Flying China Airlines as a Delta Elite - Impressions and Advice
#166
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
#168
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
I would love to see a stronger CI partnership as I think they are a really nice airline.
#169
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
It seems they put their eggs in the mainland China basket (which they may now be regretting). In any case, I believe there was speculation that a closer partnership with CI might anger mainland Chinese authorities.
I would love to see a stronger CI partnership as I think they are a really nice airline.
I would love to see a stronger CI partnership as I think they are a really nice airline.
#170
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
They put half of their eggs in the Korea basket. Between KE and MU, DL flyers can reach almost all non Taiwan CI destinations. Don't you think having 4 kids at the table might result in each getting disappointingly small pieces of cake? Did you notice how CZ simply got up and left?
#171
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,045
I've now flown CI in all three classes (not counting F since it only exists on the 747), and I've thoroughly enjoyed each one. The service is efficient but not overly friendly (isn't that big of a deal), the planes are new and well-maintained, and they have both Kavalan and Johnnie Walker Blue in J! I just wish the MQM earning was more than 100%.
I did fly in F on CI back when 747 flew to LAX. I got rebooked by DL from MNL-NRT-LAX when MNL-NRT cancelled due to Typhoon. Only F was available on the LAX flight so ended up in it. It really wasnt any different from business except seats were lay flat and all aisle access (J back then wasnt either of those things on most CI aircraft)
#172
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: CVG
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 5
Dave, did your bookings with CI automatically code your Sky Team Elite+ status? I recently booked a cash fare on CI from HIJ to TPE. I'm not seeing any mention of E+ status or Skypriority when checking my booking on the CI website (I did enter my DL SM # when booking). I'm mainly concerned about the baggage allowance and seat selection benefits that DL claims E+ members receive when flying on Sky Team airlines. I called the folks at DL and they claim I have to show my Platinum Medallion/E+ card at the airport at check-in to receive Sky Priority. Really hoping it will automatically code on the boarding pass...
#173
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
Dave, did your bookings with CI automatically code your Sky Team Elite+ status? I recently booked a cash fare on CI from HIJ to TPE. I'm not seeing any mention of E+ status or Skypriority when checking my booking on the CI website (I did enter my DL SM # when booking). I'm mainly concerned about the baggage allowance and seat selection benefits that DL claims E+ members receive when flying on Sky Team airlines. I called the folks at DL and they claim I have to show my Platinum Medallion/E+ card at the airport at check-in to receive Sky Priority. Really hoping it will automatically code on the boarding pass...
#174
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,635
I had not issues with my ST+ on all my CI flights (via DL status). CI is very efficient so I wouldn't worry.
#175
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
So, I'd just advise doing OLCI and printing and saving mobile boarding pass(es) first, before you head to the airport (and then in person check-in there if needed due to bags or needing the first flight BP), to avoid the hassle of having it printed in TPE for the connecting flight, if the origin airport won't print it for you and claims they can't check you through (though you are already so checked in, of course).
#176
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
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Posts: 11,978
I booked a SkyMiles award ticket for a regional TPE-HND award ticket in Y. Does CI offer any elite access to exit row seats (or even premium economy seats) on A350s for ST Elite+ with Delta? or is the only benefit lounge access and potential onboard service perks? Do we get an extra carry-on allowance? I'll have a rollaboard and a briefcase.