To simplify the benefits and requirements of China Airline's loyalty program, I've summarized it in one table so you don't have to click around a million times around their site. Their site is quite clean, but the information density is not optimal. They also have a Lite Travel program that is not well advertised.
The program is status points-based and not mileage-based, so it's not very easy to determine exactly how much flying you need to do to earn status. You also earn mileage for redemption on other SkyTeam airlines.
Based on partner flying, even flying 5 round-trips between Taipei and Los Angeles (LAX) is enough to meet 50% of the Gold requirements. However, I will point out that I don't think there are SkyTeam airlines with better service/experience than China Airlines flying out of Taipei, so earning Gold via China Airlines is the way to go. 1.5 Business class round-trips from TPE to FRA will get your Gold, or 8 round-trips in Economy from TPE to NRT.
| Credited Miles | Status Points earned |
|---|---|
| 1-1000 miles | 5 |
| 1001-3000 miles | 10 |
| 3001-5000 miles | 20 |
| Over 5001 miles | 30 |
You can move up to the next tier as soon as you meet the requirement, but note the renewal requirements are separate, and the 2 year renewal requirement clock starts ticking from the moment you reach the next tier.
| Benefit Category | Dynasty (Entry) | Gold | Emerald | Paragon (Top Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTeam Level | - | Elite | Elite Plus | Elite Plus |
| Upgrade requirement (within 1 year) | - | 360 | 720 | 1400 |
| Renewal requirement (within 2 years) | - | 580 | 1150 | 2240 |
| Excess status points rollover | - | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
| Min. Percentage of status points from China Airlines / Mandarin Airlines required | - | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Status Validity | Inactive if no activity in 3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Mileage Bonus | — | +15% | +25% | +30% |
| Birthday Bonus Miles | — | 2,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Upgrade Welcome Offer | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Renewal Gift | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reservation Convenience | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Priority Waitlist | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Reservation | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Domestic Ticket Discount | 5% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| Seat Selection | Partial free | Partial free | Member + 1 companion | Member + 2 companions |
| Priority Check-in | — | Member | Member + 1 companion | Member + 2 companions |
| Extra Baggage Allowance | — | +1 piece | +1 piece | +2 pieces |
| Priority Baggage Handling | — | Member | Member + 1 companion | Member + 2 companions |
| Airport Lounge Access | — | Member | Member + 1 companion | Up to 2 companions (depending on lounge) |
| Airport Cabin Upgrade Opportunity | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reissue Service Charge Waiver | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Award Ticket Fee Waiver | — | — | — | ✔ |
| Duty-Free Discount (Onboard) | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Milestone / Exclusive Rewards | — | — | — | ✔ |
| 2540 status points (+300) | — | — | — | 20K bonus Miles (3 year validity) |
| 2840 status points (+600) | — | — | — | 2 transferable route-unrestricted upgrade certificates (1 year validity) |
| 2840 status points (+900) | — | — | — | Free Gold tier nomination of another member |
Lite Travel program
This works like a "side quest" in a computer game. In addition to the main loyalty program, you earn status points after completing a series of tasks that help with the environment. When you reach 8 status points you can redeem for a 12% off ticket discount for a business class ticket within Asia, or a 15% off discount for flights outside of Asia. You can read more details here https://milesbringsmiles.china-airlines.com/en/esg.html
| Task # | Task Name | Status Points | Description | Sustainability Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Check-in | 1 | Use website/app for check-in instead of printing boarding passes | Reduce paper usage and airport resource consumption |
| 2 | Light Baggage (≤15kg) | 1 | Keep checked baggage weight ≤15kg | Lower aircraft fuel consumption and emissions |
| 3 | Pre-select Meals | 1 | Choose meals in advance (Premium cabins) | Reduce food waste through accurate catering |
| 4 | Dynasty Sky Reading | 1 | Use digital in-flight reading instead of printed materials | Reduce paper usage onboard |
| 5 | Self-service Upgrade / Award Ticket | 1 | Redeem miles or upgrade tickets online | Reduce need for physical service processes |
| 6 | Air + Rail (Rail&Fly ticket) | 1 | Use combined air + rail ticket (Europe Rail&Fly products) | Promote integrated, lower-emission transport |
| 7 | Donate Miles | 3 | Donate mileage to charity | Support social responsibility and community aid |
Discussion