Better Than Budget? Why You Should Consider China Airlines for Your Next Taiwan Trip [Review]

ABBEY: Going by the name, I honestly thought China Airlines was from China. An easy and very common mistake. It is actually Taiwan’s national carrier and it became our airline of choice for our recent Taiwan trip.

We took a red-eye flight and landed just in time to catch the sunrise, which was a nice way to start the holiday. On the flight to Taiwan, the aircraft had a 2-4-2 seating configuration, while the return flight to Singapore was arranged in a 3-3 layout. In both cases, the seat pitch was comfortable and not too tight, giving my legs enough room to move around.

For meals, I had the chicken option on both flights. The food was pretty decent with a balanced portion of meat, rice, and vegetables. To complete the meal, I mixed my own “sangria” using Sprite and red wine, which has become my little inflight ritual.

I have already gone through most of the latest titles on their inflight entertainment system from previous trips, so this time I ended up watching content from my phone instead. China Airlines also offers complimentary WiFi, though I did not get to try it as I was either sleeping or glued to my screen.

One pleasant surprise was the generous service from the cabin crew. They gave us extra snacks, so many that they eventually became our emergency stash while roaming around Taiwan. Overall, China Airlines provided a comfortable and reliable flying experience, making it a solid option for travel between Singapore and Taiwan.

China Airlines Economy Class 2-4-2 seat layout and legroom review

WILL: China Airlines is the official flag carrier of Taiwan. For the longest time, I actually thought it was EVA Air! (Sorry, brain, for feeding you the wrong info all these years! Haha!)

When planning our recent trip, we were looking for that "Goldilocks" option: something better than a low-cost carrier but not as pricey as a luxury airline. Here is why we chose China Airlines and why it might be the best "budget-friendly flag carrier" for your next trip.

Why We Chose China Airlines: The "Sweet Spot"

1. Flag Carrier Service, Budget-Adjacent Price: The fare was surprisingly reasonable. It sits right in the middle—significantly more comfortable than budget airlines, but without the high price tag of Singapore Airlines (SQ).

2. The Perfect ETA: This was the clincher. Their flight schedule didn't waste our whole day in transit, giving us more time to explore Taipei the moment we landed.

The Flight Experience: Singapore to Taoyuan (TPE)
Our outbound flight featured a 2-4-2 seat layout. We grabbed the window-aisle combo, which felt spacious and perfect for a mid-flight nap.

• The Food & Wine: Since we had already filled up at the airport lounge, I didn't expect to eat much. However, the crew was so attentive! They woke us up for the meal service, and honestly, a hot meal and a glass of wine on a flight is such a massive upgrade over the "buy-on-board" snacks of budget airlines.

• Legroom: Very reasonable for Economy class! My legs weren't hitting the seat in front, which is all I ask for.

• The Downside: The monitor on this specific plane was quite small. But since we were catching up on sleep, it didn't bother us at all.

The Return Flight: A Modern Upgrade

The flight back to Singapore was on a different, much newer aircraft. It felt sleeker and more modern. While the seat design was standard, the food was a noticeable step up from the first leg.

Final Verdict: The Best Way to Fly to Taiwan?

If you're heading to Taiwan, stop looking at the budget carriers for a second and check the China Airlines site. You get the full flag-carrier experience—meals, wine, checked bags, and great service—at a price that feels like a steal.

Cheers to more travels!

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China Airlines

(W) https://www.china-airlines.com/

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We Flew 15+ Airlines — Here’s Why Singapore Airlines Still Stands Out

There’s a reason why, whenever travel plans come up, one name keeps getting mentioned.

Ask colleagues. Ask friends. Ask travel agents.Chances are, they’ll say Singapore Airlines — without hesitation.

After flying with more than 15 airlines, we still find ourselves choosing Singapore Airlines again and again. Not because it’s flashy. Not because it’s cheap. But because it feels right.

Singapore Airlines inflight experience showing service, comfort, and cabin atmosphere

1.Comfortable seats are a given these days. Many major airlines use similar aircraft and seat layouts anyway.

So what really makes the difference? Service.
After years of flying with Singapore Airlines — from short trips to the Philippines to long-haul flights across Europe — their hospitality stands out every single time. The crew are consistently warm, attentive, and genuinely empathetic. You don’t feel like a seat number; you feel like a guest.

     Experience: After a rough European regional flight, I boarded the Singapore Airlines leg already feeling nauseous. I asked a cabin crew member for some water. She returned with a bottled water usually reserved for Business Class — no questions, no hesitation.
It was a small gesture, but it meant everything in that moment.

2. Yes, They Give You Cake (And We Got It Twice!)
Here’s a fun fact many people don’t know:
Singapore Airlines is one of the pioneers of celebratory cake giveaways for passengers flying on their birthday or anniversary.

And yes — we’ve experienced it twice. 🎉
- Once on our 14th wedding anniversary
- And again on Abbey’s 42nd birthday
Both moments were unforgettable and made the flights extra special. These are the kinds of touches that turn flights into memories.

3. Now that we can stream blockbuster movies anytime, Singapore Airlines still finds ways to keep long-haul flights enjoyable.
Aside from movies and shows, you might stumble upon:
- Classic games like Othello
- Relaxing meditation and wellness music that lullabies
Sometimes, it’s nice to disconnect from screens and enjoy something a little old-school.

4. Airline food can be hit or miss. With Singapore Airlines, it’s something we actually look forward to.
You can:
- View the menu days before your flight
- Pre-select meals with Book the Cook (business class) 

     Experience: Once, in Business Class, I barely touched my meal. A crew member noticed immediately and asked why. When I mentioned it was too salty, they offered me another dish — making sure I wasn’t hungry on an almost four-hour flight.
That kind of attentiveness is rare.

Why People Keep Choosing Singapore Airlines? It’s not just about reliability. 

It’s about how the airline makes you feel.
Calm. Cared for. Comfortable. Remembered.

That’s why Singapore Airlines consistently tops the list for so many travellers — especially those who’ve flown with them more than once.
Is Singapore Airlines one of your favourite airlines too?

***

Singapore Airlines 

(W) https://www.singaporeair.com/

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Dizzy on the Plane? My Experience and How I Manage Flight Dizziness

Waking up dizzy in the middle of a flight can be scary, especially when the dizziness lasts for days after landing. I’ve experienced this more than once, and it made me realize how common flight dizziness and travel anxiety can be. In this post, I share my personal experience, possible reasons why dizziness happens on planes, and simple ways I manage it before, during, and after flying.

Since I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, I want to share what I learned, plus some practical tips to lessen the dizziness (and even the anxiety) that comes with it.

Here are some common reasons:
   •Cabin Pressure Changes – Our inner ear is sensitive to shifts in air pressure, and that affects balance.

   •Dry Cabin Air – Flights are dehydrating, and dehydration = lightheadedness. 

   •Long Hours of Sitting – Poor circulation can make you feel faint when you wake up.

   •Motion Sensitivity – Turbulence and vibration mess with your equilibrium.

   •Jet Lag + Lack of Sleep – Our body becomes extra sensitive when tired.

Knowing these triggers helps us prepare better. 

Dizzy on the Plane? My Experience and How I Manage Flight Dizziness

Here are some things I now do before, during, and after the flight.

Before the Flight:
✅ Drink more water than usual. Hydrate.
✅ Pick a seat near the wings (less movement).
✅ Pack small “comfort helpers” earplugs, or saline spray.

During the Flight
✅ Move or stretch every 2–3 hours.
✅ Eat light—avoid greasy, heavy meals that can worsen nausea.
✅ Practice slow breathing or listen to calming music when anxiety creeps in.
✅ Use a neck pillow so my head doesn’t flop when I suddenly wake up.

Traveling is already stressful enough—let’s not allow dizziness and anxiety to steal the joy of the journey. ✈️

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Is AirSWIFT Worth It? Honest Review Flying to El Nido, Palawan

ABBEY:  We chose to book a direct flight to El Nido instead of spending five hours in a van from Puerto Princesa. It saved us a lot of time, and honestly, I’m not sure my body could still handle that long of a land trip.

For this route, AirSWIFT is the airline to look for. They use small turboprop aircraft; yes, the ones with propellers. And you’ll be brought from the airport gate to the plane by bus. Our El Nido-bound flight was a bit windy during landing, so the sway of the plane was noticeable. The flight back to Manila felt completely different. It was smooth, but it also signaled the end of our Palawan getaway.

The entire journey is short. Before you know it, the one-and-a-half-hour flight is over and you’re stepping onto what many call “paradise.”

AirSWIFT direct flight arriving at Lio Airport in El Nido, Palawan

 

WILL: Planning a trip to El Nido, Palawan? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to get there.

Should you:

1.Fly to Puerto Princesa and endure a 5–6 hour van ride, or

2.Take AirSWIFT’s direct flight from Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport)?

We chose the second option—and here’s why.

Should You Book AirSWIFT for El Nido?

✔ Yes, if you value time, comfort, and sanity

💰Cost: ₱6,000–₱8,000 one-way

⏱ Time saved: ~6 hours

✈ Best for: Short trips, peak season, motion-sickness-prone tourists

	Total Cost	Travel Time
Manila → El Nido (AirSWIFT)	₱6,000–₱8,000	~1 hr 15 min
Manila → Puerto Princesa + Van	₱3,500–₱4,000	6–7 hours

Saving around Php10,000 (2-way) means sacrificing 12+hours of your vacation. For us, the convenience alone made AirSWIFT worth every peso.

AirSWIFT operates out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic).

The staff were professional and efficient—check-in took only 10 minutes. Bilis!!

That said, we still recommend arriving at least 90 minutes early.

⚠️ Do not follow us—we arrived 3 hours early and there’s no lounge to stay in. Lesson learned 😅

AirSWIFT is now under Cebu Pacific, so yes… strict baggage rules apply (alam nyo naman si CebuPac haha!).

•Carry-on: 7kg (strictly enforced)

•Checked baggage: 20kg included

•Overweight fees: Check with Cebu Pacific customer service

The aircraft overhead bins are very small, so even standard rolling carry-ons may end up being checked in.

Legroom was surprisingly reasonable—Abbey is almost 6’ and was comfortable throughout the flight.

The plane was clean and well-maintained.

Do not assume that buying a check-in luggage will include a free meal. 😅

Our seats were on the left side of the aircraft, and we still witnessed incredible views of Palawan’s turquoise waters during descent into El Nido.

Arrival at Lio Airport, El Nido (The Best Part)

Lio Airport is tiny, and honestly—that’s a huge win.

•Baggage claim: 10–15 minutes

•No crowds or long lines

•Transportation waiting outside

•Tricycle to El Nido town: ₱300–₱500 (15 minutes)

•Vans available via hotel private transfersSuper smooth and stress-free.

The return process was just as easy:

•Minimal security lines

•Quick boarding

•Arrived 75 minutes before departure with no issues

Yes, AirSWIFT is worth it if your trip is short and your time matters.

If you’re on a tight budget, flying via Puerto Princesa is fine—just be ready for a long ride.

Have you flown AirSWIFT to El Nido? Share your experience in the comments — your tips might help other travelers decide!

***

AirSWIFT 

(W) https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

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