Originally Posted by
coolfish1103
If his destination is mainland China, then TPE is definitely on the bottom of the convenient list with the restrictions China set up for transits. Chinese passports are not allowed to use TPE for transit on the way back, those with foreign passports but were also Chinese citizens in the past had to go through heavy scrutiny before they can leave directly from China to TPE except 3 airports (which no one serves those 3 airports at the moment).
Selfishly, I don't consider that to be a negative. The outbound flights from China to TPE are less full as a result of this restriction on Chinese passport holders. Many Chinese citizens also don't know that they can transit via TPE on their way back to China from their oversea trips.
Originally Posted by
coolfish1103
Lounges at TPE are terrible for transit passengers cause everyone and their mom are transiting at the same time in the morning. It's almost impossible to find a seat in all the EVA lounges except Garden. EVA simply did not address this issue except the Club that was opened more than 10 years ago and this is partially TPE's problem cause there are literally no spaces. The same situation applies to all other lounges except maybe Starlux T2, whether airline or 3rd party. As for other periods, it does get crowded in the afternoon bank of departures as well.
JL/NH lounges (other than their first class lounges) in HND, for example, also have this issue. Too many have access to these lounges.
Originally Posted by
coolfish1103
With all that said, I do want to say that I would avoid transiting in the USA like a plague cause of the bag re-checks and domestic inflight service. I am not too sure if I can quantify domestic inflight service as a plus for TPE, but I will try to avoid is as much as possible.
I agree. Besides, if you are on J or F TPAC award flight, you're almost certain to be flying in coach on that US-domestic segment nowadays.