As I began to make my way back home to wrap up this trip, I flew from Tokyo to Taipei on an economy cash fare with China Airlines.
This flight would ultimately bring me to a much more desirable prize, as I was set to finish this trip on a high note by flying China Airlines business class from Taipei to Vancouver.
Prior to my flight, I had the chance to check out the China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei in Terminal 2. This particular lounge is just one among multiple China Airlines business class lounges available at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.
China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei (Terminal 2) – Access
The lounge is located on the third floor, near Gate D4. Just keep an eye out for relevant signs and directions, which are generally easy to spot. The lounge operates daily from 5:30am–11pm.
To gain access to this lounge, you’ll need to hold a First Class or business class ticket on China Airlines. Alternatively, if you enjoy SkyTeam Elite Plus status, you may access the lounge when travelling in any class of service.
China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei (Terminal 2) – Seating
As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the theme of Chinese calligraphy interior décor. The design, highlighted by red plum blossoms and ink-wash artwork, mirrors the aesthetics seen in China Airlines’s new generation cabins.
Whereas many airport lounges are bright, with large windows often overlooking other parts of the airport, this lounge is the opposite. In fact, there are no windows, and instead, rows of LED lighting on the ceiling create the soft glow in the lounge.
Upon checking in, the lounge staff kindly offered a dedicated space to store my carry-on while I enjoyed the lounge, which was a very welcome touch and something not enough lounges do.
The lounge comfortably seats 258 guests, with seating spread out across two levels.
Adjacent to the check-in desks on the right is a seating area for lounge guests, complete with a mini buffet.
Conversely, the left side boasts a special section reserved for China Airlines top two tiers of status: Emerald and Paragon.
The majority of its dining and seating spaces are on a floor below, linked through a staircase in the rear that’s also graced with calligraphy.
The same artistic touch is featured in the main seating area.
The lounge has three primary seating arrangements. There’s spacious dining tables that can seat up to six, two-seater dining tables clustered in threes, and cushioned armchair rows set opposite one another with a slender table sandwiched between.
You’ll also find cafeteria-style seating located near the dining area.
China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei (Terminal 2) – Dining
The lounge offers an enticing buffet, with both Chinese and international cuisine on offer. The main buffet can be found on the lower floor, alongside a noodle bar, a snack counter, and self-serve drinks.
The buffet spread includes hot dishes such as sweet potatoes, a couple of soups, vegetables, rice, chicken presented in three styles, and dumplings.
For cold dishes, there are pumpkin and vegetable sandwiches, complemented by a salad bar and sweets such as pastries, pumpkin salad, and cakes.
The standout feature of the lounge is undoubtedly the made-to-order noodle station.
During my visit, I savoured the Taiwan-style beef noodles accompanied by a tea egg, which was delectable.
In addition to the main buffet area downstairs, there’s also a smaller snack spread in the quieter seating area on the upper level, by the lounge entrance.
China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei (Terminal 2) – Other Facilities
You’ll find public computers in a quiet section of the lounge, each partitioned with barriers for added privacy. Additionally, there are a few private spaces for families travelling with infants, and shower rooms available for guests.
Normally, I’d have checked out the shower rooms, but I didn’t get to take a look at them, as they were occupied the whole time.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and charging ports are well-dispersed throughout all seating areas.
Conclusion
The China Airlines Business Class Lounge Taipei in Terminal 2 served my pre-flight needs quite nicely. It’s a great spot to visit, whether you’re in need of a quick snack, a full meal, some work, or a quiet place to relax.
In comparison to the ground experience offered by EVA Air in Taipei, I’d argue that this lounge reigns superior, especially with its sophisticated calligraphy décor and bespoke noodle service that elevates the buffet beyond a self-serve station.
I was also pleased to visit a SkyTeam member airline’s lounge, as I don’t fly with the alliance quite as often as I do with Star Alliance and Oneworld carriers.
If you’re visiting Taipei before an outbound flight with China Airlines, be sure to pay this lounge a visit.
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