will pull the booking if you do not have enough miles 72 hours prior to boarding. Therefore, you should try to get your miles in the account 72 hours ahead instead of 24 hours.

Friends have commented that TPE-ANC-JFK v.v. Business is quite full ever since March of this year, so if you have to be wait listed even after you tried what I just mentioned, it's likely that you won't be able to get upgraded. However, there's always chances that someone did not show up last minute, so you should always request an upgrade at the counter using miles (given your miles are actually in the account when you fly). I have done requesting counter upgrades (at LAX though), so here are what I can tell you.

Make sure you go to the Business Class counter when you ask the ground staff for upgrades. If they tell you they did not see a booking for Business Class, you can tell them that you have requested an upgrade prior and ask them to check again. If they still tell you they cannot find it, then request them to do upgrades for you if there are seats. Do not tell them you got dropped or you did not request one ahead of time, if you tell them that, they will not process the upgrades for you as they don't do stand by upgrades at the counter.

The check in counter will either tell you there's space or you will have to wait list for one. They will ask you to sign a paper by agreeing to upgrade, and if you are upgraded, that paper will be used to deduct your miles. Typically, the higher the status you are, the better the chances.

3. EVA does not use new aircrafts for all their long haul flights. TPE-BKK-AMS v.v. is one example with the old aircrafts. However, EVA does use mostly 777-300ER for TPE-EWR v.v. with retrofitted 747-400 at certain occasions. Therefore, there's really nothing to worry about no personal TV. However, like someone0000 said, the service is not as good (my personal opinion that is), and the aircrafts may get switched at last minute as well. In addition, if you are transferring miles to EVA to do upgrades, you cannot upgrade to Premium Laurel, only to Elite (which is a ????? to do so). If you live closer to JFK, you should take China Airlines since they fly to EWR. Also, This route does not have a stop at ANC on the outbound, so you will fly directly.

Thanks guys, useful info.

To clarify, I have like 35K miles on my China account, zero on my EVA account (will get to that in a sec), and equivalent of about 10K miles on my credit card, which can be used for either China or EVA. I am taking a non-stop flight to NYC, ONE way only, early august, 5th or 6th.

I have no preferance for JFK or Newark...I'm actually going up to ithaca, so either way I have to make my way to port authority to take the bus (flights are way too expensive, and I heard really scary), probably after staying overnight in a hotel in NYC. From my understanding both EVA and China arrives late night right? So I have to stay overnight in NYC regardless.

So I am now deciding between the 2...its a hard decision cuz I really care about comfort and entertainment (individual tvs with VOD) especially on such long flights.

The way I see it, its like this:

China Pros : Better Service, possibility of upgrading to Business Class (with tv)at the gate, provided that my miles get transferred over from my credit card in time.

China Cons : If I get stuck in economy, then freaking no tv! for what is it like 20 hours?? Also, it stops in anchorage, how much longer does that make the flight??

Eva Pros : Newer plane, individual tv's! Also 100% direct, no stopping.

Eva Cons : Will not be able to upgrade to anything, not even with my credit card miles of 10K. (I assume it take a lot more than 10K even for 1 way upgrade to econ deluxe/elite right).


I know I should probably just flip a coin, but which one do you guys think I should go for? Currently I'm leaning towards China, since its like suffer short term (bored out of my mind this flight), but next flight I'll be able to do biz class for sure.



***I technically should have another 30K miles or so on my EVA membership, but those freaking idiots say my account is empty. I have no idea why since I always tell them my membership number when I check in or whatever. They want to know the exact flight number and date, but I cannot remember at all. I can't find any proof in my passports (for example, I traveled to london using a EU passport and I don't think they stamped it), and my travel agency says they do not have records either of any of my purchases. This is really bumming me out but i might be out of options. So for now my EVA account is a big fat ZERO***

1. On August 3rd, 7th, and 8th, CI012 is available for upgrade to business class. (CI only operates four weekly flights to JFK.)

2. If your final destination is Ithaca, why don't you consider transferring at LAX? You can choose CI008 (late night flight to LAX), usually operated by new 744 (74B), and then connect to NW's domestic flight (You need to transfer again at DTW then fly to either Ithaca or Syracuse. I think SYR has more flight frequency than ITH). You should ask your travel agent to help you book flights.

3. I also check upgrade availability for LAX flight, and CI008 on both August 5th and 6th are available for upgrade business class.

4. Both CI's TPE-LAX and TPE-FRA flights are elite member heavy routes. That's why CI manages new 744 to operate these two destination.

1. EVA TPE-EWR operates on D136, which is August 4, 6, and 9, which will fit your schedule if you really have to go on August 5 or 6.

2. Like k said, you can go for transfers via LAX CI 008 if you want to enjoy the new cabin. However, in all honesty, I think the old business cabin seats are better, and you still get a 6" PTV even though there's no AVOD (talking about the via JFK route).

3. For EVA upgrades, flights to EWR, It costs 40,000 miles to be upgraded to Elite Class from Economy, which is the same as upgrading to Business Class via China Airlines. Flights to other North America destinations will cost 35,000 miles.

4. Make sure you keep your boarding passes as those will be key evidence showing that you took the flights, whether with China Airlines or EVA Air. Also, your membership number should be printed on the boarding pass should they credited to your account, just check that when you take boarding pass from the check in personnel.

In all honest, if I were you, I would just take k's suggestion and go with China Airlines or EVA Air to LAX, and then transfer there via Northwest to Ithaca. Then, do the upgrades next time not during black out periods.

K: I think more Business/Dynasty passengers are unhappy with the swap of A340-300 to B747-400 though since the seat pitches suck. However, First Class passenger won't mind at all...

China Pros : Better Service, possibility of upgrading to Business Class (with tv)at the gate, provided that my miles get transferred over from my credit card in time.

From my experience, unless you are Gold/DM or above, upgrading on CI is quite difficult.

From my experience, unless you are Gold/DM or above, upgrading on CI is quite difficult.

It depends on what route you fly.

When I was CI's general member, I have no problem to book upgrade both business and first class (LAX and SEA flights). However, I think LAX will be a little harder if you don't secure upgrade earlier, especially during peak season. Long haul flights operated by A340 may also be harder for upgrade.

You can check upgrade availability on CI's website. Login to your account and go to "Redemtion Calculator" under "Online Redemption."

You could also consider paying for Eva Elite class. Usually it's only a few hundred dollars more.

For LAX, peak season upgrades are typically not too difficult because of the extra miles shelled. However, flights that are two to three weeks away from peak seasons and flights around special events in Los Angeles or Las Vegas are usually when upgrades are difficult to obtain.

what i meant by difficult was the upgrade at the gate..where the reader spits out your BP and the ground staff will say.. "oh, Mr. XXX. We have arranged another seat for you. Have a nice flight":D

I have only got that beeponce at TPE =)

Hello folks, I don't think China/EVA to LAX then switch to NW is any good, my travel agent told me its not feasible at all because it'll be way too expensive.

Currently China/Eva to NYC is around 40,000 NT, or 1300 USD. Bus to Ithaca is around 50 bucks.

However, if you do China/Eva to LAX, it'll be around 1200 USD, plus NW from LA to detroit to Ithaca, that'll be another 600 USD or so. That's a total of 1800+ USD, which is a lot more expensive. My agent thinks I wil have to pay up to 2000 USD when all is said and done.

For that price I'd rather buy Eva's Elite and fly elite class all the way to NYC, only 1500-1600 USD, which I am also considering.

Right now still debating between China/Eva to NYC, got til monday to decide......miles and possible upgrades VS entertainment and faster flight......argh

Just go with EVA unless you plan on using China Airlines as your carrier to bank the miles (since EVA's current mileage system is wacked up)... I don't think it's worth it to use miles during black out periods, plus the dates China Airlines fly does not meet with what you want.

Hello folks, I don't think China/EVA to LAX then switch to NW is any good, my travel agent told me its not feasible at all because it'll be way too expensive.

Currently China/Eva to NYC is around 40,000 NT, or 1300 USD. Bus to Ithaca is around 50 bucks.

However, if you do China/Eva to LAX, it'll be around 1200 USD, plus NW from LA to detroit to Ithaca, that'll be another 600 USD or so. That's a total of 1800+ USD, which is a lot more expensive. My agent thinks I wil have to pay up to 2000 USD when all is said and done.

For that price I'd rather buy Eva's Elite and fly elite class all the way to NYC, only 1500-1600 USD, which I am also considering.

Right now still debating between China/Eva to NYC, got til monday to decide......miles and possible upgrades VS entertainment and faster flight......argh

If you are not buying conjunction ticket, it definitely will be way more expensive. Besides, one way fare is also more expensive than R/T.

I suggest you transfer at LAX because it will be more convenient than your original plan. You only need to take care your bag when you clear custom at LAX. Besides, you can arrive Ithaca/Syracuse next morning. Of course, you want a comfy travel; then you have to pay money.

Or, you can choose Singapore Airlines. Flying SQ to LAX and connect US Airways to PHL and SYR. The price is about the same you fly coach to New York directly.

I don't think it's worth it to use miles during black out periods, plus the dates China Airlines fly does not meet with what you want.

I think 40000 miles upgrade to business on TPE-JFK is worth it. Considering this is a long flight. He can get a wider seat, better food (possibly), and more tranquil cabin environment. If he has miles, why bother not to upgrade?

However, if OP counts on the upgrade possibility at airport, I would say it's not really a good idea. Secure your upgrade and transfer your mileage as soon as possible.

you guys think its worth it, lets say if i cannot redeem my miles for upgrade at the counter, take china economy to NYC, then upgrade next time I fly? If I have 44K miles + miles from one way TPE to NYC (how many miles do I get for that? 10K? 15K?), will I be able to upgrade round trip NYC-TPE-NYC to business on china during winter break or is that still not enough?

I know one way upgrade is 40K during peak season, dunno about round trip.

Seems to me you dont read correctly what has been said, I can assure you that you will not be allowed to upgrade at check in without the correct miles in your account and there is no way they will accept you telling them the miles will be there tomorrow. I can also say that the CI biz class is old, but its good service and I think it is actually better than those slippery EVA seats all be it EVA has AVOD. The one thing you need to get into your head, is that upgrades are getting harder to obtain and you need to make sure your ticket allows you to upgrade from what you buy.

Every one segment cost 30,000 during regular season and 40,000 during black out dates for TPE-JFK. Just visit China Airlines website and they will let you know the details for the blackout dates... it's usually Chinese New Year, Summer Break, and Christmas times. China Airlines is not US airlines, they do not award bonus miles unless you buy their premium fares or have promotions. If I remember correctly, it's 77xx miles per segment if you book Y/M/T/B fares.

i see...so during winter I still can't get the upgrade, since I would need 80K to upgrade right? Since I am moving to the states I will go round trip from now on from the US. I think I will go on Eva then...cool thanks.

Enjoy your trips on EVA, but I would like to list the mileage requirements for EVA for TPE-NYC since it sound like the upgrades do affect your choice of airlines.

China Airlines
Economy to Dynasty:
Regular Season - 30,000 Miles
Blackout Season - 40,000 Miles

Dynasty to First:
Regular Season - 40,000 Miles
Blackout Season - 60,000 Miles

ASIA-USA Blackout Season: 6/25-8/31, 12/20-1/4, 7 days prior to Chinese New Year to 3 days after Chinese New Year.
USA-ASIA Blackout Season: 6/1-7/31, 12/10-1/4, 7 days prior to Chinese New Year to 3 days after Chinese New Year.

EVA Airways
Economy to Elite/Evergreen Deluxe:
Regular Season - 30,000 Miles
Peak Season - 40,000 Miles

Elite/Evergreen Deluxe to Premium Laurel/Super Business:
Regular Season - 40,000 Miles
Peak Season - 50,000 Miles

No upgrades from Economy to Premium Laurel/Super Business for this route.

2008 TPE-USA Peak Season: 6/21 - 8/20
2008 USA-TPE Peak Season: 6/21 - 7/15, 12/10 - 12/26

My overall rating on the cabins (not taking price into a cause):

1. China Airlines' First 74A/74B
2. EVA Air's Premium Laurel 777
3. China Airlines' Dynasty 74A/74B
4. EVA Air's Elite 777
5. China Airlines' Economy 74B
6. EVA Air's Economy 777
7. China Airlines' Economy 74A

Well, I think what coolfish really meant is high/peak season, not "blackout" dates...:cool:

I changed EVA Air's to Peak Season since they write Peak Periods, and the dates fluctuate for them every year.

Also, China Airlines' say Blackout Dates, so modified to Blackout Season, and the dates do not fluctuate.

May I point out the to upgrdae to F on CI you can only do it on a full fare c ticket