EVA Air’s enterprise class on the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has a glossy cabin paired with top-notch customer support, satisfying meals and cozy bedding, however lacks a number of key points that may make it a very luxurious expertise.

Execs:

• Comfy seats with a sensible design and plush bedding.
• Wonderful customer support and scrumptious meals.
• Excessive-end facilities like designer pajamas and Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits.

Cons:

• Disappointing lounges, with crowded areas and restricted meals choice.
• Subpar inflight leisure choices.
• Costly and gradual Wi-Fi.

How a lot does it value to e-book enterprise class on EVA Air?

I redeemed 75,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles for a one-way redemption from Taoyuan Worldwide Airport (TPE) to Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA). Here’s a snapshot of what paid fares on this identical route are like over the subsequent 12 months in addition to some award redemption choices utilizing factors and miles from two of EVA’s Star Alliance companions’ frequent-flyer applications, Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus.

ClassEconomic systemPremium economic systemEnterpriseAirfare$900-1,800.$1,900-2,500.$5,400-7,000.Aeroplan factors50,000 factors + $82 taxes.Not obtainable at time of publication.75,000 factors + $82 taxes.United MileagePlus miles38,500 miles + $39 taxes.Not obtainable at time of publication.88,000 miles + $39 taxes.

Probably the most up-to-date EVA Air enterprise class (or “Royal Laurel Class,” because the airline calls it) seats are discovered on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 plane. On the time of writing, Seattle is the one North American vacation spot the place these planes function. You can too discover these jets on flights to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), and on choose European and Asian routes.

Enterprise class on EVA Air. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

EVA serves different U.S. cities, together with Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco with Boeing 777-300ER plane with the airline’s older business-class seats aboard (pictured beneath). These nonetheless provide direct-aisle entry in a 1-2-1 setup however have reverse herringbone seats which have clearly been in service for longer.

Older business-class seats on EVA Air. ETHAN STEINBERG/THE POINTS GUY

Flying out of Seattle, you will get a contemporary onboard product however, sadly, a lackluster lounge. Flying out of the opposite cities (besides New York-JFK) will get you an older seat but additionally entry to United Airways’ wonderful Polaris lounges.

A Polaris lounge. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY.

EVA Air is a part of Star Alliance, that means you should utilize factors and miles with companion airways to e-book an award redemption. Among the best redemptions is utilizing 95,000 ANA Mileage Membership miles for a round-trip business-class flight between North America and Taipei. You possibly can switch American Categorical Membership Rewards factors to ANA, however be aware a 48-hour switch time.

You can too use 75,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles for a one-way redemption, which is what I did. You possibly can switch factors to Aeroplan from American Categorical Membership Rewards, Chase Final Rewards and Capital One Miles. Add a stopover in Taipei earlier than a connecting flight elsewhere for under 5,000 further factors.

Avianca LifeMiles fees 83,000 miles and United MileagePlus requires 88,000 miles for one-way redemptions between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Alongside together with your seat, this is what different facilities and providers an EVA Air business-class ticket consists of.

Enterprise classSeat choice/valueCabin baggage allowance/valueChecked baggage allowance/valueMoney fares$0.2 items (15 lbs/7 kg every) + one private merchandise.2 items (70 lbs/32 kg every.)Redemptions$0.2 items (15 lbs/7 kg every) + one private merchandise.2 items. (70 lbs/32 kg every.)

Checking into and boarding enterprise class on EVA Air

EVA Air’s floor expertise can range relying in your departure level, however business-class passengers can rely on the next providers.

Precedence boarding.Sure.Boarding group.Number one.Lounge obtainable.Sure (The Infinity and The Star.)Does the airline take part in TSA PreCheck?Sure.

I began my journey in Da Nang, Vietnam, flying on China Airways to Taipei, the place I had a three-hour layover earlier than my onward flight to Seattle on EVA. It was a simple 12-minute switch by foot from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, together with passing by means of safety.

I used to be capable of examine into my EVA flight on-line 24 hours earlier than the flight, and the China Airways check-in agent in Da Nang interlined my checked bag onto my EVA flight with out my needing to choose it up in Taipei.

A terminal in Taiwan Taoyuan Worldwide Airport. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

Often, a three-hour layover is not one thing to stay up for, however I had excessive hopes for EVA’s business-class lounge, provided that Taiwan Taoyuan Worldwide Airport is its primary hub. Sadly, I used to be very disillusioned (and upon analysis into on-line evaluations, I am not the one one).

There are 4 EVA-branded lounges at TPE. Probably the most premium one is known as The Backyard and is simply accessible by top-tier EVA Infinity MileageLands Diamond elites.

Signage for EVA-branded lounges at TPE. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

Subsequent is The Infinity, which Star Alliance first- and business-class passengers can entry together with Infinity MileageLands Gold and Star Alliance Gold elites. I’ve to say that this is without doubt one of the most disappointing Star Alliance business-class lounges that I’ve come throughout in a hub.

The late night is without doubt one of the busiest banks of exits for EVA, with 4 flights to the West Coast of North America (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver) all departing inside half an hour of one another. Which means throughout my go to at 10 p.m., the lounge was crowded, with only one massive sitting area and a watch for showers. The meals choice was very restricted, aside from the self-service ice cream station by Movenpick.

So what are the options? First, you may cross the hallway into The Star. The lounge is accessible to Star Alliance Gold elites, even when they don’t seem to be flying in a premium class of service. Whereas technically, it is an inferior lounge, it’s much less crowded and presents comparable meals choices to The Infinity. There’s additionally The Membership, an EVA lounge for its MileageLands Silver elites, although I didn’t go to it on my layover.

One other answer — when you have a card that grants you entry, like The Platinum Card® from American Categorical or the Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card— is to stroll two minutes to the Plaza Premium Lounge. You will discover a extra tranquil area with a superior meals choice, together with a made-to-order noodle bar. In the event you’re seeking to clean up, there are personal nap rooms and scorching showers, and there was no wait to make use of them. Remember the fact that this lounge closes at 11 p.m.

I discovered most passengers already on the gate one hour earlier than departure because of the added measures passengers should go by means of there. There may be a person passport examine at every gate. Gate areas are crowded and bathed with brilliant fluorescent lighting (not splendid for late-evening departures), with solely restricted seating and energy retailers, so cost your units beforehand. There are separate strains for business- and economy-class passengers.

How comfy was enterprise class on EVA Air?

Variety of seats.34.Cabin format.1-2-1.Seat pitch76 inches.Seat recline/Totally flatFully flat.Seat width.23 inches.Display screen dimension.18 inches.

Upon boarding, I discovered a glossy, engaging business-class cabin with design parts that made me really feel like I used to be in a luxurious automobile … that may fly by means of the ambiance. The cabin felt recent and well-maintained, exhibiting minimal indicators of wear and tear and tear. The seat numbers displayed in a space-themed font added a contact of appeal.

Enterprise class on this aircraft is in a single cabin and options seats from BMW Designworks. They’re staggered in a 1-2-1 configuration, with direct aisle entry for all passengers. The seats really feel much like the Vantage XL seats you will discover in Qantas enterprise class and SAS enterprise class.

Due to muted colour scheme with accents of inexperienced, the seats really feel refined and have comfy padding, however the headrests can’t be adjusted. I discovered it straightforward to get out and in of my seat to make use of the restroom because of direct aisle entry, and I particularly loved the therapeutic massage perform. The small privateness display that slides out between middle seats should be stowed for takeoff and touchdown however I would suggest utilizing it to create that “cocoon” feeling whenever you’re within the air.

Finest seats for solo vacationers.A and Okay seats in Rows 2, 5, 7 and 9.Finest seats for {couples}.Any pair of D and G seats in Rows 3-9.Seats to keep away from.Rows 1-2 and 10.

The most effective seats for solo vacationers are these with wider armrests alongside the aisle and the seat nearer to the wall of the cabin.

Among the best seats for solo vacationers, subsequent to the wall. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

In the event you’re touring accompanied, your finest decisions are middle seats. A retractable privateness divider will be deployed for those who want somewhat alone time. Just like the seats alongside the edges of the plane, some are nearer to the aisle than others, thanks to 1 armrest being wider than the opposite.

Middle seats with privateness display. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

The primary and final rows needs to be prevented because of the mild and noise coming from the galleys. I might particularly keep away from the bulkhead seats in Row 2 as a brilliant EVA Air motif shouldn’t be turned off when passengers are sleeping.

When it is time for mattress, the cabin crew will present turndown service, and it is a nice time to go to the bathroom to alter into your pajamas. You will return to a fully-made mattress, together with a pillow, quilt and mattress pad, though the latter is disappointingly skinny and fails to supply adequate cushioning. The quilt is without doubt one of the plushest I’ve come throughout within the sky, nonetheless, making it really feel like a cloud is floating on high of you. You possibly can ask the cabin crew for a second pillow for extra head assist.

Whereas legroom was not a problem for an individual of 5 toes, 11 inches, the highest half of my physique felt barely cramped within the slender mattress setup. Moreover, it could have been handy to have the choice to tilt the display downwards for simpler viewing whereas falling asleep.

When it is time for sleep, you’ll be able to take pleasure in glowing stars on the ceiling. However as you’ll be able to see from the sunshine emanating from the entrance galley, it is best to decide on a seat within the middle or again of the cabin.

The inflight leisure touchscreen is massive, crisp, and shut sufficient to manage out of your seat, although there’s additionally a distant. Sadly, the Western film and tv sequence choice is restricted. Nonetheless, I did just like the novel immediate of choosing what to look at in keeping with my temper (in my case, “good” + somewhat tipsy = rom-com).

Wanting across the seat, you will discover only one common energy outlet and one USB port on the sting of your aspect desk. The seat controls are straightforward to make use of and really responsive, with preset positions for takeoff and touchdown, a lounging recline and lie-flat mode in addition to a do-not-disturb button.

The hand held distant for the leisure system has a crispy show, however you in all probability will not want to make use of it until you are in lie-flat mode and watching one thing on the display. The small compartment behind the bigger armrest is sizable sufficient for a few small water bottles, an amenity equipment, or a pill machine, however laptops are finest stowed in your carry-on baggage within the overhead bins, obtainable each above the aisle and the middle of the cabin. There are not any particular person air nozzles, however I discovered the cabin temperature cooler and cozy.

The tray desk pulls out from the big armrest is strong and regular. I particularly respect how far ahead and again it could possibly be moved, supplying you with flexibility if you wish to eat in an upright or reclined place.

Tray desk. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

There are three bogs within the business-class cabin (one on the entrance and two within the rear) for the 34 passengers. The rear bogs have been solely for these within the business-class cabin; I noticed no premium economic system passengers strolling as much as these.

There was not often a line for the toilets, and so they have been at all times spotless. Flight attendants put out issues like additional toothbrushes and mouthwash to complement your private amenity equipment after takeoff, and you will find handwash and lotion from Belgian model 4711. It warmed my coronary heart to see the cabin crew patiently serving to a considerable variety of aged passengers with assist shifting to and from the toilet.

Facilities in EVA Air enterprise class

The hard-shell Salvatore Ferragamo amenity equipment EVA Air business-class passengers obtain is without doubt one of the nicest I’ve come throughout and has an particularly comfy eye masks and nifty comb with a built-in mirror. The style home’s Bianco di Carrara lip balm, physique lotion and face mist have been great, too.

The noise-canceling headphones business-class passengers obtain to be used through the flight are very comfy. Nevertheless, I might have preferred them to go louder and to have the ability to change the quantity with one contact.

EVA is certainly one of solely a handful of airways nonetheless giving out pajamas to their business-class passengers. The Jason Wu-branded pajama set I acquired was essentially the most engaging I’ve seen from an airline, because of the contrasting pop of colour within the pant pockets and the distinctive hoodie function on the highest. You will additionally get some cozy slippers to put on.

Sadly, onboard Wi-Fi is dear and gradual on EVA. A vast knowledge plan for your entire flight (referred to as the “Final Plan”) prices $39.95, with 30-300MB plans costing $4.95-$29.95. I topped out at 2.3/0.4 Mbps obtain/add speeds, which is woeful. You will wish to create an account (not take a look at as a visitor) when making your buy to be able to swap between units utilizing the identical plan.

How was the meals in EVA Air enterprise class?

One would suppose {that a} highly-rated airline would serve their business-class passengers glowing wine that prices greater than $12 a bottle, however that gave the impression to be the default on my flight with Perelada Brut Reserva Cava.

Nevertheless, it’s also possible to go for one of many fancier drinks on the wine record that you could entry by means of the touchscreen. On my flight, Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Champagne, which retails for over $200 a bottle, was additionally obtainable.

Between 30 days and 72 hours earlier than departure, passengers can preorder meals from an expansive menu, together with dishes that are not usually loaded for the flight, resembling poached lobster and butternut squash with pumpkin ravioli. I booked my ticket by means of an alliance companion and did not pay sufficient consideration to this feature when managing my reserving on the EVA Air web site, so I needed to make do with day-of choices.

Nonetheless, the cabin crew was joyful to present me a printed menu, and my first choices for each dinner and breakfast have been obtainable.

For dinner, passengers may take pleasure in:

• Hors d’oeuvre: Goose liver mousse, smoked salmon and Champagne jelly.
• Appetizer: Shrimp and crab meat in an egg crepe parcel and goat cheese in a mini tartlet.
• Predominant course: Broiled pork spare ribs with inexperienced peppercorn sauce and greens; stir-fried shrimp with greens, rice and quinoa; or house-steamed hen noodle soup.
• Dessert: Toffee cake with sesame crisp, fruit, or a Suzhou-style mooncake with sesame paste filling.

For the pre-landing meal, the choices have been:

• Chinese language meal: Congee with braised tofu and shiitake mushroom, scrambled egg with shrimp and asparagus, and conventional aspect dishes.
• Western meal: Iberian pork and smoked hen with greens, mussels and squid with a kalamata olive and tomato concasse and rosemary potatoes.
• “Royal Laurel Particular:” Noodle soup with pork spare ribs, lotus seed and wolfberry.

My dinner, together with the stir-fried shrimp, burst with taste in each course, with the highlights being a shrimp and crab crepe parcel and a chamomile-infused praline toffee cake. I woke as much as braised tofu and mushrooms with congee and a candy, creamy matcha inexperienced tea for breakfast. The meals have been fairly filling and scrumptious.

Dinner did not begin till an hour after takeoff (attributable to turbulence) and completed an hour after that. Dinner programs have been delivered on particular person plates with breakfast on a single tray to maximise sleep time, and the cabin crew appeared to maintain good tabs on the place passengers have been at with their meals, proactively providing drink and bread refills in addition to shifting by means of programs in an environment friendly however unrushed method. There have been additionally varied snacks put out between meal providers for passengers to nibble on through the lengthy center portion of the flight.

I solely wished the flight attendants have been extra proactive about clearing empty glasses and, if I am nitpicking, pouring beer at an angle in order to cut back the pinnacle.

Would you suggest EVA Air enterprise class?

I might undoubtedly suggest flying EVA Air enterprise class between the U.S. and Asia. You will get wonderful customer support, scrumptious meals and cozy bedding and pajamas. Nevertheless, go in with low expectations of the airline’s lounges in Taipei and attempt to go to the Plaza Premium Lounge when you have entry.

EVA Air brand and light-weight. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY

It might be finest to purpose to fly the airline’s Boeing 787-9 or 787-10 plane as these jets function rather more up to date seats than those discovered on most North American routes flown by the Boeing 777-300ER.

All in all, nonetheless, I am excited to fly EVA once more on future journeys to Asia. I might stay up for the scrumptious Taiwanese eating choices and top-notch service. I spent a month touring by means of Taiwan a number of years in the past and suppose flying EVA there’s a good way to get into the native expertise — even earlier than you step off the aircraft.