FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

China Airlines, Business Class

by Rafie Iannello

May 1, 2016
2016

On the Ground: Upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport for my flight to Singapore, I waited about five minutes in line at the China Airlines business-class counter. The attendant was helpful and handled my bags with care. I needed a lock for one of my bags, and he gladly tethered it with a plastic tie. He provided thorough instruction on where to go and how to get to the China Airlines lounge. I was off to a good start for my 15-day tour of Asia.

The China Airlines lounge, located at the Korean Air lounge at LAX, was clean and offered plenty of seating, food and drinks along with plug-ins at almost every seating arrangement. I hung out in the lounge for a bit before boarding the flight.

Pre-Flight: Boarding the aircraft and getting settled was a breeze. The new business-class cabin on China Airlines’ NextGen Boeing 777-300ER is exquisite, showing modern engineering at its finest in a 1-2-1 layout. The futuristic vision of the brand is evident in the classy design of the cabin, sporting dark blue cloud patterns, muted gold tones and persimmon wood-grain décor, the first-ever use of wood textures in the aviation industry.

Once passengers settled in, attendants offered hot towels and an array of refreshments: water, orange juice or apple juice. I poked around my quarters to discover all the offerings and was pleasantly surprised at how advanced and comfortable the seats were.

In-Flight: I kicked off the flight with a beautiful glass of Bordeaux from France and immediately put on the most comfortable slippers. I was cozy and ready for takeoff. The 180-degree, full-flat memory foam cushion beds with a direct-access design made for a good night’s sleep. I slept for nine to 10 hours of the flight — obviously the best-case scenario when taking an overnight flight. When I woke up, I explored the in-flight entertainment, including a state-of-the-art, 18-inch touch screen (largest of any Taiwanese airline featuring AVOD) and upgraded technology all around.

Breakfast was served before we landed in Taipei, and it was delightful. I chose the spinach frittata, which came with fruit, pastries, yogurt, veggies and more. I also have to comment on the bathrooms on board; they were immaculate! In my experience, many airlines are not able to maintain a spotless lavatory during a long-haul flight, but China Airlines succeeded.

The Experience: My time on board China Airlines was pleasant and satisfying. The new business-class design is user-friendly and meets all passenger needs on a long-haul flight. I did not have an issue figuring out how to operate anything — the layout and design make sense.

All of the flight attendants were friendly and attentive, fulfilling all my requests, addressing me by my name and even remembering how I take my coffee. I was treated to a coffee made with fresh cream, which surpassed my expectations on a plane. Overall, I was impressed with the service and thoughtful generosity. I hope I can experience China Airlines’ 777 business class again.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly and helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Helpful and courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits[/item]
[item check=yes]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with three entrée choices[/item]
[item check=yes]Top-shelf wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Apr 23, 2025

Art Meets Mixology in Washington, D.C., at Allegory

There’s a brand-new cocktail menu at Washington, D.C.’s, Allegory, winner of the 2023 Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award and ranked No. 23 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. But the new Banned in DC menu isn’t just a collection of cocktails, as explained by Creative & Beverage Director Deke Dunne, who — along with his team — concocted the fictionalized journey of civil rights advocate Ruby Bridges as she falls into a rabbit hole set 100 years in the future.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

April 2025
Apr 23, 2025

Hotels Prove They Care About Their Guests and Destinations

Once upon a time, miniature bottles of luxury-branded bath gels, lotions and shampoos were the mark of a high-end hotel, but those single-use souvenirs are becoming a thing of the past as new trends indicate in-room amenities are meant to stay exactly there ... in the room.

April 2025
Apr 23, 2025

Choose Tools to Improve Sleep, Meditation and Well-Being

Core Meditation Trainer  Interested in learning to meditate but don’t know where to start? The Core Meditation Trainer will help improve your practice, using dynamic vibration guidance to help keep you centered. Simply hold the device in your palms and follow the instructions from the Core App to reduce stress and improve focus. Its sensors monitor your heart and nervous system so you can track how your meditating progresses. Measuring just 3.5 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches, this device is TSA-approved for carry-on, and one charge lasts up to two weeks. $159 plus subscription.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
Apr 23, 2025

Explora Journeys Launches Explora Club

Explora Journeys recently unveiled its Explora Club, a new loyalty program for its discerning guests. Explora Club’s five-level structure is seamless and intuitive, as each level includes a collection of benefits, like priority access and exclusive savings. Factors contributing to levels include weighted nights at sea, multiplied by suite category; Destination Experiences purchased pre-cruise or onboard; and eligible onboard spending, including Ocean Wellness, culinary experiences and beverages, laundry, and purchases at The Journey boutique.

eFlyer Deals
Apr 23, 2025

Snag The Berkeley’s Limited-Time Cartier Deal, Experience

London’s The Berkeley, one of the city’s most upscale hotels, celebrates one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year with a special offer. Cartier: The Pursuit of Beauty opens at Victoria & Albert Museum, featuring more than 350 objects, from precious jewels to gemstones to watches to clocks.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

eFlyer Lead
Apr 23, 2025

Helicopter Tourism: How Safe Is It?

On April 10, a helicopter (more specifically, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV) plummeted into the Hudson River in New York City, killing everyone onboard the aircraft. The crashed helicopter was on its eighth tour of the day when it fell from the sky.