Back to Taipei Main Station, there's intown check in just like HK
, very handy.
I didn't know the CI lounge in T1 was quite a different thing compared to the one in T2...again, research missing!
Since my flight departed from T2 I just went. BIG MISTAKE.
Plaza Premium was so packed I couldn't find any seats...no pictures.
The CI lounge was slightly better but not by much - I think all their US/AU departures are from T2. And those flights are all about the same time! My flight was delayed by about 30 mins and that's enough for the whole lounge to clear out.
Just imagine this place full....
F&B were at one end, and I was sitting at the other end, so only had a beef noodle and some fruits.
After I got back I saw some pictures of the CI T1 lounge, bummer!
Interestingly all the boarding gates were one level down from the main departure floor level.
So across the lounge you have this, I dunno, relaxation area?
I was busy taking pictures of the then empty lounge and quite late to the gate. Most of J passengers were already boarded.