Review of China Airlines flight from Taipei to Los Angeles in Business

We arrived from Bangkok at Terminal 1 and we made our way to Terminal 2 from where our flight to Los Angeles will leave.
We go to the Skytrain, there is a lot of people, it is peak hour with a lot of flight inbound from Asia and all the departures for the USA to LAX, SFO or SEA.

As soon as I am in terminal 2 I send a text message to my friends who are still at Terminal 1 to tell them that I will have a quick visit to the Dynasty Lounge before I join them at the gate. Just enough time to go on the internet, have a drink and take a couple of pictures and I rush to gate D6 for boarding. The lounge is packed but I did find a free seat.

The list of airlines using the lounge… I didn't know that CSA or Alitalia served TPE.

Chinese umbrellas hanging from the ceiling.

Like I said in my previous report, China Airlines has just joined the SkyTEAM alliance and the airline is very proud of it ! It is all over the screens in the terminal.

I get to the gate, spend a short time with my friends as they are already queueing in the economy class and I go directly to the front as they have already started to board the Business Class.
I am seated on the upper deck, there are only a few passengers when I settle in. There are 3 cabin attendants looking after this area.

The seat controls, identical to the Airbus 330-300 seats. I find that they are not well located on the armrest as it is just where the elbow rests.

Welcome drinks are offered, same ones as on the first leg, I take an apple juice.

Just after that the cabin attendant will come by with a tray of hot towels presented on small plates.

We push back on time, safety demonstrations are aired.
Take off in the night, I briefly think about that Tropical Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 that took off from the wrong runway at Taipei, under heavy rain… That SQ flight was also heading towards LAX…

A few blurred pictures of our climb over Taipei.

The Airshow.

I start a movie and the cabin attendants start to give bottles of water, than menus and wine list and take the order for the Supper and Breakfast as well as the pre meal drinks.

I confirm with the cabin attendant my choice ordered on the China Airlines website and I also confirm my breakfast before arrival. I choose a glass of champagne for my aperitif.

The meal service start shortly after, it is very fast, everything is on the one tray to allow the passenger a maximum of sleep.
The menu is Liver cherry terrine with pistachios and pear, grilled peach, mixed salad and peach vinaigrette
My choice of main course is ; Small grilled beef ribs, pumpkin, snow peas, cauliflower, potato gratin, turnip and bulgogi gravy.
Assorted breads, mini baguette, foccacia, garlic bread and a creation by Master We Pao-chun, longan and red wine bread.
Seasonal fruits.

The beef was delicious and very filling.
After the cabin attendant picked up my tray, she offered a hot beverage. I will turn her offer down but will ask for a small glass of bailey's on ice…
She brought me back what is probably half the bottle !!!

Shortly after I finished my liqueur I fall asleep and wake up a few hours later, we're half way through our flight.

3 hours before we arrive in Los Angeles, the lights are back on and the cabin crew is in the cabin offering oshiboris.

The breakfast service starts with the drinks. I request a glass of apple juice and a tea with milk.

I chose the Western option
Fresh seasonal fruits
Yoghurt
Frittata with smoked chicken, broccoli, tomato, chicken sausage, fried potatoes.
Assortment of breads, croissants, Dark bread with cranberries or Banana and cocoa bread.

The cabin is cleared from all service items and we have another 1h30 before arrival… Personnaly I prefer Air France, they wake you up 1h30 or 1h45 before the arrival to serve you the meal. It leaves you more time for rest.

I go check on my friends in economy class and give them the address of our hotel in Los Angeles so they can fill the customs forms.

The sun is setting over California, we are nearly there…

Quick glance at the airshow to see how far we have to go…

The lights are back on for the descent so that the crew can prepare the cabin for landing.

Last picture of the legroom !

We arrive over greater Los Angeles and of course the international airport.

A Qantas A380 is on stand, weird when you know that most of the airline's fleet is grounded by the airline's management as a response to the australians union strikes.

The airplane stops not far from our parking spot at Tom Bradley International Terminal and we will be towed to our gate.
Our Boeing 747-400 has stopped, Thank you B-18212, have a good rest and a safe flight home to Taipei !
I get out of the plane fast and go to immigration.

Immigration is fast, no one in front of me, there is a little wait at baggage pick up and then I am out !

I still have to wait an hour for my friends as one of them has a problem with his ESTA number that was entered with an error into the systems and each time he is stopped. But the american immigration officers never correct the mistake !