How EVA Air’s Classes Of Travel Compare On Transpacific Flights

Based at Taoyuan International Airport, EVA Air and its white and green-liveried aircraft fly to and fro to destinations scattered across the globe. Specifically on flights from Taipei to North America, the Star Alliance member utilizes its fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs, except for Seattle where you’ll find a 787 Dreamliner. While many have heard of the airline’s impressive service, what is it like to fly long-haul with EVA?

Economy class

Configured in either a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 setup, depending on the specific example, EVA’s economy offering is decently relaxing, with the hard product’s seat pitch and width matching China Airlines and United Airlines’ at 32 and 17 inches, respectively. Each passenger is presented with a small pillow, blanket, and earbuds. Headrests are adjustable, and the recline is good as far as economy goes, so it’s not difficult to get settled in one’s seat.

Although EVA’s inflight entertainment doesn’t consist of hundreds of movies and TV shows, the high-resolution touch IFE screens provide access to some of the most recent hits from the East and West. For those who would instead use their own devices, the seat back panels have a USB charging cable, and the seats have shared outlets just in case.

Photo: i viewfinder / Shutterstock.com

At mealtime, there are typically two main choices for an entree, with a small salad, fruit cup, bun, and dessert. Drink options include a variety of sodas, non-carbonated beverages, and wine or beer. Throughout the journey, the respect given to all passengers on the part of the cabin crew is second to none, regardless of which seat you’re in. For economy class, EVA Air’s offerings in terms of hard and soft products are both excellent, and at just about $1,000 round trip for some of the shorter transpacific flights, the value is certainly there.

Premium economy

Currently only available on the carrier’s 777s, EVA Air was the pioneer for premium economy seating, and it still provides a solid product today. Unlike fellow Star Alliance member ANA based in nearby Tokyo, customers flying in EVA’s premium economy cabin do not have lounge access. However, while the old-fashioned color scheme may be deceiving, the hard product, set up in a 2-4-2 configuration, is more comfortable than its Japanese counterpart.

Photo: Emerson Gomes / Shutterstock

Upon taking your seat, you’ll find a pillow, blanket, slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and perhaps a water bottle. Notably, EVA Air premium economy customers are provided an “overnight kit,” filled with many of the same items you’d expect in a proper amenity kit.

Meal service in premium economy is slightly elevated compared to standard economy. It still comes on what seemed to be the same tray, though the overall food and drink (including alcohol) selection has a premium touch, which is fitting for the class. It’s nowhere near what EVA’s business class product offers, but there are both Western and Eastern options to try out.

As mentioned earlier, the seat is remarkably comfortable, made even better by a 38-inch pitch and 19.3-inch width. It reclines decently far back, facilitating a surprisingly good sleep environment, even for those who may have trouble getting some shut-eye in economy.

Photo: EVA Air

Roundtrip, the most basic premium economy fare, will be about $600 to $800 USD higher than the most basic economy fare (depending on the specific route), which is significant for many travelers. But basic economy is usually the first to run out, and if you’re not worried about travel date change fees, the value EVA brings with their premium economy product can be well worth the upgrade from a higher fare economy ticket.

Royal Laurel Class

Distinct from the airline’s “Premium Laurel” business class offered on regional routes, this term refers to EVA’s highest class of service. On the 777, these lie-flat seats are in a more traditional reverse herringbone 1-2-1 configuration, while those featured on the 787 are all forward-facing and more modern-looking.

Again, once you get beyond the outdated-looking (though spotless) beige and green color scheme, the seats are very comfortable, and you’re instantly presented with a slew of items, including a soft pillow, thick blanket, slippers, and noise-canceling headphones. A flight attendant will come around with designer pajamas, a luxury amenity kit, a wet towel, and a welcome drink.

Photo: Simple Flying | Justin Surette

Soon after takeoff, the meal service will begin, and here, EVA Air offers its most premium customers a plethora of options by selecting entrees in the days before departure. There are always a few choices for those who forgo this offering, but there are over ten entrees to choose from online, featuring dishes created by chefs who run some of the most impressive fine dining facilities in downtown Taipei. It’s a several-course affair with a wine and spirit selection that rivals many international first class offerings, so come ready to enjoy.

When it comes to resting, at least on the 777, the provided bed cover doesn’t entirely hide some specifically hard parts of the seat. It might take a bit of tossing and turning, but optimal positions are to be found regardless of how you typically sleep. For comparison, United Airlines offers their flagship Polaris business class product from SFO to TPE, which features an arguably more comfortable bed for sleeping.

Yet, nearly everything else about EVA’s service is far superior, and it comes at a lower cost, making it difficult not to recommend it for travelers planning to fly in a premium cabin. Look out for Simple Flying’s trip review of this product from Taipei to Chicago coming soon!

Have you ever traveled with EVA Air? Let us know your experiences in the comments below.

Sources: EVA Air, SeatGuru