Virgin is Fantastic! I usually do my flying with QF mainly due to OW alliance (Hadn't flown VA in about 6 years) but flew them SYD-HKG return, outbound in Y, inbound in J. Both flights were outstanding and they had a wide range of meals in both classes. The crew in J were very attentive and cheer...

I submitted my application for a 10-year passport yesterday, my current one was going to expire in less than 6 months. It cost $282 + Priority (leaving the country soon) of $186. Making it $468.

I only hold a Platinum Card & while on the topic of Travel service with AMEX. I just booked a J flight return to HKG yesterday for this upcoming now years (I know so late). They got me $1000 off with a corporate rate on VA.

I would suggest the Grand Hyatt Taipei. It's only a 3 minute walk or so from the station and as an added bonus, right near the Taipei 101!

I must be lucky or something but in the past 4 months, I've done 6 flights (BNE-SYD/MEL) and everytime it has worked perfectly, at a great speed and without any interruptions.