Uni Air

UNI Air is not just an air carrier, but a key link in Taiwan's transport system, reliably connecting bustling metropolises with cozy island corners. As a subsidiary of the world-renowned EVA Air, this regional operator combines high international service standards with a warm, almost home-like atmosphere on board. Travelers choose UNI Air for its convenient schedule, allowing them to quickly switch from the business rhythm of Taipei to a relaxed seaside holiday or an immersion in local culture.

History and Positioning

The company was formed in 1998 through the merger of three local carriers: Great China Airlines, Taiwan Airways, and UNI Airways. This strategic move created a powerful network covering almost the entire region. Today, UNI Air plays a leading role in the domestic market, providing vital connections between the main island and remote territories such as the Penghu archipelago (city of Magong) and the islands of Kinmen.

Fleet and Route Network

The company's air fleet consists primarily of modern ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are ideal for short regional flights and landings at smaller airports. These liners are known for their fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. UNI Air's route map is impressively diverse: from popular domestic destinations such as Hualien and Taitung to important international flights. The airline actively flies to major cities in mainland China, including Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Shanghai, and also operates flights to Seoul.

Values and Safety

UNI Air's top priority is passenger safety. Close cooperation with the parent company, EVA Air, allows for the use of advanced technologies for equipment maintenance and personnel training. The company's mission is to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable flights, contributing to the development of tourism and business ties in the region. On board, passengers can expect attentive service reflecting the famous Asian hospitality.

Contacting UNI Air representatives is quite simple, especially if you are in Taiwan. The airline offers several convenient communication channels for resolving booking issues, changing routes, or clarifying baggage rules, including telephone lines and digital services.

Official Website

The main source of up-to-date information and a tool for managing trips is the official airline portal: www.uniair.com.tw. Here you can not only buy a ticket but also use the feedback form.

Contact Details

• Customer Service and Booking (Domestic Flights): +886-2-2508-6999
• Customer Service and Booking (International and Regional Flights): +886-2-2501-1999
• Fax: +886-2-2513-1300
• Email: communication@uniair.com.tw (for general inquiries, using the form on the website is also recommended)
• Mobile App: UNI Air (立榮航空) — available for download on the App Store and Google Play. The application allows you to manage bookings and check-in.

Social Media

You can follow news, special offers, and schedule changes through the carrier's official accounts:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Offices and Representatives

The airline's headquarters is located in the capital. You can contact the main office or find service counters at departure airports.

• Headquarters Address: 8F., No.117, Sec. 2, Chang-An E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei, Taiwan.
• Airport Counters: UNI Air representative offices operate at all served airports, including Songshan Airport (TSA) in Taipei and Kaohsiung Airport (KHH). Counters usually open one hour before the departure of the first flight.

Important Note: Contact details and office hours may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the official website before contacting them.

Preparing for a flight with UNI Air requires careful attention to baggage rules, especially considering the diversity of the airline's route network. Rules can vary significantly depending on whether you are flying a domestic flight around the island or embarking on an international journey. We have compiled the main standards and tips to ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible.

Cabin Baggage: Essentials with You

Regardless of the class of service, UNI Air adheres to strict but fair standards of safety and comfort on board. Passengers are usually allowed to take into the cabin:

• One piece of carry-on baggage: Weight must not exceed 7 kg. Maximum dimensions are 56 × 36 × 23 cm. This rule applies to most flights departing from the hub in the city of Taipei.
• Personal item: In addition to the main bag, you can take a small item, such as a handbag, a briefcase with a laptop, or a folder with documents.

Please note: if your carry-on baggage exceeds the weight or size limits, staff will ask you to check it in, which may incur additional costs.

Checked Baggage: Allowances and Destinations

UNI Air's free baggage allowances depend on the type of flight (domestic or international/regional) and your ticket fare. This is a critical point when planning your trip.

• Domestic Flights: For flights within Taiwan, for example, from Shalu airport or when traveling to Taitung, the standard allowance is often 10 kg for Economy Class. This is due to the use of smaller turboprop aircraft on these routes.
• International and Regional Flights: When flying to mainland China (for example, to Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Xiamen) or to Seoul, baggage allowances are usually higher and comply with international standards (most often between 20 and 23 kg in Economy Class).
• Island Destinations: Popular tourist routes to islands such as Magong or Kinmen also usually fall under domestic transport rules with a 10 kg limit.

Always check the exact weight stated on your e-ticket, as promotional fares may not include baggage at all.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcases weigh more than allowed, UNI Air charges an excess baggage fee. Rates are calculated for each kilogram over the limit. On domestic flights, for example, when departing from the city of Kaohsiung, the cost of excess weight may be fixed and relatively low, whereas on international routes, the price per kilogram will be significantly higher. It is recommended to pay for additional baggage in advance online if such an option is available — this is often cheaper than paying at the airport.

Special Baggage and Sports Equipment

Taiwan is a great place for active leisure, and many tourists bring equipment with them. Nature and cycling enthusiasts often fly to Hualien.

• Bicycles and Golf Bags: Accepted for carriage but require secure packaging (bicycles in boxes or cases with tires deflated). They are included in the free baggage allowance, but if they exceed it by weight, they are paid for as excess cargo.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin (within carry-on dimensions). For large instruments (cello, guitar), you must either purchase a separate seat in the cabin ("CBBG") or check them in a hard case, signing a limited liability form.

Restrictions and Prohibitions: Safety First

Like all airlines, UNI Air strictly monitors safety. There are items that are strictly prohibited from being checked in:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: Must be carried only in carry-on baggage. Checking them in is strictly prohibited due to fire risk.
• Lighters and Matches: It is usually allowed to carry one lighter on your person (in a pocket), but rules may vary depending on the country of departure.
• Liquids (International Flights): In carry-on baggage — in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

Tips for Efficient Packing

To avoid stress at the airport, weigh your suitcases at home or at the hotel before leaving. If you are flying with a transfer from an international flight to a domestic UNI Air flight, remember the difference in allowances (23 kg vs 10 kg). Always take valuables, documents, money, and fragile electronics into the cabin.

Traveling with a pet requires careful preparation, and UNI Air (B7) understands passengers' desire not to part with their beloved animals. The carrier allows the transport of cats, dogs, and rabbits on its flights; however, rules are strictly regulated to ensure the safety and comfort of all flight participants. Since UNI Air operates both domestic flights within Taiwan and international flights, requirements may differ slightly depending on the destination.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Carry-on)

It is important to note that on most UNI Air flights, especially domestic ones (for example, departing from the city of Taipei), ordinary pets are not permitted for carriage in the cabin. This space is reserved primarily for service dogs. However, if your case falls under an exception or rules change for international destinations, the following standards apply:

• Carrier Dimensions: The container must fit freely under the seat in front. Approximate dimensions: no more than 45×30×23 cm (length/width/height).
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier is usually limited to 5–7 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Dogs, cats (for service purposes or with special permission).
• Breed Restrictions: Fighting breeds and flat-faced animals may be prohibited from carriage even in the cabin due to the risk of breathing problems.
• Limit per Passenger: One passenger — one carrier.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

This is the main method of transporting pets on UNI Air flights, whether it is a short flight to Magong or a flight to Seoul. Animals travel in a special compartment with controlled temperature and pressure.

• Container Requirements: The cage must be rigid (plastic/metal), lock securely, and comply with IATA standards. The animal must be able to stand up to its full height, turn around, and lie down.
• Weight and Size Restrictions: The maximum weight of the container with the animal must not exceed 45–50 kg (depends on the aircraft type, especially on ATR turboprops).
• Temperature Restrictions: The airline may refuse carriage if the air temperature at the departure or arrival airport is extremely high or low.
• Necessary Documents: The passenger must sign an "Indemnification of Baggage" form before departure.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If your pet together with the cage weighs more than the allowable limit for baggage or you are sending the animal unaccompanied:

• When Required: For giant dog breeds or commercial transport of animals.
• Special Requirements: The container must be of reinforced construction, and the clearance process goes through the cargo terminal.
• Booking Procedure: You must contact the UNI Air cargo department at least 48 hours before departure.

Necessary Documents

For successful check-in, you will need a full package of documents. Requirements are stricter for international flights (for example, to Shanghai) than for domestic ones:

• Veterinary Passport: With microchip details (mandatory for Taiwan).
• Health Certificate: Issued by a veterinarian no earlier than 7-10 days before departure.
• Vaccinations: A valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days and no more than a year before the trip).
• Quarantine Documents: Export/import permits and international veterinary certificates for cross-border travel.

Service Costs

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately. Rates depend on weight and route:

• Transport in the Hold: Usually calculated by weight (animal + cage). The cost is often equivalent to the rate for 1.5–2 units of excess baggage for each kilogram.
• Domestic Flights: Fixed rates or calculation by weight (for example, a flight to Taitung will be cheaper than an international one).
• Payment: Made at the airport check-in counter in local currency.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Requirements: Line the bottom of the cage with absorbent pads. Be sure to attach a tag with the pet's name and owner's contacts to the cage.
• Feeding: Feed the animal a light meal 4–6 hours before departure, but not right before the flight to avoid motion sickness.
• Water: Ensure access to water, especially if the flight is long or you are flying to a hot region, for example, to Kaohsiung in summer. A non-spill water dispenser can be used.
• Reducing Stress: Put a favorite toy or an item with the owner's scent in the cage. Veterinarians usually do not recommend giving sedatives, as they can affect blood pressure at altitude.

Restrictions

UNI Air, like many Asian carriers, has a strict list of restrictions to protect animal health:

• Prohibited Breeds (Brachycephalic): Dogs and cats with flattened faces (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats, etc.) are often not accepted for carriage in the cargo hold during hot periods or year-round due to the high risk of suffocation.
• Aggressive Breeds: Some dog breeds (for example, Pit Bull Terriers) may be completely banned from transport.
• Pregnant Animals: Females in late stages of pregnancy are not permitted to fly.
• Exceptions: Certified guide dogs are usually transported in the cabin free of charge and without a cage but must be muzzled and leashed.

Important: Airline rules can change without prior notice. We strongly recommend contacting the UNI Air call center before purchasing a ticket to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet on a specific flight.

UNI Air passengers become members of the prestigious Infinity MileageLands program, which the airline shares with its parent structure, EVA Air. This opens doors to a world of privileges for travelers not only on domestic routes within Taiwan but also during international trips around the planet. A unified points accumulation system makes every flight a contribution to your next adventure.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

The program consists of four statuses, each offering an increasingly substantial set of bonuses for frequent flyers:

• Green Card: The entry level assigned immediately after registration. Allows you to accumulate miles and enjoy special offers when booking.
• Silver Card: Unlocks access to priority reservation and waitlisting, and often gives the right to use business lounges when flying on the company's international flights.
• Gold Card: Includes access to VIP lounges for the holder and a guest, priority check-in and boarding, as well as expedited baggage handling upon arrival.
• Diamond Card: The elite level with maximum privileges, including guaranteed seat reservation on peak dates, increased baggage allowances, and exclusive gifts.

How to Earn Miles

Earning points in the Infinity MileageLands program is easy and convenient using a wide network of routes and partners:

• Air Travel: Miles are credited for every flight with UNI Air (for example, departing from the hub in the city of Taipei to remote corners of the island) and EVA Air. The number of miles depends on the flight distance and booking class.
• Partner Flights: Points accumulate when flying with airlines that are members of the Star Alliance.
• Hotels and Car Rentals: Staying at partner hotels and renting transport from international operators replenish your balance.
• Shopping and Cards: Using co-branded bank cards and shopping in duty-free stores also bring bonus miles.

How to Spend Miles

Accumulated miles turn into real opportunities to improve comfort en route:

• Award Tickets: Issuing free flights on UNI Air routes, for example, to resort Magong or historic Kinmen, as well as to international destinations.
• Class Upgrade: The ability to upgrade from Economy Class to Business or Premium Economy using miles.
• Excess Baggage Payment: Using miles to pay for baggage weight exceeding the standard allowance.
• Vouchers and Goods: Exchanging miles for hotel stays or goods in the airline's online store.

Alliance Membership

Thanks to close integration with EVA Air, the Infinity MileageLands program gives access to the privileges of the global aviation alliance Star Alliance. Holders of Gold and Diamond statuses receive "Star Alliance Gold" recognition and corresponding bonuses (lounge access, priority boarding) when flying on flights of all alliance members, including:

• United Airlines
• Lufthansa
• ANA (All Nippon Airways)
• Air China
• Turkish Airlines

How to Join

You can become a member of the program for free in just a few minutes. To do this, you need to fill out an online form on the official UNI Air or EVA Air website, providing passport details and contact information. After registration, you will receive a personal membership number and can immediately use it when booking tickets, whether it is a business trip to Shanghai or a trip to visit relatives.

UNI Air (B7) strives to make every flight, whether a short island-hopping trip or a business trip to the mainland, as pleasant as possible. The level of comfort and range of services on board largely depend on the type of aircraft and the duration of the flight. Since the airline uses a mixed fleet of turboprop aircraft and jet liners, the passenger experience on a flight to Taipei may differ from a flight on an international route.

Classes of Service

The airline offers two main classes, the availability of which varies by destination:

• Business Class (Uni Business): Available primarily on international and regional flights operated by Airbus A321 aircraft. Passengers traveling to Shanghai or Seoul can expect spacious seats, increased legroom, priority check-in, and enhanced dining. This is the ideal choice for those who value privacy and comfort en route.
• Economy Class: The main class of service on all routes. On domestic flights, for example, when flying to Magong or Taitung on ATR 72-600 aircraft, the cabin features a single-class layout. Despite the compactness, modern seats provide a decent level of comfort even for tall passengers.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

One of the pleasant features of the UNI Air fleet serving domestic lines is the 2-2 seat configuration on ATR aircraft. This means there is no uncomfortable middle seat: you sit either by the window, enjoying views of the coast, or by the aisle. This is especially appreciated by tourists flying to scenic Hualien or the Kinmen archipelago.

On jet aircraft operating on busier routes, such as Shenzhen or Xiamen, Economy Class uses a standard 3-3 layout. Seats are equipped with adjustable headrests and have sufficient recline for resting during the flight.

Dining and Beverages

UNI Air's catering service is adapted to the flight duration:

• Domestic Flights: Due to the short duration of flights (often less than 50 minutes), for example, from the city of Kaohsiung to the islands, full hot meals are usually not provided. Passengers are offered refreshing beverages (water, juices, tea, coffee).
• International Flights: On routes to mainland China and South Korea, hot meals prepared according to the standards of the parent company EVA Air are served. In Business Class, the menu is more diverse and includes a choice of several dishes, as well as a wide range of beverages.

Entertainment and Connectivity

An atmosphere of tranquility reigns on board UNI Air aircraft. Individual screens are absent on turboprop liners, so passengers are advised to bring a book or download content to their gadgets in advance. In the seat pocket, you will find the signature in-flight magazine UNI Air, telling about the region's attractions, whether hidden corners of the city of Shalu or cultural events in the capital.

On A321 liners, an audio and video system is available (shared screens or individual ones in Business Class), offering a selection of movies and music to pass the time en route.

Special Services

UNI Air pays special attention to caring for passengers with special needs. The airline provides:

• Unaccompanied Minors: A service for minors traveling without parents is available upon prior request. Staff will look after the child from the check-in counter until handover to the meeting party.
• Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Provision of wheelchairs and assistance with boarding/disembarking. It is recommended to order this service when booking a ticket.
• For Expectant Mothers: Pregnant women can fly on the airline's flights subject to certain rules and timeframes (a doctor's certificate is usually required in later stages).

UNI Air's route network is built around a key hub in the city of Taipei, ensuring high transport accessibility both within Taiwan and beyond. The carrier offers convenient connections for travel to remote islands of the archipelago, and also operates regular international flights to China and South Korea, linking important economic and tourist centers of the region.

Traveling with UNI Air (B7) is a great opportunity to explore Taiwan and neighboring regions in comfort. However, given the specifics of the route network, which includes popular islands and busy business destinations, knowing a few nuances will help save time and money. We have compiled proven tips for you that will make your trip easy and enjoyable.

Best Time to Book

Demand for UNI Air tickets depends heavily on the season and traditional Chinese holidays. Island destinations such as Magong (Penghu archipelago) and Kinmen are incredibly popular among locals during the Lunar New Year, Qingming Festival, and summer holidays.

• For holiday flights: Book tickets at least 2 months in advance. The airline often opens sales for peak dates at a specific time, and tickets can sell out in a few hours.
• For regular days: To get the best fares for flights to Taitung or other domestic cities, try to buy tickets 14–21 days before departure. Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) are traditionally cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights.

Discounts and Special Offers

Although UNI Air is a classic rather than a budget airline, finding good deals is quite possible. Keep an eye on the "Promotions" section on the official website. "Early Bird" fares are often found for those who plan their trip in advance. Also, pay attention to package deals including flights and accommodation, especially if you are flying from the hub in the city of Taipei to resorts.

Online Check-in and Mobile App

Save time at the airport by using digital services. The UNI Air app (available in English and Chinese) is your main assistant on the road.

• Check-in: Online check-in usually opens 24–48 hours and closes 1 hour before departure. This will allow you to select a seat and receive a mobile boarding pass.
• App Features: Here you can not only buy a ticket but also check flight status in real-time, which is critical given the changeable island weather.
• Important: On international routes, for example, to Shanghai or Seoul, a visa check at the counter may be required even if you have checked in online.

Seat Selection: Where are the Best Views?

Flights over Taiwan are incredibly scenic, especially considering that ATR turboprop aircraft fly at a lower altitude than jet liners. In this type of aircraft, the seat configuration is 2-2, which eliminates the uncomfortable "middle" seat.

• East Coast: If you are flying to Hualien from Taipei, choose seats on the left side on the outbound flight to admire the ocean, or on the right side for views of the majestic mountains.
• Islands: When landing at Magong Airport, views of the turquoise water and the Penghu archipelago islands open up from both sides, but window seats in the front of the cabin (further from the engines) will ensure a quieter flight and a better view.

Insurance and Weather Nuances

Purchasing travel insurance covering flight delays or cancellations is a mandatory recommendation for UNI Air passengers, especially during certain seasons. Weather in the Taiwan Strait can be unpredictable:

• Fog Season: From February to May, Kinmen airport (served by flights from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Shalu airport) often closes due to thick fog. Visibility can drop suddenly, leading to flight delays or cancellations.
• Typhoon Season: From July to October, schedule changes are possible due to tropical storms affecting the entire region.

Having insurance will help compensate for accommodation and meal expenses in case of a forced delay.

Connections and Transfers

If you are planning a complex route, for example, a flight from the city of Shenzhen to Taipei followed by a transfer to a domestic flight, allow at least 3 hours for the connection. You will have to go through passport control, collect baggage, and possibly change terminals. In Taipei, UNI Air uses both Taoyuan Airport (TPE) for international flights and Songshan Airport (TSA) for domestic and some regional flights — there is about a 40–60 minute drive by bus or taxi between them.

UNI Air's (B7) path to the status of Taiwan's leading regional carrier is a history of strategic mergers, modernization, and a constant drive to expand horizons. Over a little more than two decades, the company has undergone a transformation from a local player to an important link in East Asian air travel, opening up access for tourists to both picturesque islands and major metropolises.

Foundation and Unification of Forces

The official starting point in UNI Air's history is considered to be 1998. However, the company's roots go deeper. The air carrier was formed as a result of large-scale restructuring and the merger of three local airlines: Great China Airlines, Taiwan Airways, and UNI Airways. This process was initiated by the parent company EVA Air, seeking to consolidate the domestic transport market. Based in the city of Taipei, the new unified airline immediately took leading positions, ensuring stable connections between the main island and remote territories.

Jet Age and Fleet Renewal

An important milestone in development was the constant renewal of the air fleet. In the early 2000s, the company's calling card was McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft, which served as the backbone of the fleet for a long time. Over time, following global trends for fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, UNI Air carried out a large-scale modernization. Old liners were replaced by modern ATR 72-600 turboprops, ideally suited for short flights to Magong or the islands of Kinmen, and Airbus A321 jets for longer routes.

Entry onto the International Stage

Initially focused on domestic flights, the airline played a historic role in the development of direct flights across the Taiwan Strait. This opened a new chapter in UNI Air's commercial activities, allowing the launch of regular flights to key cities in mainland China. Today, the flight map includes such important economic centers as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. In addition, the company expanded its presence in Northeast Asia by adding flights to Seoul to the schedule.

Modernity and Innovation

In recent years, UNI Air has been actively implementing digital technologies, following the standards of its parent company EVA Air. This includes the launch of a convenient mobile application, the development of an online check-in system, and self-service kiosks at airports such as Kaohsiung and Shalu. The airline continues to strengthen its reputation as a safe and reliable carrier, focusing on the development of tourist destinations such as Taitung and Hualien, and offering travelers a high level of service inherited from one of the world's best airline brands.