The seat may be old, but the business class product on the EVA 777 remains excellent, even on shorter regional flights. I enjoyed a superb journey from Bangkok to Taipei and will lay out my first impressions of EVA in this post, with a full trip report to follow.
EVA Air 777 Business Class Bangkok–Taipei: First Impressions
After landing in Bangkok on United, I spent some time in the Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge then flew to Taipei on EVA. While I was hoping to get a 787-10 on this route, I booked the 777-300ER that was available using Aeroplan miles and very much enjoyed the flight.
Boarding began about 30 minutes to prior to pushback and I found myself in a familiar cabin…the seat and color scheme has not changed since when I first flew on EVA in “Royal Laurel” business class on the 777 way back in 2012. At the time, the reverse herringbone seat was truly cutting edge. Almost 15 years later, it no longer the leading business class seat, but it remains a very comfortable and spacious one…and EVA has maintained its cabins very well.
Dinner was served after takeoff and I had pre-reserved the sea bass, an additional items from EVA’s expanded pre-order menu that was not otherwise available onboard.
The meal began with a salmon roulade appetizer and warm bread (pretzel roll and garlic bread). I noticed the requisite Negroni ingredients on the menu and although the flight attendant had never heard of one, he wrote down the ingredients
Notice I said “he” which was not even possible last time I flew EVA. It was only in 2019 that EVA began employing male flight attendants after a particularly nasty incident onboard involving a perverted passenger. Daniel, my flight attendants, was so excellent…just like all EVA flight attendants.
The sea bass main course was delicious as well and I concluded the meal with a fresh fruit and a cup of tea.
Although the flight was only about three hours long, I took a nap after dinner and managed to sleep for an hour. Regional bedding includes a small pillow and a very nice duvet in terms of comfort, though it was far too small…I could have used a second or third one.
I liked the mood lighting (with “stars”), which made it easier sleep.
Wi-Fi is now complimentary for all passengers on EVA and the in-flight-entertainment selection, while nowhere near as comprehensive as Starlux, was respectable.
As an aside, I find the EVA safety video so calming…it has such soothing visuals and music.
CONCLUSION
This was such a pleasant flight and far too short (though I’d fly all the way to Chicago on the same aircraft the following day). I’ll offer more details on the seat, food, IFE, lavatories, and other amenities in my full review.
Next stop: a night in Taipei
The safety video is very good. No distracting dancing or abstract props. The use of real aircraft is best but this video’s props are very representative, like the tray table or under seat storage.
The previous safety video from around 2024 had a grey haired secret agent as the narrator. This one is better and clearer.
Also, no blue-balls… like, United, c’mon, it’s time for a new video.
It’s amazing how EVA’s business class from 10 years ago still holds up – goes to show that good service, consistent maintenance, and healthy competition go a long way.
Agreed.