CI HKG-TPE-LAX in F
Apr 6, 2006, 2:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,347
CI HKG-TPE-LAX in F
Hi all,
Here is the promised trip report for China Airlines’ transpacific first class. (Thanks to grandma!)
My verdict is rather disappointing. The reason is basically because I do not get to fly the brand new first class suites, that are supposedly to be used on mostly LAX routes, and the older sleeper seats are not that well maintained. Another reason is that I was on a full F ticket (not some cheap ex-BKK or CMB tickets), and furthermore, the food service suffers a bit setback (even worst than the food on my NRT-TPE flight earlier in March) from my last China Airlines first class trip, which was almost five years ago when the full flat sleeper first class seats were introduced. The flight attendants however were as good as ever and their cares with my grandmother (escorting to and from the bathrooms and even holding her hands, as she needs to use a walker), but the hardware definitely needs some updates, and the food needs to be expanded to reflect an improvement. Well here is the full report! I also apologize for the lack of pictures because I have to take care of my grandmother most of the time, and don’t have time to take too many pictures.
Photo Link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...=8QbNHDNy5bso2
March 31, 2006
CI 802 HKG-TPE Lv1340 Arr1520 Boeing 747-400 B-18209
We took a car service to head to HK airport today, instead of my usual Airport Express ride. We arrived at the airport two hours and ten minutes prior to arrival. First class line was pretty busy, but business class line was opened and was immediately directed over there. My first impression of the check-in lady was rather average. She was rushed and did not even smile during the whole time. She really did not change her attitude till she realized that we were in first class. I wanted to check in a fifth piece, which was actually permissible without charge, but I had to sign a waiver. The wheelchair did not arrive till almost ten minutes later, compared to no wait at CX. Ground experience was definitely lacking compared to CX, and even EVA air. CI has its own ground staff at HKG and I think they definitely need some touchups. After saying goodbye to my mother, we headed straight to the CI lounge, but was only admitted to business class section (despite the first class attendant came over ten minutes later, as it was too much hassles to move us back to F section, but she offered us freshly made noodles from F section.) Well the business class section was packed, as there were a number of flights heading to Taiwan at the noon hours (one KHH and two TPE all depart at 1pm). Food wise include muffins, croissants, pastries, some dim sums, and cup noodles. There is free Internet wifi access, as well as newspapers and magazines.
Boarding began at 1:10pm at gate 31. Today, this Boeing 747-400 was also in charge of our TPE-LAX route as well, and for this segment, we could not get the first class seats, as we booked our tickets rather late, and F section was mainly reserved for gold card members (there are no F seats sold at the HKG-TPE market). However, the F/A was extremely courteous and really treat elder passengers very well, and helped her to the seats immediately. The a/c was pretty full with 345 passengers in total. Door was closed at 1:50pm, which was slightly late. We pushed back five minutes later, and headed to R/W7R, and took off at 2:10pm.
Flying time was an hour and sixteen minutes, with a cruising attitude of 37,000feet. Due to the full J cabin, meals were served immediately. Entrée orders were taken prior to departure, and the meals were delivered immediately. Instead of a more elegant service like BR or CX, CI adopts the quick approach, but putting everything in one tray. Beverage was served afterward with the wine trolley rolls out. A silver wine holder was used, which was quite impressive. Other beverages are brought out from the galley. Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Wine List
Champagne
J.M. Gremillet, Brut
White Wines
Chablis Chardonnay 2004, France Raoul Clerget
Chardonnay, Lodi County 2004, USA Leaping House
Premier Selection, Riesling 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Red Wines
Bordeaux – Haut-Medoc Saint-Paul 2002, France, Chateau Saint-Paul
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, 2003, USA, Bonterra Vineyards
Premium Selection, Shiraz Cabernet 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Refreshment
Grilled Salmon in Teriyaki sauce, Rice
Or
Braised Roasted Pork with Taro and Red bean curd sauce, rice
Blueberry Crumble Tart in Vanilla Sauce
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Selection
I had the grilled salmon, which was rather average. The fruit bowl features watermelon, melon, and pineapple, and the bread roll selection includes French roll or garlic bread. The meal was completed at 2:41pm, and then there was a duty free service. For the rest of the flight, TVBS/BBC news was shown in the main screen. Descent began at 2:52pm and we landed on Runway 23 at 3:26pm, and parked at gate D1 shortly after.
Due to the late arrival time, we did not go to the lounge, as the wheelchair attendant said that it was too rushed. I thought well we arrived late and it would definitely take some times for the plane to turn over, but giving CI some credits, we parked at gate at 3:31pm, and boarding was available at 4:10pm for the wheelchair folks.
CI 006 TPE-LAX Lv1640 Arr1225 Boeing 747-400 B-18209
Boarding began for general folks at 4:15pm, but wheelchair passengers got in five minutes later. It was really strange that the ground agents insisted that my grandmother (in F) to go first, followed by another lady in J, and then another wheelchair passenger in Y. The F/As in first were every kinder, as they immediately helped my grandmother, and immediately chatted with me to see what her preference is, and what language did she speak. My grandmother made some specific requests throughout the flight (such as requesting extra rose apple during breakfast), and they did it all in a big smile. However, the hardware is really lacking. The sleeper seats were rather out-dated by now, and the entertainment screen was really small, but at least it was touch screen. Also there were lots of scratches on the seats as well. For CI’s premium route, it is rather unacceptable to use a really out of date product. The worst is that I spotted the brand new dreamliner Boeing 747-400 nearby pushing off to go to somewhere in Asia (pushing back from the old terminal). With four 744s with the new configuration, I think it is not difficult to use the brand new a/c on one route at least.
We pushed back at 4:53pm, and with only a few 744s in front of us, we took off from R/W23 at 5:07pm. Flying time was ten hours and forty-six minutes, and the routing took us mostly across the South of Pacific Ocean. First, we climbed to 31,000feet and then headed towards Okinawa, before turning eastward, and then climbed further to 33,000feet, and then up to 35,000feet, and further to 37,000ft and then more to 39,000feet. For the past Pacific crossings, the routing took more southern courses.
Seat belt sign was turned off at 5:14pm, and the F/As immediately distributed the blankets (rather than waiting after dinner). They even brought an extra one for my grandma. BTW, F was not full with three empty seats. Slippers were distributed before taking off. It was a nice pair of terry cloth slippers, but can CI do a better job in the packaging? The cheap polyester slipper bag was really awful looking, and for F, CI can use some nice cotton bag, like the Japanese airlines or the silk bags like the Korean airlines. Those cost minimal. Still no PJ… I still think CI can afford some pajamas.
Service began at 5:45pm with beverage and canapés. Strangely, canapés reduced from three to one single one. Despite its being a lobster canapé topped with salmon roe and chopped vegetables on bread, why would the service reduced from three to one? If UA F can afford hot savories, CI can afford so too. Here is the wine list and menu transcript!
Wine List
Champagne
Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 1999
White Wines
Chassagne-Montrachet 2002, France, Bouchard Aine & Files
Chardonnay, Lodi County 2004, USA, Leaping House
Premier Selection, Riesling 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Red Wines
Bordeaux, Pomerol 2000, France, Chateau Beauregard-Grand Cru Classe
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, 2003, USA, Bonterra Vineyards
Premium Selection, Shiraz Cabernet 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Dinner
Kaiseki Style Meal
Appetizer
Grilled soy scallop, rolled pepper with salad, goose liver sliced with yam and sweet potatoes, steamed scallop mousse with cod fish roe clear soup
Cold Dish
Slivers of Salmon, tuna and shrimp, marinated squid in Japanese style, Japanese boiled dish
Main Course
Steamed red snapper atopped with pink rice
*Plum wine, cool sake, green tea and dessert are available
Chinese Cuisine
Appetizer
Marinated Abalone Rosette with tossed jellyfish
Soup
Clear Chicken Soup with dried scallop and mushroom bundles
Main Course
Dong-Po Style Pork, Cod Fillet with Green Pea Sauce, Kale and Braised Black Mushroom, Steamed Rice
Pacific-Rim Trendsetter
Appetizer
Balik Smoked Salmon
Fresh Mushroom Soup
Salad
Crispy Romaine Salad
Ginger-lime dressing, Thousands Island dressing, Japanese soya dressing
Main Course
Grilled beef tenderloin with peppery-mushroom sauce
Cheese Selection and Seasonal fresh fruit
Dessert
Double Boiled Whole Pear with Herbal Syrup
Or
Sweet Dialogue of Opera Cake
Or
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
My grandmother has the Chinese supper, as she does not eat poultry and beef. The Abalone appetizer was pretty delicious, although a bit tough for her teeth. She did not drink the soup for obvious dietary reason, but the main course was pretty delicious, as well as Chinese dessert soup. It was good because she has been coughing and the herbal syrup was good. I had the Western dinner. The appetizer features three slices of salmon, but CX’s selection is much better. I think CI can be more creative with Western dessert and CI should send someone to Asiana Airlines. The mushroom soup was no canned stuff and was delicious. Bread selection includes garlic bread, leek roll, and potato roll. Crispy Romaine Salad was featured next, which was fresh. The beef entrée was good as well. For cheese and fruit plate, there are choices of cheddar, Boursin, Blue, and some pre-packaged cheese (that really do not work well with the rest of collection), and the fruit plate features Rose apple, Guava, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and melon. The cheese selection comes with dried apricot, pineapple, and walnuts, and of course Carr’s crackers. The dessert is highlight, as the chocolate cake plate was wonderful. Other choices include Mango and green tea Haagen-Dazs ice cream. After dessert, Evian water bottles were passed out, followed by amenity kits (there is no longer separate male and female kit), and shaving kits were offered for male passengers. After dinner, breakfast order was taken, and the F/A reminded us about the new mid-flight snack service.
Snack
Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Or
Chicken, Ham, and Fennel Pot Pie
For the rest of the flight, the F/As did not make much beverage run, but as I used the restroom, they almost made an effort to ask if I need anything else. Everything is quiet and tries to be as non-intrusive as possible. So they did not really hide in the galley, but tried to be non-intrusive as possible. Breakfast was served at 9:23am with hot towel, followed by juice. I had the Chinese breakfast, and the side dishes include chilled bean curd in soy sauce, salted egg, dried pork julienne, pickles, braised bean curd with peanuts, preserved egg julienne w/Chinese sausage, stir fry medley of diced hard bean curd, Chinese peas, & diced radish, and pan fried spring onion pancake. Everything can be refilled. For the fruit plate, there were watermelon balls, grapefruit, melon, Rose apple, and pineapple. Breadbasket includes soft milk white bread slice, croissants, and Cheese Danish.
Breakfast
Juice selection, soybean milk, and milk
Fresh Fruit of the season
Muesli and yogurt drink
Main Course
Chicken Crepes with mushroom and grilled veal sausage
Or
Omelette Topped with Smoked Salmon and Grilled Bacon and Ham
Or
Traditional Congee with Delicatessen
Ambassador Chef’s Choice (created by Ambassador Hotel, Taipei)
Bread Basket
Served with Preserve, Honey, and Butter
Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, and Coffee
After breakfast, tea and coffee was offered till thirty minutes prior to arrival. The F/A refills our water bottles, and descent soon began at 11:15am LA local time. We landed on R/W24R at 11:53am, and parked at gate 104 at 12:10pm due to congestions at the aisles between TBIT and T4. Here is a list of planes: QF744ER VH-OED, VH-OEC at 102, NH773 JA731A at 103, and SQ 744 9V-SPL at 105.
Well here is my report, and I hope you guys enjoy it.
Carfield
Here is the promised trip report for China Airlines’ transpacific first class. (Thanks to grandma!)
My verdict is rather disappointing. The reason is basically because I do not get to fly the brand new first class suites, that are supposedly to be used on mostly LAX routes, and the older sleeper seats are not that well maintained. Another reason is that I was on a full F ticket (not some cheap ex-BKK or CMB tickets), and furthermore, the food service suffers a bit setback (even worst than the food on my NRT-TPE flight earlier in March) from my last China Airlines first class trip, which was almost five years ago when the full flat sleeper first class seats were introduced. The flight attendants however were as good as ever and their cares with my grandmother (escorting to and from the bathrooms and even holding her hands, as she needs to use a walker), but the hardware definitely needs some updates, and the food needs to be expanded to reflect an improvement. Well here is the full report! I also apologize for the lack of pictures because I have to take care of my grandmother most of the time, and don’t have time to take too many pictures.
Photo Link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...=8QbNHDNy5bso2
March 31, 2006
CI 802 HKG-TPE Lv1340 Arr1520 Boeing 747-400 B-18209
We took a car service to head to HK airport today, instead of my usual Airport Express ride. We arrived at the airport two hours and ten minutes prior to arrival. First class line was pretty busy, but business class line was opened and was immediately directed over there. My first impression of the check-in lady was rather average. She was rushed and did not even smile during the whole time. She really did not change her attitude till she realized that we were in first class. I wanted to check in a fifth piece, which was actually permissible without charge, but I had to sign a waiver. The wheelchair did not arrive till almost ten minutes later, compared to no wait at CX. Ground experience was definitely lacking compared to CX, and even EVA air. CI has its own ground staff at HKG and I think they definitely need some touchups. After saying goodbye to my mother, we headed straight to the CI lounge, but was only admitted to business class section (despite the first class attendant came over ten minutes later, as it was too much hassles to move us back to F section, but she offered us freshly made noodles from F section.) Well the business class section was packed, as there were a number of flights heading to Taiwan at the noon hours (one KHH and two TPE all depart at 1pm). Food wise include muffins, croissants, pastries, some dim sums, and cup noodles. There is free Internet wifi access, as well as newspapers and magazines.
Boarding began at 1:10pm at gate 31. Today, this Boeing 747-400 was also in charge of our TPE-LAX route as well, and for this segment, we could not get the first class seats, as we booked our tickets rather late, and F section was mainly reserved for gold card members (there are no F seats sold at the HKG-TPE market). However, the F/A was extremely courteous and really treat elder passengers very well, and helped her to the seats immediately. The a/c was pretty full with 345 passengers in total. Door was closed at 1:50pm, which was slightly late. We pushed back five minutes later, and headed to R/W7R, and took off at 2:10pm.
Flying time was an hour and sixteen minutes, with a cruising attitude of 37,000feet. Due to the full J cabin, meals were served immediately. Entrée orders were taken prior to departure, and the meals were delivered immediately. Instead of a more elegant service like BR or CX, CI adopts the quick approach, but putting everything in one tray. Beverage was served afterward with the wine trolley rolls out. A silver wine holder was used, which was quite impressive. Other beverages are brought out from the galley. Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Wine List
Champagne
J.M. Gremillet, Brut
White Wines
Chablis Chardonnay 2004, France Raoul Clerget
Chardonnay, Lodi County 2004, USA Leaping House
Premier Selection, Riesling 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Red Wines
Bordeaux – Haut-Medoc Saint-Paul 2002, France, Chateau Saint-Paul
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, 2003, USA, Bonterra Vineyards
Premium Selection, Shiraz Cabernet 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Refreshment
Grilled Salmon in Teriyaki sauce, Rice
Or
Braised Roasted Pork with Taro and Red bean curd sauce, rice
Blueberry Crumble Tart in Vanilla Sauce
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Selection
I had the grilled salmon, which was rather average. The fruit bowl features watermelon, melon, and pineapple, and the bread roll selection includes French roll or garlic bread. The meal was completed at 2:41pm, and then there was a duty free service. For the rest of the flight, TVBS/BBC news was shown in the main screen. Descent began at 2:52pm and we landed on Runway 23 at 3:26pm, and parked at gate D1 shortly after.
Due to the late arrival time, we did not go to the lounge, as the wheelchair attendant said that it was too rushed. I thought well we arrived late and it would definitely take some times for the plane to turn over, but giving CI some credits, we parked at gate at 3:31pm, and boarding was available at 4:10pm for the wheelchair folks.
CI 006 TPE-LAX Lv1640 Arr1225 Boeing 747-400 B-18209
Boarding began for general folks at 4:15pm, but wheelchair passengers got in five minutes later. It was really strange that the ground agents insisted that my grandmother (in F) to go first, followed by another lady in J, and then another wheelchair passenger in Y. The F/As in first were every kinder, as they immediately helped my grandmother, and immediately chatted with me to see what her preference is, and what language did she speak. My grandmother made some specific requests throughout the flight (such as requesting extra rose apple during breakfast), and they did it all in a big smile. However, the hardware is really lacking. The sleeper seats were rather out-dated by now, and the entertainment screen was really small, but at least it was touch screen. Also there were lots of scratches on the seats as well. For CI’s premium route, it is rather unacceptable to use a really out of date product. The worst is that I spotted the brand new dreamliner Boeing 747-400 nearby pushing off to go to somewhere in Asia (pushing back from the old terminal). With four 744s with the new configuration, I think it is not difficult to use the brand new a/c on one route at least.
We pushed back at 4:53pm, and with only a few 744s in front of us, we took off from R/W23 at 5:07pm. Flying time was ten hours and forty-six minutes, and the routing took us mostly across the South of Pacific Ocean. First, we climbed to 31,000feet and then headed towards Okinawa, before turning eastward, and then climbed further to 33,000feet, and then up to 35,000feet, and further to 37,000ft and then more to 39,000feet. For the past Pacific crossings, the routing took more southern courses.
Seat belt sign was turned off at 5:14pm, and the F/As immediately distributed the blankets (rather than waiting after dinner). They even brought an extra one for my grandma. BTW, F was not full with three empty seats. Slippers were distributed before taking off. It was a nice pair of terry cloth slippers, but can CI do a better job in the packaging? The cheap polyester slipper bag was really awful looking, and for F, CI can use some nice cotton bag, like the Japanese airlines or the silk bags like the Korean airlines. Those cost minimal. Still no PJ… I still think CI can afford some pajamas.
Service began at 5:45pm with beverage and canapés. Strangely, canapés reduced from three to one single one. Despite its being a lobster canapé topped with salmon roe and chopped vegetables on bread, why would the service reduced from three to one? If UA F can afford hot savories, CI can afford so too. Here is the wine list and menu transcript!
Wine List
Champagne
Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 1999
White Wines
Chassagne-Montrachet 2002, France, Bouchard Aine & Files
Chardonnay, Lodi County 2004, USA, Leaping House
Premier Selection, Riesling 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Red Wines
Bordeaux, Pomerol 2000, France, Chateau Beauregard-Grand Cru Classe
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, 2003, USA, Bonterra Vineyards
Premium Selection, Shiraz Cabernet 2004, Australia, Lindemans
Dinner
Kaiseki Style Meal
Appetizer
Grilled soy scallop, rolled pepper with salad, goose liver sliced with yam and sweet potatoes, steamed scallop mousse with cod fish roe clear soup
Cold Dish
Slivers of Salmon, tuna and shrimp, marinated squid in Japanese style, Japanese boiled dish
Main Course
Steamed red snapper atopped with pink rice
*Plum wine, cool sake, green tea and dessert are available
Chinese Cuisine
Appetizer
Marinated Abalone Rosette with tossed jellyfish
Soup
Clear Chicken Soup with dried scallop and mushroom bundles
Main Course
Dong-Po Style Pork, Cod Fillet with Green Pea Sauce, Kale and Braised Black Mushroom, Steamed Rice
Pacific-Rim Trendsetter
Appetizer
Balik Smoked Salmon
Fresh Mushroom Soup
Salad
Crispy Romaine Salad
Ginger-lime dressing, Thousands Island dressing, Japanese soya dressing
Main Course
Grilled beef tenderloin with peppery-mushroom sauce
Cheese Selection and Seasonal fresh fruit
Dessert
Double Boiled Whole Pear with Herbal Syrup
Or
Sweet Dialogue of Opera Cake
Or
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
My grandmother has the Chinese supper, as she does not eat poultry and beef. The Abalone appetizer was pretty delicious, although a bit tough for her teeth. She did not drink the soup for obvious dietary reason, but the main course was pretty delicious, as well as Chinese dessert soup. It was good because she has been coughing and the herbal syrup was good. I had the Western dinner. The appetizer features three slices of salmon, but CX’s selection is much better. I think CI can be more creative with Western dessert and CI should send someone to Asiana Airlines. The mushroom soup was no canned stuff and was delicious. Bread selection includes garlic bread, leek roll, and potato roll. Crispy Romaine Salad was featured next, which was fresh. The beef entrée was good as well. For cheese and fruit plate, there are choices of cheddar, Boursin, Blue, and some pre-packaged cheese (that really do not work well with the rest of collection), and the fruit plate features Rose apple, Guava, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and melon. The cheese selection comes with dried apricot, pineapple, and walnuts, and of course Carr’s crackers. The dessert is highlight, as the chocolate cake plate was wonderful. Other choices include Mango and green tea Haagen-Dazs ice cream. After dessert, Evian water bottles were passed out, followed by amenity kits (there is no longer separate male and female kit), and shaving kits were offered for male passengers. After dinner, breakfast order was taken, and the F/A reminded us about the new mid-flight snack service.
Snack
Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Or
Chicken, Ham, and Fennel Pot Pie
For the rest of the flight, the F/As did not make much beverage run, but as I used the restroom, they almost made an effort to ask if I need anything else. Everything is quiet and tries to be as non-intrusive as possible. So they did not really hide in the galley, but tried to be non-intrusive as possible. Breakfast was served at 9:23am with hot towel, followed by juice. I had the Chinese breakfast, and the side dishes include chilled bean curd in soy sauce, salted egg, dried pork julienne, pickles, braised bean curd with peanuts, preserved egg julienne w/Chinese sausage, stir fry medley of diced hard bean curd, Chinese peas, & diced radish, and pan fried spring onion pancake. Everything can be refilled. For the fruit plate, there were watermelon balls, grapefruit, melon, Rose apple, and pineapple. Breadbasket includes soft milk white bread slice, croissants, and Cheese Danish.
Breakfast
Juice selection, soybean milk, and milk
Fresh Fruit of the season
Muesli and yogurt drink
Main Course
Chicken Crepes with mushroom and grilled veal sausage
Or
Omelette Topped with Smoked Salmon and Grilled Bacon and Ham
Or
Traditional Congee with Delicatessen
Ambassador Chef’s Choice (created by Ambassador Hotel, Taipei)
Bread Basket
Served with Preserve, Honey, and Butter
Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, and Coffee
After breakfast, tea and coffee was offered till thirty minutes prior to arrival. The F/A refills our water bottles, and descent soon began at 11:15am LA local time. We landed on R/W24R at 11:53am, and parked at gate 104 at 12:10pm due to congestions at the aisles between TBIT and T4. Here is a list of planes: QF744ER VH-OED, VH-OEC at 102, NH773 JA731A at 103, and SQ 744 9V-SPL at 105.
Well here is my report, and I hope you guys enjoy it.
Carfield
Apr 6, 2006, 6:08 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BRS
Programs: BA GLD
Posts: 1,927
Another super report! Thanks. I've been waiting for the return trip 
Too bad about the seat. Sounds a bit like Asiana (although I'm a fan of the Asiana first class seat.) Edited to add: I just looked through the photos and the seat looks EXACTLY like the Asiana seat.
Food looks very good.
Looking forward to the next time ...
Too bad about the seat. Sounds a bit like Asiana (although I'm a fan of the Asiana first class seat.) Edited to add: I just looked through the photos and the seat looks EXACTLY like the Asiana seat.
Food looks very good.
Looking forward to the next time ...
Apr 8, 2006, 2:33 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,347
Thanks
Yes, they have the same seats as Asiana. And China Airlines' entertainment units actually feature more functions, but both CI and OZ have the small TVs. However, OZ seems to maintain their F seats a bit better -- maybe the decor.
I guess I am expecting a bit more from CI and getting the "old" seats really make me feel a bit underwhelmed. (Well at least not the old, old seats on the NRT to TPE flight).
Thanks for all the kind comments,
Carfield
I guess I am expecting a bit more from CI and getting the "old" seats really make me feel a bit underwhelmed. (Well at least not the old, old seats on the NRT to TPE flight).
Thanks for all the kind comments,
Carfield