Taipei Airport Lounge Review: China Airlines at TPE
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
Let’s take a look at what you can expect in the Sky Team lounge at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
This is the China Airlines VIP Lounge, but passengers flying on Korean Airlines and others have access.
The staff was very friendly and helpful!
What Lounges Are at TPE
The airport’s VIP lounges are in Terminal 1, near the B Gates.
Upstairs, you’ll find a row of lounges for different airlines and airline groups.
Among them:
- China Airlines Lounge
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Starlux Airlines Lounge
Who Has Access to the SkyTeam Lounge in Taipei?
If you’re flying in Prestige Class on Korean Airlines, you’ll be given a pass at check-in. Take it through security, and you’ll hand the pass (or invitation, as they call it) to the staff at the door of the lounge.
China Airlines has two lounges in Terminal 2, but I’m focusing on the unique one in Terminal 1.
First or Business Class ticket holders, or SkyTeam Elite Plus members flying internationally have access to the lounge.
You have to be flying on China Airlines, Korean Air, or Vietnam Airlines.
The rules are murky, and Delta keeps changing its lounge access policy. The latest updates are always posted on their website.
The agent informed us at check-in that we had access, and gave us an invitation/pass to the lounge.
What to Expect in the China Airlines Lounge at TPE
The decor at the China Airlines lounge in Taipei is truly unique.
Walking in, you’ll go through a dark, narrow hallway, lined on one side by stone and on the other side by wood paneling. Dim lights will lead you into the main lounge area.
Whereas many airport lounges are bright, with large windows often overlooking other parts of the airport, this lounge is the opposite.
It’s almost cavelike inside, with natural stone lining many of the walls, from floor to ceiling.
There are no windows.
Instead, the soft glow in the lounge is created by rows of orange Edison bulbs which hang over seating areas.
You’ll find large couches and tables lining the two main hallways, along with more traditional table-and-chair setups at the far end.
Food & Drinks in the SkyTeam Lounge in Taipei
The food selection at the Taipei airport’s lounge features a wide array of Taiwanese and Chinese dishes. You’ll find braised beef, pork dishes, steamed veggies, seafood, and a big noodle bar with chefs standing by.
There’s also a large selection of fruit and nuts to snack on, along with breads, salads, and other sides.
The lounge also has a separate vegetarian-focused area of the food buffet.
On our visit, they featured purple sweet potato balls, which were unexpectedly marshmallow-like in consistency.
The drink selection isn’t overly impressive, but it’s adequate.
It’s a self-serve bar, featuring two basic wines (white and red). The bar also has a selection of vodka, gin, Irish creme, and other liquors.
The mini glasses aren’t what we’re used to in airport lounges in the US 😅
Next to the self-serve bar in the lounge, you’ll find a couple of espresso makers, along with fruit juices.
Amenities in the China Airlines Lounge in Taipei
The list is pretty standard for an international airport lounge:
- Showers
- Newspapers & Magazines
- Quiet Area
- TV room
- Bar with wine, beer, and liquor
- Espresso and coffee stations
- Business Area
- Free WiFi
Check out our other posts from Taiwan for more travel ideas:
