Travel Forum / Travel Types / Air Travel / October 2003

Hello, I will be traveling early next year between LAX and MNL on
China Airlines in economy.  (already know about their safety record,
etc.  Still much better odds than when I drive to work every day!).
Anyway, I've never flown with this carrier before and was curious
about their equipment.  Between LAX and TPE it will be a 747-400.  My
research seems to show that these will likely be fairly new (or at
least recently renovated) planes.  How are they equipped in economy?
Do they offer seat back video panels (akin to those on AA's 777)?
What are the typical choices during meal service?  My wife is glad for
the Chinese food, but I'm likely to prefer a Western dish (Chinese
food tends to "pass through me" quickly...a feature that is
undesirable when on a plane!
:-)  )  What were your impressions of the flight attendants...polite,
efficient, etc.?  I've flown this route on NW before and they offered
an ice cream service.  Is such a service offered on CAL?  (Trivial I
know but a nice touch to break up a long flight.)  How comfortable are
the seats?

We will also be flying between TPE and MNL on CAL's Airbus 300.  I
expect this to be an older plane, but how do the above amenities
compare for this aircraft?  (Not nearly as important, though, since it
is a relative short flight.)

Thanks for the tips and advice!
       Craig  (if responding by email, ignore the my-daja address and
reply to
caheaton@netzero.net)