Flying China Airlines as a Delta Elite - Impressions and Advice
Sep 16, 2017, 9:07 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
Well I tried selecting seating for the CI legs when booking but they wouldn't stick. I got the record locator and tried to do the same on CI's website and those wouldn't save either. So I called CI, was put on hold for about 10 minutes, then told that the agreement between DL and CI is that seats can ONLY be assigned day of at the airport (like basic economy!). I confirmed that included J class tickets too. I then called the Delta platinum line and was told the same thing. So finally made a complaint to Delta Corporate, see if they care enough to respond.
My wife who is fluent in Mandarin called in for a different flight in August and got the same answer but then scolded them so they relented and allowed me to select seats. May have to sic her on them again, seems like the most efficient way!
My wife who is fluent in Mandarin called in for a different flight in August and got the same answer but then scolded them so they relented and allowed me to select seats. May have to sic her on them again, seems like the most efficient way!
Sep 16, 2017, 9:17 pm
#32
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Seat selection for CI flights works just fine at www.china-airlines.com for DL award tickets. Can only select 180 days out and closer in, though. But it works and sticks.
For the semi-complicated Y situation I linked to, I called one of the US numbers (SFO office I think) -- had to call twice (there was subsequently a change of equipment) and both times got someone who spoke pretty good English, although my Mandarin is sufficiently passable (ABC) that I could have done it that way had it come to that
Sep 17, 2017, 3:32 pm
#33
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Delta DM, IHG Spire, Hertz PC, H.com Gold^3, lowly something on others...
Posts: 1,260
China Airlines left the lounge dim because they want people to be able to nap if they want to. Also, if you visit them during banked flight hours then it's very busy, much like LAX, ATL, DTW during banked connecting hours.
Sep 17, 2017, 3:39 pm
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,947
You've got to be kidding me!!! I am Diamond and fly SkyTeam constantly and CI's TPE lounge is one the BEST in SkyTeam networok! Besides being in the basement floor or above ground with dim lightening, both seating and food are miles ahead of Delta. Of all Delta lounges, the only one I think can get close is the new renovated Seattle lounge. The food option and quality at CI Lounge is legendary. I challenge you to find better food at any of Delta's outposts. The service is also very very good, they are constantly cleaning tables and replenishing food items...
China Airlines left the lounge dim because they want people to be able to nap if they want to. Also, if you visit them during banked flight hours then it's very busy, much like LAX, ATL, DTW during banked connecting hours.
China Airlines left the lounge dim because they want people to be able to nap if they want to. Also, if you visit them during banked flight hours then it's very busy, much like LAX, ATL, DTW during banked connecting hours.
T2 is awful. The seating is worn and uncomfortable, the showers are in poor repair, and the upper floor is reserved for Dynasty members - CI shoves all the SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers in the basement, which is a narrow and chaotic corridor lit by harsh fluorescent fixtures.
The food in T2 is fine and varied enough, and I appreciate you can make a meal out of the noodle bar. But the quality isn't particularly high, and I wouldn't rank it in a different league from SEA/SFO. The alcohol options are far worse than DL, too (although who cares when there's Taiwan Beer on offer?
)
Sep 17, 2017, 3:39 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Delta DM, IHG Spire, Hertz PC, H.com Gold^3, lowly something on others...
Posts: 1,260
The characterization of CA service by the OP here I wouldn't agree with. Yes, in the ground and transit at PEK is close to horrible and leaps and bounds behind TPE, but in flight CA has excellent product (often better than CI) and service. Certainly better than MU and DL.
Sep 17, 2017, 3:41 pm
#36
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Yeah, the TPE T1 CI lounge is easily my favorite lounge I've been in, including the SEA A/B and SFO Sky Clubs. It's not even close. (I will caveat that I have not been in very many overseas partner lounges though.) For me the subdued ambiance is a plus (and probably would be for anyone who hates the bright plasticky tone to the newer SCs).
There are showers, and I think two private rooms with a sort of chaise longue for napping (first come first serve) -- my mom used one the last time we were there.
I've been in the T2 lounge, and my suggestion would be to keep walking past it to T1
There are showers, and I think two private rooms with a sort of chaise longue for napping (first come first serve) -- my mom used one the last time we were there.
I've been in the T2 lounge, and my suggestion would be to keep walking past it to T1
Sep 17, 2017, 3:42 pm
#37
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 3,947
+1. I don't doubt the other poster's experience, but it hasn't been a problem for me for J seats. Don't know how to explain the inconsistency.
For the semi-complicated Y situation I linked to, I called one of the US numbers (SFO office I think) -- had to call twice (there was subsequently a change of equipment) and both times got someone who spoke pretty good English, although my Mandarin is sufficiently passable (ABC) that I could have done it that way had it come to that
For the semi-complicated Y situation I linked to, I called one of the US numbers (SFO office I think) -- had to call twice (there was subsequently a change of equipment) and both times got someone who spoke pretty good English, although my Mandarin is sufficiently passable (ABC) that I could have done it that way had it come to that
Sep 17, 2017, 3:44 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Delta DM, IHG Spire, Hertz PC, H.com Gold^3, lowly something on others...
Posts: 1,260
i think you may be talking about T1, which I haven't visited but appears to have a cool, almost cave like vibe. The photos are spectacular.
T2 is awful. The seating is worn and uncomfortable, the showers are in poor repair, and the upper floor is reserved for Dynasty members - CI shoves all the SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers in the basement, which is a narrow and chaotic corridor lit by harsh fluorescent fixtures.
The food in T2 is fine and varied enough, and I appreciate you can make a meal out of the noodle bar. But the quality isn't particularly high, and I wouldn't rank it in a different league from SEA/SFO. The alcohol options are far worse than DL, too (although who cares when there's Taiwan Beer on offer? ��)
T2 is awful. The seating is worn and uncomfortable, the showers are in poor repair, and the upper floor is reserved for Dynasty members - CI shoves all the SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers in the basement, which is a narrow and chaotic corridor lit by harsh fluorescent fixtures.
The food in T2 is fine and varied enough, and I appreciate you can make a meal out of the noodle bar. But the quality isn't particularly high, and I wouldn't rank it in a different league from SEA/SFO. The alcohol options are far worse than DL, too (although who cares when there's Taiwan Beer on offer? ��)
Seriously, both T2 and T3 DL LAX lounge are now serving packaged food!! I don't know why DL has a thing for gassy food items: beans, hummus, couscous, fibrous dishes are baseline for everything DL serve. I am a health nut but eating this much gaseous food is a horrible idea for flying... both for yourself and the pax that are next to you. Sine the May move, I hardly eat anything at the DL LAX lounges... They took away the espresso machine! That's the ultimate low-blow!
Last edited by wlau; Sep 17, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Sep 17, 2017, 3:47 pm
#39
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Ooh, good call. I have a trip with +1 in March that is SFO-SEA-NRT-TPE with the last leg in Y on CI codeshare with a DL flight number, will see what happens there. (2xGUC cleared SEA-NRT at booking)
Sep 17, 2017, 3:54 pm
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,947
T2 has multiple lounges, the one right after custom is the best... but I go to the one that used to service the DL TPE-NRT flight and it's fine... The food was great, perhaps you didn't check out all the food options or know how to order the noodles or know what you are ordering. Heck even the dimsum alone is better than anything Delta puts out. I think the issue might be you know what good quality Chinese food are...
Seriously, both T2 and T3 DL LAX lounge are now serving packaged food!! I don't know why DL has a thing for gassy food items: beans, hummus, couscous, fibrous dishes are baseline for everything DL serve. I am a health nut but eating this much gaseous food is a horrible idea for flying... both for your self and the pax that are next to you.
Seriously, both T2 and T3 DL LAX lounge are now serving packaged food!! I don't know why DL has a thing for gassy food items: beans, hummus, couscous, fibrous dishes are baseline for everything DL serve. I am a health nut but eating this much gaseous food is a horrible idea for flying... both for your self and the pax that are next to you.
The CI shu mai in particular were pretty disappointing.FWIW, DL LAX lounges are a bad comparison point right now because they're in such a transition due to the terminal move. Catering is WAY better in SEA and SFO, if you haven't been since the newest lounges opened; SFO rotates a full meal station between rice and noodle bowls, for example.
Can STE+ even get into the other T2 "Supreme" lounge right after security? We didn't even try because it was labeled as a first class only facility, so we ended up at the D4 lounge instead.
Sep 17, 2017, 5:15 pm
#41
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
+1. I don't doubt the other poster's experience, but it hasn't been a problem for me for J seats. Don't know how to explain the inconsistency.
For the semi-complicated Y situation I linked to, I called one of the US numbers (SFO office I think) -- had to call twice (there was subsequently a change of equipment) and both times got someone who spoke pretty good English, although my Mandarin is sufficiently passable (ABC) that I could have done it that way had it come to that
For the semi-complicated Y situation I linked to, I called one of the US numbers (SFO office I think) -- had to call twice (there was subsequently a change of equipment) and both times got someone who spoke pretty good English, although my Mandarin is sufficiently passable (ABC) that I could have done it that way had it come to that
Sep 17, 2017, 5:24 pm
#42
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
You've got to be kidding me!!! I am Diamond and fly SkyTeam constantly and CI's TPE lounge is one the BEST in SkyTeam networok! Besides being in the basement floor or above ground with dim lightening, both seating and food are miles ahead of Delta. Of all Delta lounges, the only one I think can get close is the new renovated Seattle lounge. The food option and quality at CI Lounge is legendary. I challenge you to find better food at any of Delta's outposts. The service is also very very good, they are constantly cleaning tables and replenishing food items...
CA better than MU, maybe on a good day. CA better than CI/DL?! You must be smoking something they gave you on CA. Even my die-hard CA coworkers complain about how bad CA cabin product/service are... CA is terrible beyond words. PEK ground sucks, lounge sucks, in-flight service is tolerable for domestic in China but total-avoid for international or long-haul flights.
PEK on the ground and the CA lounges with many months past expiry date food and drink (e.g. the apple juice has become apple-flavored liquor, as it's two years past the best-by date!) and tiny and extremely hot shower is horrible, yes. In the air, CA has some really good crew - light years ahead of DL, who clean the lavatory after every use, keep your spot in line (if you go while someone else is in, they will tell you when it's open, and hold back other pax from using it; that's just one of the many nice things that CA and only CA crew do, even JL doesn't do that), and far better J product on the A330 than DL has on any plane (actual straight ahead facing rectangular seat, with enough room for feet and knees, vs. the mini-coffins that DL has). That being said, yes, on a good day CA - other than on the ground experience - is good. But you could get some not-so-good crew, and on many routes CA uses aircraft with older seating (HNL-PEK thankfully has A330s full time, the best CA J product at this time), and then it can be indeed even worse than DL, absolutely. Also on the flights to PEK the service is usually worse, as I don't know how it is on other routes, but on HNL-PEK the same crew goes back HNL-PEK as came in on PEK-HNL, and they are not even allowed out of the airport (I know as I had some crew remark to me that they really wish they could see what Hawaii is like, but that they are not ever allowed outside of the airport) - they just stay there inside the secure/int'l departures area for the ~7 hours that the plane is on the ground here, and so by the time of the 13+ hour flight back, the crew are understandably tired having worked for 11+h and having gotten less than 6h of rest (as much as one can rest inside an airport). So yes, CA is by no means perfect. But at least food choice wise, it's far ahead of DL and all US-based airlines and service wise also it is often far superior, and product wise also IF you are on the A330...but the frustrating on the ground experience and the inconsistent product really take it down quite a few notches. (Don't even get me started on the time it took me more than four hours to get a proper boarding pass, after wrong having been issued a STBY one in Japan by the ZH check-in desk. The CA lounge agent called like 20 numbers and had to keep yelling on the phone until she almost lost her voice for hours until finally I got a correct BP, just as the flight was starting boarding.)
Sep 17, 2017, 5:29 pm
#43
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,151
The DL/KE JV is moving forward with only JetBlue complaining but I doubt US regulatory is going to get involved, so we're really only waiting on China to approve. MU is a Tier 1 partner but they've got a lot of improving to do. Unfortunately for me it doesn't look like CI is going to get any love from DL especially with the two above moving forward.
Why does China need to approve a DL/KE JV?
Sep 17, 2017, 10:55 pm
#44
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Delta DM, IHG Spire, Hertz PC, H.com Gold^3, lowly something on others...
Posts: 1,260
Those that claim CA is better than CI is just nuts. When I had to fly UA because my company prepaid a lot of money for UA discount, I had to endure CA connecting flights. It was awful. My mom, who flies on my miles for free and never complaints about anything, refused to fly CA, even for free. CA FAs only treat white people nice, they are racists - if they see another Asian face, they treat you like crap...
Sep 17, 2017, 11:48 pm
#45
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 129
Seat selection for CI flights works just fine at www.china-airlines.com for DL award tickets. Can only select 180 days out and closer in, though. But it works and sticks.