China Airlines Airbus A350 Economy (Taipei – Melbourne)

Based in Taiwan, China Airlines connects three cities along Australia’s east coast – Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – direct to its base in Taipei. China Airlines uses an Airbus A350 to service its Australian routes, offering three cabin classes, including Economy, which is what I’ll be flying today.

I know, I know – a 10-hour overnight flight in Economy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But as someone who flies to Asia regularly and has made the overnight trek back to Australia onboard many airlines’ Economy offerings, I’m thoroughly impressed with China Airlines – even while sitting down the back.

As a Qantas partner, you can book China Airlines flights using Qantas Points. So, if you’re searching for a convenient route to or from Australia’s east coast, here’s what you can expect when flying in Economy with China Airlines.

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Check-in and boarding

I’ve arrived in Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport on a connecting flight from Busan with China Airlines onboard its Pikachu Jet. So, there’s no need for check-in formalities in Taipei, and my luggage is tagged all the way through to Melbourne. With my hands free, I use my purposely-long layover to venture into Taipei’s city centre, an easy and affordable journey from the airport via MRT.

Taoyuan Airport is a delightfully simple airport to navigate. Many of its departure gates are themed, including the entrance of the one I’ll be using tonight, which is donned with an underwater motif. Downstairs, the seating area is spacious, allowing for a relaxing wait before my flight.

China Airlines Airbus A350 Economy seating

Having flown on China Airlines’ Airbus A350 previously in both Business and Premium Economy, I’m familiar with the aircraft. Pleasingly, the Economy cabin echoes the ambience of its premium counterparts. Boarding this red-eye flight, I’m met with soft purple lighting which sets the tone for a restful night ahead.

China Airlines’ Airbus A350 Economy seating is arranged in a 3-3-3 layout. When flying long-haul solo, I usually opt for an aisle seat in the middle cluster. On this evening’s flight, the middle seat is vacant – as are many other seats in this cabin – allowing me to spread out.

The seat itself looks thin – because it is. China Airlines utilises a slimline seat design in its A350 Economy cabin to create more space between rows. But don’t let appearances fool you – this is one of the most comfortable Economy seats I’ve experienced. Complementing it are a generous recline and a four-way adjustable headrest.

Shared universal power plugs can be found between seats, and passengers can access individual USB ports below the entertainment screen. There’s ample space in the storage pouch, and the pocket underneath the screen is suitable for holding your phone, glasses or earphones during the flight.

China Airlines A350 Economy food and beverage

Two meals are served on this overnight flight from Taipei to Melbourne, with the dinner service commencing shortly after take-off. By this point, it’s 1 am – the cabin isn’t overly full, and many passengers have opted for a snooze, so the service is fast.

My meal consists of a hearty serving of chicken rice, alongside a couscous salad, apple slices, a bread roll and a sweet, meringue-like biscuit for dessert. It’s a light yet satiating dinner, with the quality and flavours echoing the high standards I’ve come to enjoy from China Airlines.

With a morning arrival into Melbourne, breakfast is served around two hours before landing. Having had the Taiwanese option for dinner, I opt for the Western breakfast – a cheesy pasta with fluffy scrambled egg and chicken sausage. Now, I fly from Asia to Australia often, and with most flights being overnight, I’m accustomed to bland and dry Western breakfasts – because I often just want to pick at scrambled eggs after a dreary eight hours in the air. China Airlines’ Economy breakfast is surprisingly moist and tasty – one of the better breakfasts I’ve had flying into Australia.

Alcoholic beverages are available during the dinner service, along with soft drinks. For breakfast, there’s a choice of apple or orange juice, as well as a selection of tea and coffee.

China Airlines A350 Economy service and entertainment

Given the overnight flight, I peruse the in-flight entertainment briefly before my snooze. China Airlines offers a comprehensive selection of global movies, TV shows, music and games on a crisp, user-friendly touchscreen.

Wi-Fi is available on China Airlines A350 flights between Taipei and Australia. A fee applies for Economy passengers, but complimentary access is granted to Emerald or Paragon members of China Airlines’ Dynasty Flyer Program.

Overall, the cabin crew are warm and attentive throughout the flight, a huge contributing factor to a smooth and pleasant journey from Taipei to Melbourne.

How to book this flight with points

For Australians, the easiest way to book reward seats on China Airlines is by using Qantas Points. There’s often decent availability in all cabin classes between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Taipei.

Note that from 5 August 2025, Qantas is increasing the number of points required for reward seats. Bookings made before 4 August 2025 will still use the lower points rate. We’ve included both below.

Bookings made before 4 August 2025:

	Economy Class	Premium Economy	Business Class
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane to Taipei	30,200	59,000	75,000

Bookings made from 5 August 2025:

	Economy Class	Premium Economy	Business Class
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane to Taipei	34,700	70,800	90,000

Alternatively, you can also book China Airlines flights using Air France/KLM Flying Blue miles or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points.

Also read: How to redeem Qantas Points for China Airlines flights

Summing up

China Airlines’ Airbus A350 Economy makes for a comfortable overnight journey from Taipei to Melbourne. The slimline seats provide ample space, the ambience of the cabin lends itself to a restful sleep, and the meals are substantial without feeling heavy.

You’ll also find this aircraft serving China Airlines’ Taipei-Sydney and Taipei-Brisbane routes, similarly with an overnight schedule.

Despite enjoying this flight as a guest of China Airlines, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly this route again. In fact, I’ve already got a personal trip booked flying China Airlines A350 Economy from Melbourne to Taipei. As mentioned, there’s often great availability in all cabins when redeeming Qantas Points for China Airlines, so it’s a sound choice if you’re flying from Australia to Asia, or elsewhere in its network including Europe or North America.

Also read: China Airlines Airbus A350 Premium Economy (Melbourne – Taipei)

All photography by Victoria Kyriakopoulos, who travelled as a guest of China Airlines.

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