Find and Book Cheap China Airlines (CI) Flight Tickets

About China Airlines

China Airlines is the flag carrier of Taiwan, operating under IATA code CI and ICAO code CAL, with its headquarters located in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Founded on 16 December 1959, the airline has grown from a small charter operation into one of Asia's leading full-service carriers, connecting Taiwan to over 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Despite its name, China Airlines is a Taiwanese airline — it is not affiliated with airlines based in mainland China such as Air China or China Eastern Airlines.

China Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, having joined on 28 September 2011, giving passengers access to a global network of partner airlines and seamless connections worldwide. The airline's primary hub is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), one of the busiest airports in East Asia. China Airlines is majority-owned by the China Aviation Development Foundation and the Taiwanese government, and it operates both passenger and cargo services through its mainline fleet and subsidiary Mandarin Airlines.

Airline Overview and History

China Airlines has a rich history spanning more than six decades, growing from humble beginnings into a world-class carrier. Key milestones in the airline's history include:

• 16 December 1959 — Founded by retired Republic of China Air Force officer I Fuen, initially operating charter flights with two PBY Catalina amphibious aircraft
• 1962 — Launched first scheduled domestic services within Taiwan
• 1966 — Commenced first international service to Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) using a Lockheed Super Constellation
• 1970s — Expanded international route network across Asia and introduced jet aircraft including the Boeing 707
• 1976–1977 — Introduced the Boeing 747-100 and Boeing 747SP, marking the airline's entry into wide-body long-haul operations
• 1990 — Received its first Boeing 747-400, enabling non-stop services to North America and Europe
• 1993 — Listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange
• 1995 — Unveiled the iconic plum blossom livery, symbolising Taiwanese national identity
• 2011 — Joined the SkyTeam alliance on 28 September, expanding global connectivity
• 2014 — Took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER for long-haul routes
• 2016 — Received its first Airbus A350-900, part of a fleet modernisation programme
• 2025 — Finalised orders for Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9 aircraft to further renew the long-haul fleet, with deliveries expected from 2029

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serves as the airline's main hub and is strategically located to connect travellers between Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The airport features modern terminals with extensive shopping, dining, and lounge facilities, including the China Airlines Dynasty Lounge available to Business Class passengers and elite frequent flyers. China Airlines also operates services from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) for select domestic and regional routes.

Fleet and Aircraft

China Airlines operates a modern and diverse fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, totalling approximately 83 aircraft as of the end of 2025, including 65 passenger jets and 18 freighters. The passenger fleet includes the following aircraft types:

• Airbus A350-900 — The airline's flagship long-haul aircraft, featuring the latest cabin products with personal entertainment screens, mood lighting, and quieter engines. Deployed on routes to Europe, North America, and key Asian destinations
• Boeing 777-300ER — A high-capacity wide-body aircraft used on major long-haul and high-demand routes, offering Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins
• Airbus A330-300 — A versatile wide-body aircraft serving medium- to long-haul routes across Asia and Oceania
• Boeing 737-800 — A reliable narrow-body aircraft used for shorter regional routes within Asia

China Airlines is committed to fleet modernisation, with firm orders placed in 2025 for 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9s, plus 4 Boeing 777-8F freighters. These next-generation aircraft are expected to begin entering service from 2029, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort. The airline maintains its fleet to the highest safety standards, with regular inspections carried out in accordance with Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) regulations and international aviation safety protocols.

Top Flight Routes

China Airlines operates an extensive international network connecting Taiwan to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. From Malaysia, the airline's primary route is the popular Kuala Lumpur to Taipei service, offering convenient connections onward to destinations across the China Airlines network.

Routes from Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur to Taipei — The key direct route connecting Malaysia to Taiwan, popular with business travellers, tourists, and those transiting through Taipei to onward destinations in Japan, Korea, and North America. Flight time is approximately 4 hours 55 minutes

Popular Onward Connections via Taipei

Travellers from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Taipei Taoyuan Airport to reach a wide range of destinations on China Airlines and SkyTeam partner flights, including Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Amsterdam, and many more cities.

Related Routes from Malaysia

If you are exploring flights from Kuala Lumpur to other popular destinations in East and Southeast Asia, check out these routes available on Traveloka:

• Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong
• Kuala Lumpur to Seoul
• Kuala Lumpur to Osaka
• Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok
• Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City
• Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai

Search on Traveloka to find the best fares and real-time availability for all China Airlines flights and connecting routes.

Baggage Allowance and Policies

China Airlines operates a piece concept baggage system on most routes. Understanding the baggage rules before you fly helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected charges at the airport.

Cabin Baggage

• Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (max 7 kg, 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Premium Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (max 7 kg, 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus 1 personal item
• Business Class: 2 carry-on bags (max 7 kg each, 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus 1 personal item

Checked Baggage (Piece Concept)

China Airlines uses a piece-based checked baggage system. The free allowance varies by fare type and cabin class:

• Economy Class (Discount fare): 1 piece, max 23 kg per piece
• Economy Class (Flex fare): 2 pieces, max 23 kg per piece
• Premium Economy Class: 2 pieces, max 23 kg per piece
• Business Class: 2 pieces, max 32 kg per piece

Maximum linear dimensions per piece must not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height). Checked baggage exceeding 32 kg per item will not be accepted for transport.

Excess Baggage Fees

Excess baggage charges apply when your baggage exceeds the free allowance in terms of number of pieces, weight, or size. Fees vary by route and zone. For example, overweight charges for baggage between 23 kg and 28 kg on routes originating from Taiwan start from approximately USD 50 per piece. Passengers can save up to 10% by pre-purchasing excess baggage online through the China Airlines website before their flight. For the most accurate rates for your specific route, check the China Airlines excess baggage calculator on their official website.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

China Airlines follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:

• Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and corrosive substances are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
• Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
• Sharp objects such as knives and scissors must be placed in checked baggage
• Liquid containers in cabin baggage must not exceed 100 ml each and must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag

Check-in Guide

Airport Counter Check-in

Airport counter check-in is available at all China Airlines departure airports. Recommended arrival times:

• Domestic flights (within Taiwan): At least 1 hour before departure
• International flights: At least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure

Check-in counters typically close 40 to 60 minutes before departure for international flights. Passengers should arrive early, particularly during peak travel seasons such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and school holiday periods.

Online Check-in

China Airlines offers online check-in through its official website and mobile app. The online check-in window opens:

• Most routes: 48 hours to 60 minutes before departure
• US-bound flights: 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure (due to US government regulations)

After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter at the airport. Passengers travelling with cabin baggage only can head straight to security screening and the departure gate. Mobile boarding passes are available for select airports and routes.

Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience

China Airlines offers three cabin classes on most of its wide-body aircraft, each designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Economy Class

• Ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests and personal in-flight entertainment screens
• USB and power outlets at every seat on A350 and B777 aircraft
• Complimentary meals, beverages, and snacks on all flights
• Seat pitch of approximately 31–32 inches

Premium Economy Class

• Wider seats with increased legroom (approximately 39-inch seat pitch)
• Priority boarding and larger personal entertainment screens
• Enhanced meal service with upgraded menu selections
• Noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kit
• Available on A350-900 and B777-300ER aircraft

Business Class

• Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on A350 and B777 aircraft
• Premium dining with multi-course meals featuring Taiwanese and international cuisine
• Large personal entertainment screens with extensive movie, TV, and music library
• Access to China Airlines Dynasty Lounge at Taipei Taoyuan Airport and partner lounges worldwide
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
• Amenity kits and premium bedding

In-Flight Entertainment and Meals

China Airlines provides a personal in-flight entertainment system on most aircraft, featuring hundreds of movies, TV programmes, music albums, and games in multiple languages. The airline is known for its high-quality in-flight catering, with meals featuring Taiwanese specialities alongside international dishes. Special meal options including halal, vegetarian, kosher, and child meals can be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure through the airline's website or customer service.

Passenger Policies and Special Services

Travelling with Children and Infants

• Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat and ticket. Child fares may be available on certain routes
• Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare. Bassinet seats are available on request for long-haul flights (subject to availability)
• Required documents: Valid passport for all passengers on international flights, including children and infants
• Strollers and car seats can generally be checked at the boarding gate free of charge

Pregnant Passengers

• Passengers up to 36 weeks of pregnancy for single pregnancies (or 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies) may fly with a Medical Certificate and Medical Clearance Form
• The Medical Certificate must be issued by a qualified obstetrician within 10 days of the flight departure date and must include fetal health status, pregnancy stage in weeks, estimated delivery date, single or multiple pregnancy, and fitness for air travel
• Passengers must contact China Airlines Customer Service at least 2 working days before departure to obtain medical clearance
• Passengers beyond 36 weeks of single pregnancy or 32 weeks of multiple pregnancy are generally not accepted for travel

Passengers Requiring Special Assistance

China Airlines provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Available services include:

• Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
• Priority seating arrangements and pre-boarding
• On-board wheelchair for in-flight mobility
• Assistance for visually or hearing-impaired passengers

Passengers who require medical equipment on board (such as portable oxygen concentrators or mobility aids) should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure.

Unaccompanied Minors

• Children aged 5–11 years: Eligible for the unaccompanied minor (UM) service, which provides supervision from departure to arrival. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance
• Children under 5 years: Must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• Teenagers aged 12–17: May travel alone but can request airport clearance assistance for a fee of approximately USD 75 per one-way trip. Application must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure

Parents or guardians must complete a Consent and Release for Carriage of Minors form at the time of ticket issuance. A designated responsible adult must be present at both departure and arrival airports.

Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Rescheduling Flights

To reschedule a China Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:

• Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
• Select the booking you wish to modify
• Choose the reschedule option and select a new flight date or time
• Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences

Rescheduling fees and conditions depend on your fare type. Flexible fares typically allow changes with lower or waived fees, while promotional and discount fares may have stricter conditions or higher change fees.

Cancellations and Refunds

Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type:

• Fully flexible fares: Cancel and receive a full refund minus applicable service charges
• Standard fares: Cancellation fee deducted from the refund amount
• Non-refundable promotional fares: Generally non-refundable, but may be eligible for travel credit or future use depending on fare conditions

To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method. For airline-initiated cancellations (such as schedule changes or flight disruptions), passengers are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no additional cost.

Why Book China Airlines Flights on Traveloka

Booking China Airlines flights through Traveloka offers a range of benefits for Malaysian travellers:

• Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares on China Airlines flights to Taipei and beyond
• Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the perfect itinerary
• Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
• Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
• 24/7 customer support — Access multilingual support for any booking issues, changes, or travel queries
• Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka points, enjoy cashback offers, and access member-exclusive deals
• SkyTeam connectivity — Book China Airlines flights and enjoy seamless connections to SkyTeam partner airlines worldwide
• Earn Dynasty Flyer miles — Accumulate frequent flyer miles on your China Airlines flights for upgrades, free flights, and elite status benefits

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka

Use these strategies to secure the best fares on China Airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur:

• Book early — Ticket prices generally increase closer to the departure date, so booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance often yields the best fares
• Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and find the cheapest day to fly
• Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer lower fares than weekend departures
• Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to get notified instantly when fares drop on your preferred Kuala Lumpur to Taipei route
• Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promo page for flash sales, seasonal promotions, and exclusive promo codes for China Airlines flights
• Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid school holidays, Chinese New Year, and major public holidays for significantly lower fares
• Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional bundle savings
• Choose basic fares — If travelling light, select a Discount Economy fare to save on ticket costs and purchase add-ons only as needed

How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka

Follow these simple steps to book your China Airlines flight on Traveloka:

1. Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
2. Enter your departure city (e.g. Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g. Taipei), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
3. Tap the search button to view all available China Airlines flights and other airline options for your route
4. Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred flight
5. Enter passenger details — full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
6. Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or special meal requests
7. Review your booking summary including total fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
8. Choose your preferred payment method (credit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan) and complete the transaction
9. Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app — save or print it for reference at the airport

You are all set to fly with China Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and beyond. Enjoy your journey!