Revisiting Japan & Taiwan | Trip Report

Introduction | Eva Air

Let’s cut to the chase.

EVA Air Boeing 787-10 business class flight on Intra-Asia was exceptional — the 787-10s have modern seats, the food and drinks were great, and the service was friendly. As I always say, it’s really hard to return to domestic flying in the United States after you’ve been traveling around Asia, especially when every business class is so competitive within this market.

Seat Design | Eva Air

The 787-10’s business class is modern, both in terms of technology and finishes. EVA Air has staggered Vantage XL seats on its 787s, similar to what you’ll find on several other airlines, including Qantas. Admittedly not all seats are created equal in this configuration (unlike with reverse herringbone seats), with the seats further from the aisle offering more privacy.

Regardless of your general seating preference, there’s no denying that the finishes are a bit more pleasant, the tech is also much better, from higher definition entertainment monitors and more charging options. I’d be extremely happy in this seat on a 14 hour flight, let alone the 2 hour flight that we were actually on.

Eva Air’s business class leverages a conservative color scheme with accents of green and earth tones. The seats feel sophisticated and have comfortable padding, but the headrests cannot be adjusted. I found it easy to get in and out of my seat to use the restroom thanks to direct aisle access - the small privacy screen that slides out between center seats must be stowed for takeoff and landing but I'd recommend using it to create a private feeling when you're in the air.

For those traveling solo, the seats with wider armrests along the aisle and the seat closer to the wall of the cabin are great. If you're traveling with your spouse or friend, your best choices are center seats. A retractable privacy divider can be deployed if you need a little alone time. Like the seats along the sides of the aircraft, some are closer to the aisle than others, thanks to one armrest being wider than the other.

Moving on, the inflight entertainment touchscreen is large, crisp, and close enough to control from your seat, though there's also a remote. Disappointingly, the Western movie and television series selection is limited, as China Airlines and Starlux Airlines offer more selections.

Looking around the seat, you'll find just one universal power outlet and one USB port on the edge of your side table. The seat controls are easy to use and very responsive, with preset positions for takeoff and landing, a lounging recline and lie-flat mode as well as a do-not-disturb button.

The handheld remote for the entertainment system has a crispy display, but you probably won't need to use it unless you're in lie-flat mode and watching something on the screen. The small compartment at the back of the larger armrest is sizable enough for a couple of small water bottles, an amenity kit, or a tablet device, but laptops are best stowed in your carry-on baggage in the overhead bins, available both above the aisle and the center of the cabin.

There are no individual air nozzles, but I found the cabin temperature cooler and comfortable.

Dining | Eva Air

What you’re offered on a short haul business class flight within Asia is always a surprise (a positive one course, haha). To start, there were full pre-departure drinks, so I had a glass of champagne, which was served with a warm towel.

On this short flight to Taiwan, there was a full meal service, comprised of a Japanese cuisine. Each dish was presented beautifully and featured the following:

Zensai: Bamboo Shoot and Squid Kinome Flavored with Lily Bulb, Salmon Roe with Carrots and Radish Vinegar, Sliced Octpus with Seaweed Noodles, Sea Bream Sushi and Taro Potato with Sea Urchin
Sakizuke: Sea Bream with Radish Julienne
Kobachi: Grilled Eggplant and Yuba with Edamame
Dainomono: Chilly Sweet Chicken
Gohan: Steamed Rice with Plum and Whitebait, Miso Soup and Japanese Pickles
Wagashi: Sakura Mochi and White Bean Paste Daifuku

EVA Air has some of the best flight attendants in the industry, and this flight was no exception. Even though the crew was busy from takeoff until touchdown, they performed service in such a calm and composed way, and never came across as rushed. Drinks were constantly filled and dishes came and went with ease.

Conclusion | Eva Air

It’s always tough to go back to flying in the United States after traveling within Asia.

Asian carriers largely have reasonable premium pricing for regional flights. While I redeemed miles for this flight, the cash fare would have been a bit over $400. That’s roughly what I’d expect to pay in cash within the United States for a flight in a premium cabin of a similar length…and what do you get? You get premium lounge access, great blankets and pillows, lie-flat beds, pre-departure champagne in proper glassware, and a delicious and well oriented meal.

Ultimately, EVA Air’s business class product is just incredible, especially on this competitive sector. On this 2 hour flight I got a flat bed, a pre-departure drink, a full meal, and incredibly friendly service. Eva Air’s business class offers among the best business class experiences in the world, and that’s even more noticeable on longer flights. It’s a no-brainer recommendation and a flight I would gladly fly again on.