China Airlines Premium Economy — is it worth it?

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As someone who semi-frequently travels between the U.S. and Taiwan, I've experienced many long-haul economy flights.

While the cost savings on economy tickets are appealing, the discomfort of cramped quarters and limited legroom often outweigh the financial benefits (I’m 5’6”), especially on the 17.5-hour journey between New York and Taipei. 

That's why I was thrilled to learn about China Airlines' Premium Economy from my partner, Gabriel.

He showed me videos and reviews of the service, and I decided to splurge on a Premium Economy upgrade with China Airlines. After hearing about the extra perks and seeing rave reviews, I couldn't resist the temptation of more space and comfort.

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the Premium Economy upgrade decision

I had a tough time deciding whether to upgrade to Premium Economy due to the significant price difference compared to Economy. Even with the extra $400 cost and Chase Sapphire credit points deducting my ticket, I believe that the investment would lead to a much better travel experience.

My previous uncomfortable economy flights made me prioritize comfort and relaxation for this long 17.5-hour journey.

The appeal of additional space, improved amenities, and better service, not to mention better meals and a potentially more enjoyable flight experience ultimately influenced my decision.

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boarding + seating

One of the most important perks of Premium Economy is priority boarding. It was really refreshing compared to the usual chaos in economy class. I got to enjoy priority boarding alongside business class travelers, which meant I could bypass the long queues and get into my seat without any stress.

As soon as I got settled into my spacious Premium Economy seat, I could immediately feel the benefit of the extra legroom. The 2-4-2 seating configuration provided a much more comfortable and open feel compared to the cramped layout in economy class.

Not to mention, if you decide to recline your seat, it’s a fixed recline! Meaning, your seat won’t affect the person in the back, so you can relax and recline your seat without worrying if you’re invading another person’s personal bubble. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the option to lay flat like a bed like in Business. But, it was a noticeable upgrade in terms of personal space!

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in-flight amenities

Noise-canceling headsets

Once the airplane is in the sky, the flight attendants will distribute slippers and noise-canceling headphones. The noise-canceling headphones were a lifesaver, as they blocked out the engine noise, creating a peaceful environment for relaxation or sleep. I played some jazz from their playlist and fell right to sleep without hearing any sound.

Slippers

The soft slippers were also nice as they allowed me to take off my regular shoes and put them on, making me feel more comfortable and at home.

Amenity kit

The amenity kit was a thoughtful touch, offering essential travel items like an eye mask, earplugs, toothpaste, a toothbrush, a plastic comb, travel-sized lotion, and hand sanitizer. It was a convenient way to freshen up during the flight.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms in Premium Economy were much bigger, nicer, and significantly cleaner than in Economy.

They were constantly cleaned and well-maintained, providing a more pleasant and private experience.

The bathroom amenities contain basic hand soap, lotion (even though it was very drying, but did the job), and perfume spray just in case you need it. 💩

I also really appreciated the dedicated bathroom area for Premium Economy passengers, ensuring quicker access and less congestion from other people.

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in-flight dining experience

You get a fancy menu

Premium Economy passengers were presented with a menu, adding a touch of elegance to the meal.

While I had pre-ordered a Chinese vegetarian meal online, the menu offered a variety of choices for dinner and breakfast options that were so tempting to eat.

When our food came, the food presentation was a step up in quality compared to economy class.

Late-night snacks?

When you suddenly wake up and can't sleep, the flight attendants will provide snacks to satisfy late-night cravings or early-morning hunger pangs.

I had pre-ordered the Chinese Vegetarian meal option online, so when they were passing around pork sandwiches, they made me a vegetarian sandwich instead! Without me having to say anything to them, this considerate gesture really made me feel special and welcomed like they remembered I was vegetarian. And I don’t have to starve throughout the night. Ha! 🤤🥪

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was it worth the upgrade?

Without a doubt, the China Airlines Premium Economy experience was a game-changer. The extra legroom, improved amenities, and enhanced service made the long flight significantly more enjoyable.

While the upgrade came with a price increase, the added comfort and convenience were well worth the investment.

For tall travelers or anyone looking for a more comfortable flight experience, I wholeheartedly recommend splurging on Premium Economy. It's a small price to pay for a world of difference in comfort and relaxation.

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ready to upgrade to comfort?

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FAQ

Q: China Airlines Premium Economy vs EVA Air Premium Economy — which do you prefer?

A: Both China Airlines and EVA Air offer a comfortable premium economy experience that can enhance your travel. I particularly appreciate the quality of food, top-notch service, and comfort of EVA Air's premium economy. However, I personally prefer China Airlines premium economy for its priority boarding, fixed-recline seating, and clean, spacious bathrooms. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities.

Q: How far do the seats recline?

A: The Premium Economy seats offered a generous 39-inches of pitch, providing an abundant amount of legroom compared to the cramped conditions of Economy class. The seats are a fixed recline, which means they don’t bother the people behind you and you can just recline back without having to worry if you’re in someone’s personal space. Unfortunately, the recline doesn’t lay flat, but it’s better than Economy’s recline.

Q: Are Air China and China Airlines the same?

A: No it’s not. Air China is a completely different airline than China Airlines.

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Last Updated: 09.26.2024