China Airlines logo

Taiwan

China AirlinesCI

IATA Code

CI

ICAO Code

CAL

Country
Taiwan
Routes

211

Last updated: January 22, 2025

About

China Airlines is the flag carrier of Taiwan (Republic of China), founded in 1959 and headquartered at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. As the largest airline in Taiwan, China Airlines operates over 1,400 flights weekly to more than 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. The airline is also one of the world's leading cargo carriers.

China Airlines became a SkyTeam alliance member in September 2011, making it the first Taiwanese carrier to join a global airline alliance. This partnership provides seamless connectivity through codeshare agreements with Delta, Air France-KLM, Korean Air, and other SkyTeam members. The airline is distinguished by its plum blossom logo, Taiwan's national flower, which replaced the national flag livery in 1995.

The carrier operates a modern fleet including Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-300ERs, and A321neos, with major fleet expansion planned through orders for Boeing 777-9s and Airbus A350-1000s to support long-haul route growth.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where China Airlines operates 5+ routes

Network

81 airports served

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+31 more airports

Observed Flights

Callsigns tracked for China Airlines (CAL) - 129 unique callsigns observed

Callsigns with confirmed departure and arrival airports

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

  • Handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you
  • Assistive devices and outer garments do not count

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

  • Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
  • Weight limits vary by cabin class:
Cabin Class Weight Limit Additional Items
Economy 7 kg (15 lbs) Personal item only
Premium Economy 10 kg (22 lbs) Personal item only
Business 10 kg (22 lbs) Personal item + garment bag (max 20cm folded)

Note: China Airlines strictly enforces carry-on weight limits. Measure and weigh your bags before arriving at the airport.

Checked Baggage

Americas Routes (piece concept - per bag):

Fare Type Bags Included Weight per Bag
Economy Discount 1 bag 23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Standard 2 bags 23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Flex 2 bags 23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy 2 bags 28 kg (61 lbs)
Business 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs)

Asia/Europe Routes:

Fare Type Bags Included Weight per Bag
Economy Discount 1 bag 23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Standard 1 bag 23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Flex 2 bags 23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy 2 bags 28 kg (61 lbs)
Business 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs)

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (length + width + height)

Overweight & Special Items

  • Maximum weight per bag: 32 kg (70 lbs) - bags exceeding this are not accepted
  • Special items over 32 kg: Contact China Airlines reservations at least 48 hours before departure for approval

Elite Status Benefits

Dynasty Flyer Tier Extra Free Bags
Gold +1 bag
Emerald +1 bag
Paragon +2 bags

Elite baggage benefits apply only on China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines international flights.

Special Items

Item Policy
Golf clubs Standard bag fee, counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/Snowboard Standard bag fee, counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle Contact airline 48 hours in advance
Surfboard Contact airline 48 hours in advance
Car seat Free
Stroller Free, gate-check available
Wheelchair Free
Musical instruments Cabin: if fits overhead or buy seat. Checked: hard case required

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at china-airlines.com/baggage before traveling.

In-Flight Experience

China Airlines has invested heavily in cabin products, featuring distinctive design elements like persimmon wood accents, ocean-pattern carpets, and bespoke amenities.

Premium Business Class

A350-900:

  • Thompson Aero Vantage XL reverse-herringbone seats in 1-2-1 configuration
  • 32 fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access
  • 180-degree recline with mattress and comforter provided
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi for Premium Business passengers
  • China Airlines x MOSCHINO amenity kit with MOROCCANOIL products
  • Premium noise-canceling headphones
  • Michelin-starred dining collaborations (Le Palais, MIPON, TOUTOUAN)
  • Premium spirits including Johnnie Walker Blue Label

777-300ER:

  • 40 Business Class seats in two mini-cabins (6 rows front, 4 rows rear)
  • Similar lie-flat product to A350

A321neo (Regional):

  • 12 fully flat seats in 2-2 configuration
  • Well-suited for regional routes (no direct aisle access)
  • Wireless charging pads

Premium Economy

A350-900:

  • 2-3-2 configuration (fewer middle seats than 777)
  • 39" seat pitch
  • 19" wide seats
  • Enhanced meal service
  • Priority boarding

777-300ER:

  • 2-4-2 configuration
  • 38" seat pitch
  • 19" wide seats

Economy Class

A350-900:

  • 3-3-3 configuration, 243 seats
  • 32" seat pitch
  • 18" seat width
  • Personal seatback entertainment screens
  • USB power at every seat

777-300ER:

  • 3-4-3 configuration, 256 seats
  • 32" seat pitch
  • 17" seat width (1" narrower than A350)

Entertainment & WiFi

  • Seatback screens with extensive movie, TV, and music library
  • Wi-Fi available on B777, A350, and A321neo aircraft
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi for Premium Business Class passengers
  • Economy Wi-Fi available for purchase

Food & Beverage

  • Complimentary meals on all long-haul flights
  • Taiwanese and international cuisine options
  • Special meals available with 24-hour advance request
  • Business Class features collaborations with Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Premium wine and spirits selection in Business Class

Tips & Tricks

Booking

  • Compare prices on china-airlines.com directly for best service during issues
  • Economy Standard fares on Americas routes include 2 bags - often better value than Discount fares plus bag fees
  • SkyTeam partner miles (Delta SkyMiles, Air France Flying Blue) can be used for award bookings

At the Airport

  • TPE Terminal 2 for North America flights - allow time for immigration
  • Dynasty Lounge has separate Exclusive Area for Emerald/Paragon members
  • In-town check-in at Taipei Main Station is convenient for city departures
  • Self-service kiosks speed up the process if you have a mobile boarding pass

On Board

  • Request A350 for long-haul when possible - wider economy seats than 777
  • Business Class amenity kits are high-quality MOSCHINO collaborations
  • Pre-order special meals 24+ hours in advance
  • Premium Business passengers get free Wi-Fi - claim through inflight portal

Upgrades

  • Dynasty Flyer Emerald members can request companion cabin upgrades at the airport
  • Paid upgrade offers sometimes available at check-in
  • Business Class on A350 offers 1-2-1 layout (all-aisle access) - worth the upgrade on long flights

Earning Miles

  • SkyTeam credit cards (Delta Amex, Air France KLM cards) earn bonus miles on China Airlines flights
  • Dynasty Flyer shopping portal offers bonus miles at partner retailers
  • Dining programs available in select markets

Common Issues

  • Carry-on weight limits strictly enforced - pack light or check bags
  • Discount Economy fares only include 1 bag on Americas routes (Standard includes 2)
  • Wi-Fi performance varies by aircraft - A321neo has wireless charging, older aircraft may not
  • USB-C charging not yet available across the fleet