I’m off to Asia again, this time on EVA Airlines Business Class. Also referred to Royal Laurel Class within the company, it’s their version of their business class.
Since I had booked on Expedia, this time it was a flight from Puerto Vallarta to Vancouver with WestJet and then direct to Taipei, Taiwan. Unfortunately, WestJet does not honor the same baggage sizes and weights as their partner EVA Airlines Business Class, and I was charged an overweight fee! Not the best way to start out.
The change in Vancouver was not too painful, but still a hassle because of a secondary security check. Apparently, countries like Mexico and Asia are not “trustworthy,” and Canada requires their own. Luckily, the checked bags are not reclaimed and simply transferred to the next international flight. I had about 2 hours because of the late departure from Puerto Vallarta.
The next gate was very close, as it seems like all the Asian flights leave from a specific set of gates. With only 30 minutes before the boarding started, I quickly checked out their shared lounge. It was very similar to others around the world, nothing special.
The call for zones for boarding was quite extensive and spread out throughout the airport. I guess it was a full flight, and it takes some organization to load 350 passengers. The call was made for special assistance and EVA Airlines Business Class boarding through a special gate at the front of the airplane. Other classes used a different boarding gangway.
I was seated in 5A, a window seat on the port side. There are actually 2 sections of business class on this 777-300er, for a total of 60 EVA Business Class seats. Noticeably tighter alignment and no high walls provided a much more cozy environment with other passengers. You could easily see other passengers in the cabin, unlike most other airlines. If you are looking for privacy, it is not on EVA Business Class.
However, the service staff is top-notch! As soon as you get situated, they are there with a boarding beverage and taking your orders for the entire flight. And it was spot on for the delivery of what you ordered throughout the flight.
Our EVA Airlines Business Class schedule is 12 hours and 14 minutes today, taking us northward through Alaska and Russia. As we turn southward through Japan and finally to northern Taiwan. Smooth flight with occasional choppiness.
Dinner service begins in about half an hour, as it’s a very late departure at 1215am. The tightness of the cabin is very evident when you pull out the service tray, and the TV monitor also collapsed into the wall in front of you. This can be annoying because it’s a hard clasp and is certainly felt by the passenger in front of you. Noise-canceling headphones, pillow, slippers, amenity kit, and comforter-type blanket are all out and visible. Since it was so late, the crew offered to set up your bed pad immediately.
Dinner choices included beef, chicken, or vegetarian options for Western-style or Eastern-style. I pre-ordered the beef Brisket option, and the food was served fresh and hot! A hot temperature is a rarity on airlines. The appetizer was the same for everyon,e and it was quite nice. Cold lobster and duck slices with arugula and salsa. Dessert was a fruit and cheesecake combination.
The beverage list was quite extensive, including quality wines and champagne, Heiken Decker. Like I said before, the service staff was very efficient and cordial. They seemed to be on top of the meal service and were very visible.
Since it was late, the cabin quickly turned into night mode, and lots of passengers went to sleep. The ceiling is illuminated with a starlight design. The TV was an older style, but the resolution was acceptable. Selections included movies, TV shows, music, flight tracker, etc.
Restrooms were ample, some of the largest I have ever seen on an airplane. Ideology was the nice product used in the bathrooms. Basic snacks, salty and sweet, were available throughout the flight.
Breakfast was served about 2 hours before landing, and once Western or Eastern styles were available. I pre-ordered the western spinach omelet with bacon. This was preceded by a breakfast pastry and fruit Plate.
All in all, it was a pleasant flight, and I would recommend it. Especially if you can get a deal on the pricing. Good Job, EVA Airlines Business Class!
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