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China Airlines Official Website
Flying is never just about getting from point A to point B. We often look for a balance between comfort, price, and service, especially on long-haul flights. That’s where China Airlines Premium Economy steps in, positioned right between Economy and Business. In 2025, travelers are asking whether the extra dollars really deliver extra comfort. Here’s my honest breakdown of what you can expect.
Cabin and First Impressions
When I stepped into the Premium Economy cabin, the first thing I noticed was how calm it felt compared to Economy. The lighting, seating arrangement, and quiet vibe gave it a more premium feel right away. Passengers board earlier than Economy, so there’s no rush to fight for overhead bin space.
A350 vs Boeing 777 Layout
We have two different experiences depending on the aircraft.
- Airbus A350: 2-3-2 seating, just 31 Premium Economy seats, which makes the cabin feel private and cozy.
- Boeing 777: 2-4-2 seating, with 62 seats in total, so it feels larger but less intimate.
The A350 definitely feels more generous, especially with fewer middle seats. For travelers who like space and calm, this is the better pick.
Seat Comfort and Space
I found the seats noticeably wider and more comfortable than Economy. They’re built with a fixed-shell design, meaning your recline doesn’t intrude into the passenger behind you. That’s a small detail, but on long flights, it makes a big difference.
Dimensions and Recline
Here’s how the numbers compare:
- A350 Premium Economy
- Seat Pitch: 39 inches
- Seat Width: 20 inches
- Recline: 129 degrees
- Boeing 777 Premium Economy
- Seat Pitch: 38 inches
- Seat Width: 19 inches
- Recline: Same shell recline system
For tall travelers, the legroom can still feel a bit tight. If you’re over 5’10.5”, I recommend booking the front-row seats, even though they cost more.
Entertainment and Connectivity
They give you a large screen that feels closer to Business Class than Economy. On the A350, you get a 12.1-inch HD touchscreen with a library of over 165 movies and 63 TV shows.
Wi-Fi is available on both the A350 and 777, but be prepared for mixed reliability. Prices are:
- 15 MB (messages only): $3.25
- 1 hour unlimited: $11.95
- 3 hours unlimited: $16.95
- Whole flight: $21.95
I liked having the choice, but I also noticed passengers complained about spotty connections mid-flight.
Amenities and Extras
We get more than just a bigger seat here. Premium Economy passengers receive a branded amenity kit.
- On the 777, it included earplugs, lip balm, lotion, eyemask, comb, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
- On the A350, the kit came in a North Face pouch with a dental kit, hydrating facial mask, earplugs, and quality eyemask.
Bedding is thicker than Economy, noise-canceling headsets are provided, and yes—even slippers are offered. Power outlets include USB-A and universal sockets on the A350, which makes working mid-air easier.
Food and Dining Experience
Now, let’s talk about meals. The food here is often called the weak spot. While the presentation feels better than Economy, many say the meals are closer to standard coach food.
- Best meals are usually prepared in Taipei (TPE). These tend to be flavorful and well-balanced.
- Highlights: Häagen-Dazs ice cream served as dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Drawbacks: Drinks sometimes arrive in plastic cups, which feels less premium. Service can also be inconsistent, with drinks not always arriving with meals.
That said, the crew is praised for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, which helps elevate the experience.
Service and Crew
We often judge flights by how we’re treated, and here China Airlines scores well. The staff were warm and professional, regularly checking in on passengers. Service feels more attentive than in Economy, though not quite at Business Class standards.
Costs, Upgrades & Value
So, is it worth it? Let’s look at numbers:
- A traveler paid $830 for a Sydney–Taipei–Los Angeles trip (with a stopover).
- Another paid $1,350 one-way between Shanghai and Sydney.
- Upgrades are around $400 extra, depending on route and seat availability.
- On the 777, front-row seat selection costs $65.
For many, this is a fair middle ground. If you want comfort without Business Class prices, this strikes a balance.
Flight Timings and Reliability
Flights are known to run on time, often arriving a bit earlier. For example:
- Taipei to LAX (CI 8): Scheduled 11h 45m, but completed in 10h 25m.
- Singapore to Taipei (CI754): Scheduled 4h 40m, but landed in 4h 14m.
That kind of reliability is important on long-haul journeys.
Practical Drawbacks
Every product has its weak points. Here are a few I noticed:
- Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable.
- The Boeing 777 feels outdated with older headsets and worn finishes.
- Bathrooms are shared with Economy on some flights, which can reduce the “premium” feel.
- Tall travelers may still feel cramped without front-row seating.
Comparisons to Other Cabins
When we compare cabins side by side, the jump from Economy to Premium Economy is significant.
- Economy on A350: 18-inch seats, 32-inch pitch, recline 116 degrees.
- Premium Economy on A350: 20-inch seats, 39-inch pitch, recline 129 degrees.
- Business on A350: 21-inch width, fully lie-flat at 78 inches.
So, Premium Economy gives more comfort without reaching Business Class luxury.
Overall Ratings
Travel sites give China Airlines Premium Economy respectable marks:
- TPG Review Score (A350): 76/100
- Category Scores:
- Seat: 26/30
- Amenities: 25/30
- Food: 12/20
- Service: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 82% satisfaction
Final Thoughts
We often wonder if Premium Economy is just a marketing trick. With China Airlines in 2025, I’d say it’s a real step up from Economy. The wider seats, extra legroom, quality IFE, and thoughtful amenities make long flights more manageable.
However, food and Wi-Fi hold it back from being a “perfect” product. If you value comfort, space, and a smoother journey without paying Business Class prices, China Airlines Premium Economy is worth the upgrade.
FAQs
Can China Airlines premium economy use a lounge?
Premium Economy offers more seat width, extra legroom, better recline, upgraded meals, and priority boarding compared to standard Economy.
Which airline has the best premium economy class?
Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Japan Airlines are often ranked among the top for Premium Economy, thanks to spacious seating, dining, and service quality.
Which is better EVA Air or China Airlines premium economy?
EVA Air is praised for food and service, while China Airlines offers wider seats and cozy A350 cabins. The better choice depends on whether comfort or catering is your priority.
References
- China Airlines Official Website – Premium Economy Class Information
- SeatGuru – China Airlines Seat Maps (A350, B777)
- The Points Guy (TPG) – China Airlines A350 Premium Economy Review (2024 Rating & Scores)
- AirlineRatings – China Airlines Fleet and Safety Ratings
- TripAdvisor – Passenger Reviews of China Airlines Premium Economy (2024–2025)
- Skytrax – China Airlines Passenger Reviews & Airline Ratings
- EVA Air Official Website – Premium Economy Details
- Singapore Airlines Official Website – Premium Economy Experience
- ANA All Nippon Airways – Premium Economy Class Overview
- Japan Airlines – Premium Economy Class Service
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information, passenger feedback, and personal research. Details such as prices, services, and aircraft may change. Always confirm with China Airlines before booking.
About the Author
Ben Dawson is a seasoned aviation reviewer and travel content creator who has flown extensively across Asia, Europe, and North America. With years of experience analyzing cabin products, he offers practical insights to help travelers choose comfort and value in the skies.
