- Introduction: A Quick Trip to Taipei
- EVA Air Business Class Review (Royal Laurel Class) LAX-TPE
- Grand Hyatt Taipei Review
- JAL Business Class Lounge TPE Review
- JAL Regional Business Class Review TPE-NRT
- JAL First Class Lounge NRT Review (Sakura Lounge)
- JAL First Class (Sky Suite) Review NRT-LAX
I headed back to the airport the same way I got into the city – by taxi. My flight was a relatively short one from TPE-NRT, so I was in the smaller terminal that didn’t have any of the good lounges. I was flying JAL’s regional Business on this next flight and I was curious how it was going to be, but first I got to see the lounge.
The entrance wasn’t the best-labeled entry that there was in terms of signage, but it was clear to see there was a lounge here. Once I got inside I saw a map of the lounge, which made it look very big.
The lounge was pretty big, but it felt a lot more spacious because there were only a couple of other people there. This gave me the opportunity to try every chair in the lounge.
The seats here were particularly uncomfortable in my opinion. The only decent seat in the place was at the work spaces, and some of those weren’t even cleaned. In fact, I think there was maybe a single employee working the entire lounge including the entrance, food, and cleaning.
As I always do at the lounge, I decided to check out the food spread even though I wasn’t particularly hungry.
All I’ll say is that I’m glad I wasn’t hungry, because the food here was limited, old, and boring. There was some dim sum, noodle options, and sandwiches that actually looked really gross. The drinks were the only things that I would have considered…that is, I would have if the cold drinks weren’t warm.
Speaking of warm, I don’t think they had the AC on in this place, because it was very stuffy in there. I tried sticking it out for a while but I only lasted about 30 minutes before deciding it was better to go hang out by the gate.
Yes, this lounge was relatively big and empty. But no, definitely do not come to the airport early thinking you can pass your time at this lounge or feed yourself prior to your flight. It’s simply not worth it!
As you found out, the lounges (and airport too) pretty much suck in Taipei. It’s the same in EVA’s business class lounge in the main terminal. .but worse, because it’s usually crowded there too.
I put this down to Taipei being about the only major city in Asia not to have debut a new airport this century. It’s really old and a little decrepit…sorta like a u.s. airport.
Good point! I never stopped to think why that is, but your explanation makes sense.