Sunday, September 21, 2008

Another Reason Why I Don't Fly China Airlines

I have always flown Eva Air when flying to and from Taiwan. Even when it was more costly to fly Eva Air over China Airlines, I've chosen Eva Air. Even these past few years when China Airlines seemed to have cleaned up its act somewhat, and offered better/larger/roomier seats (from what I hear) compared to Eva Air, I've chosen Eva Air. Furthermore, China Airlines provides personal TVs for each seat, whereas Eva Air economy class did not.

Why? Things like, severe turbulence injuring 30 passengers (Sept. 21, 2008), and exploding jets (Aug. 20, 2007), I tend to like to avoid.

Unfortunately last year when I was in Taiwan and made a trip to Hong Kong, I had to fly China Airlines due to certain time constraints. That was probably the most scared I've ever been on an airplane. Even though there was hardly any turbulence, you just never know with China Airlines.

Take a look at this website here that has a list of all airlines and their "accident rates."

China Airlines ranked 90 out of 90- where 1 is best, 90 is worst. For some reason Eva Air is not on the list, not sure why, but Eva Air is regarded as one of the best airlines in the world in regards to safety.

From Eva Air's Wikipedia:

Internationally, EVA Air's rapid expansion and increased passenger volume was boosted by its safety record, in [stark (emphasis added)] contrast to its primary competitor, China Airlines.
Especially for those who fly between Taiwan and Seattle, is there any reason to fly China Airlines? Considering the fact that China Airlines has discontinued flights between Taiwan and Seattle, there shouldn't be any reason. Do yourself a favor and avoid CAL. Is that 2-4 inches of extra seat width worth it when you consider they have one of the worst, if not worst, safety records of all airlines?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always used EVA as well. China Airlines is a joke - from its safety records and its name.

Three years go, I heard 2 British young men, asking a KLM airline staff at the transfer desk in the Amsterdam Airport whether this was a Chinese company. The Dutch staff there told them that this was a 'Taiwanese' airline. One of the British guys then asked whether Taiwan had anything to do with China. The Dutch staff firmly reassured them that Taiwan and China were two separate countries. The British guy commented that the company really should change its name...

Curious Curious George said...

I like how you emphasize the 90 out of 90...1 being the highest, 90 being the lowest... LOL