Flying Peach Aviation A320ceo from Taipei to Okinawa!

 Welcome to my 2024 edition of my Peach Aviation Trip Report! 

Introduction 

Okinawa was one of the cities I like to visit especially after hearing a lot of positive reviews from my friends so after much consideration, I decided to make it my first stop and looking at the list of airlines, I decided on Peach. Jetstar Japan was my first choice but because there was a stop-over and the airfare was not cheap, I decided to skip it so it was down to between China Airlines and Peach. I went for Peach in the end to see how much the airline has evolved since my last flight with the airline and also maybe I might have a chance to fly on the airline's A320neo. However looking at the flight history, my chance of flying on the newer A320 model was slim but it doesn't matter. So without further ado, let's begin this trip report.

Booking 

There are different fares for the seat, I would recommend paying for the higher tier fare to avoid a headache.

The booking experience was quite straightforward, you should no issues with the website.

The mobile version also explains clearly on the different tyes of airfare and add-ons if required.

I picked seat 10A after checking to make sure the seat has a window. 

I recommend going for the standard airfare in order to secure a seat and it comes with the 20kg luggage allowance for checking in. 

Overall I thought the airline did a good job in designing the mobile app and website. Simple but easy to navigate. 

On the day of departure

I took the airport train from Taipei Main Station to the Airport train station and the journey took around less than hour, it is certain the most convenient way to get there.

This is the Peach Aviation check-in counter and there are 2 queues, the first queue to Osaka and the other (my flight) to Okinawa.

This was where I queued, destination - Naha.

I went to the food court and ordered myself a Taiwanese set meal.

With my boarding pass issued, I made my way to the airside after enjoying the meal.

There was a bit of queue at the security but thankfully the immigration for departure is automated so it didn't take long to get to the airside.

Checking my flight status, my flight was departing from gate A8.

Some of the exhibits which I photographed along the way.

There are a good number of duty-free shops.

The airline lounges are located on the next level.

Christmas was around the corner at this point of time.

I did a check which aircraft was flying me to Okinawa, JA820P gets the honour.

While exploring the terminal, I manage to spot some interesting traffic.

Emirates A380 

Fedex Boeing 777 Freighter

Starlink  - Starlux's Premium Class Lounge

What I like about the airport is some of the Taiwanese culture is spread around the airport to let the foreigners have a better understanding of the country.

China Airlines Lounge

Kids may get fascinated with the big screen version of marine life.

This is my departure gate area.

It's time to board!

My ride: JA820A (Photo: K.H Yim)

JA820P (Leased from FGL)

Airbus A320-214

Configuration: Y180

Engines: 2 x CFM56-5B4/3

Delivered in Dec 2017

Age: 7+ Years Old  (Jan 2025)

Built in Toulouse (TLS)

Flight route: TPE-OKA

Miles: 407

My seat: 10A (seatmap.com)

Date of departure: 23rd November 2024

Airline: Peach Aviation

Flight: MM928

Route: TPE-OKA

Aircraft: Airbus A320ceo

Registration: JA820P

Seat: 10A

Terminal: 1

Gate: A2

Load: 70%

Flight Time: 55 minutes

Actual Flight Time: 59 minutes

Schedule Departure: 1820

Boarding: 1800

Pushed Back: 1821

Take Off: 1832

Schedule Arrival: 2050

Actual Arrival: 2031

Departure Runway: 05L

Departure Weather: Cloudy

Arrival Runway: 36L

Arrival Weather: Cloudy

                                     

My inflight experience 

Boarding took place on time and the boarding procedure was different from other low-cost carriers I have flown so far. Those seated from row 21 and behind were to board first then followed by row 11 to 20 and finally the front row passengers boarded last. Once on board, we settled down quickly and the announcement was made about my flight including expected turbulence during the take-off and a reminder not to film the crew and passengers without permission. The announcement was made in 4 languages, Japanese, Mandarin, Taiwanese Dialect and English. What I don't understand about this flight though is why they didn't dim the lights during take-off and landing, so it was bright cabin from the departure gate to the arrival gate. 

After taking off, we experienced some turbulence during our climb and the ride was better once we were out of Taiwan. For the rest of the flight, the weather was good and we had a smooth landing at Okinawa later, arriving at the airport about 19 minutes ahead of schedule. As this flight was short, I didn't order any meals on board. The crew did announce the availability of the meal service and they came around to check to see if we were interested and also to make sure that we were alright. I find Japanese hospitality one of the best in the world, it's something that I look forward to whenever I am flying on a Japanese airline or visiting the country.

After arrival, we landed and parked at the terminal where we disembarked through the jet bridge. 

Photos of the cabin 

This is pretty much a basic economy class cabin without any USB charging ports or IFE seatback system.

This is the front row (row 1) of the cabin.  

The colours of the seats matches the airline's corporate livery. 

This is the front 2 rows of the cabin, the first row usually offers better legroom space but one has to pay more for this seat. 

The seat is fairly comfortable with a slightly tight legroom space but bearable for this short flight. 

A few more photos of the seats 

Legroom space looks tight but for a 192 (6 foot 4) passenger, it was bearable. 

There are 2 rows of emergency seats on each side on this Airbus A320 aircraft. (12 seats altogether) 

The Peach cabin crew was waiting to assist. 

This is my seat 10A. 

The view from my seat 

The overhead panel includs an individual air vent, lamp light and a pair of crew alert lights.

The airline's corporate colours 

More photos of the seat 

I like the design of the rear view of the seat. 

Legroom space is bearable. 

What's provided for each passenger? 

A disposal bag

Safety Card 

Instructions to connect to the airline's Wi-Fi (airline’s webpage only)

Inflight menu

Food and Beverages are offered on Peach's flights. 

The airline's network 

In-flight Entertainment (Online Streaming) 

There are only 4 options on the airline's web page.

The in-flight map

You can place your order with the crew and only credit card is accepted for payment.

At this point, we were on final approach to Okinawa.

During disembarkment, we were each given a sweet.

Unfortunately no window view photos for this trip report. The reason is the cabin lights were on through out the entire flight and the reflection from the light made it impossible to take a descent photo of the view outside. Don't you agree that cabin lights should be turned off during take off and landing? 

My flight summary 

Welcome to Okinawa Airport! 

 

As it was off peak period at that time, the immigration process took less than 5 minutes to clear and I had to wait for a little while for my luggage to appear before making my way to the train station.

Naha Airport Domestic Terminal

This is the monorail (Yui Rail Station) - Naha-Kuko (Airport) Station

The map of the monorail’s network (Click here for Yui Rail’s website for more information)

That's me at the neighbourhood near my hotel.

That's all folks!

My ratings

Airline Mobile App/Website (User-Friendliness): 4/5

Airport Experience (TPE Terminal 1): 5/5

In-Flight Service: 4/5

In-Flight Entertainment (Streaming Wifi): 2.5/5

Seat Comfort: 3/5

Cabin Ambiance: 4/5

Seat Conditiom: 4.5/5

Punctuality: 5/5

In-Flight Meal: NA

Cabin Cleanliness: 5/5

Overall Rating: 37/45

Percentage: 74%

Conclusion 

It was a pleasant flight flying with Peach on this short one-hour sector but flying with low-cost carriers, one has to pay more for additional services to make oneself more comfortable. The airfare I paid for this flight was cheaper by quite a bit comparing with EVA Air and China Airlines even with the 20kg baggage allowance and seat selection. Comparing this flight with my previous experience with this airline, it is similar in terms of the inflight service and amenities offered by the airline. The airline has since improved its website and mobile app, making it more straight forward to book the flights and now there is online streaming available but lacking of entertainment program including wifi to access the outside world as the airline is focusing on keeping the cost low. Overall, I enjoyed my flight and even though the seat was a bit cramped, I found it to be bearable. The in-flight service was good but the only complaint I have is the airline should adopt is to turn off or dim the cabin lights during take off and landing.

Hope you enjoyed this trip report! 

For my trip report on my previous flight with this airline (last flown about 10 years ago), click here

For my previous trip report (China Airlines A350-900 SIN-TPE), click here

For my next trip report (Solaseed Air Boeing 737-800 OKA-FUK), coming up soon 

Have a good one! 

Charles

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