The Royal Laurel Experience: EVA Air TPE-SEA
- CP
- Mar 13, 2019
- 4 min read
To get back to the states from my Singapore trip, I redeemed 60,000 Avianca Lifemiles for a one-way ticket in EVA Air’s business class, Royal Laurel (the only upper class availability I could find home with my stash of Lifemiles). This was only from Taipei to Seattle, so I booked a seat in Premium Economy from Singapore to Taipei for $200. Although purchased separately, my experience was seamless from check in at SIN to my transfer in TPE.
Taipei (TPE) – Seattle (SEA)
BR26, 777-300ER
October 14th | 23:40-19:30 – 9 hours and 50 minutes
Seat 7D (Royal Laurel Class)
EVA Air comes in as the 5th best airline in the world according to SKYTRAX top airlines of 2018, and their Royal Laurel experience surely is a great contributor to that rating. The experience began with check in and security in Singapore where I was able to use the designated Royal Laurel lane’s although I was flying out of there in Premium Economy. It continued with my transfer in Taipei where I had access to the EVA Air Lounge.
Just over an hour spent in the lounge and I was off to my gate which ultimately was a dismal holding area downstairs from a second security checkpoint in the main terminal. Fortunately I spent little time there as boarding quickly began with Royal Laurel up first.
I was a little disappointed since all the window seats were taken at booking, but all the positive things I had heard about EVA kept my spirits (expectations, really) high as I approached the crew upon boarding. As I handed the flight attendant my boarding pass I was immediately referred to as “Mr. Pruitt” and was pointed to 7D - a middle seat in the back of the forward Royal Laurel cabin. I chose this seat, despite it being close to the galley, because there is no 7A across the aisle in addition to the partner seat being empty at booking - all in all plenty of privacy from other passengers.
Waiting for me in my seat was a hard-shell Rimowa amenity kit with pretty typical fillings (Toothbrush, comb, lotions, etc.). Thunder brand noise canceling headphones (which were suffice) and some surprisingly exceptional bedding (pillow pictured above, comforter and duvet were in the footwell) was there as well.
After just a few minutes in my seat a crew member approached me with the same warm and welcoming attitude as the one that greeted me – an attitude I found to be carried by every attendant for the entirety of the flight. She brought me my choice of juice or water and a lavender scented hot towel, with a Godiva chocolate to top it off.
Shortly after came the menus for food and drink, as well as a pajama set with slippers (Yes…PJ’S!). The flight attendant came back around to attentively take my selections for each meal as well as ask if I wanted to be woken up for a pre-landing dish.
After an on-time push back from the gate we were up and out of TPE in a matter of minutes. About 45 minutes in, the inflight service began with a work of art in the place mat and a KAVALAN single malt whiskey along with a small starter of Smoked Salmon with Sesame on Zucchini Slice and a Saffron Flavored Mashed Potato with Caviar in Mini Tartlet - A mouthful for such a tiny portion!
Next came a shrimp appetizer with a French white wine kindly suggested by the FA. Following was the main course of Steamed Chilean Sea Bass with Ginger and Scallion Sauce. The bell peppers were soggy and bland, however everything was straight up delicious.
I ended dinner with fruit and a Cherry Cheesecake which was just as tasty as the other courses. I can’t say enough about how top notch the crew was from start to finish!
Once the inflight service was through, I made a quick change into my pajamas and threw the duvet on my seat. I was planning on starting a movie, but didn't want to get up should I decide to pass out (which I shortly did ~1 hour after dinner).
EVA uses the Zodiac Cirrus lie-flat seat in their Royal Laurel class. It's not a remarkable seat - something I would refer to as an industry standard for international travel. It's a very functional seat and EVA keeps it well maintained. It gets the job done and I think that's all the airline needs from it as they put extra emphasis in all other features of the flight! The seat was certainly comfortable enough for me as I got somewhere between 4 and 5 hours of sleep.
I had just under an hour until they would begin the pre-landing meal. I spent this time attempting to partake in a NBA fantasy basketball draft. Unfortunately, the Wifi was rather spotty. When I had connection speeds were tremendous, but several times I would lose connection and have to reboot in on my device.
Even though I had been awake for a little bit, the flight attendant presented my pre-landing refresher meal ever so courteously as if I had just woken up. For this course I selected the Pumpkin Quiche with Grilled Veggies and an orange juice to suit. Another tasty choice to round off one of the best airplane dining experiences I've ever had.
Obviously less enjoyable with no window seat, but we descended into Seattle with a slight sunset and landed a few minutes ahead of schedule. I hopped off the plane and walked toward immigration and customs overwhelmingly pleased with my experience.
My first and initial thought of Eva Air post flight was how truly underrated it is. Although comfortable their hard product isn't anything to write home about, however their soft product is among the best. From their curb to plane amenities, their warm and professional service, and to the outstanding dining Eva Air really satisfies what a lot of people expect in a business class experience. As I mentioned I had heard positive things, but it doesn't often get grouped in the likes of many other Asian Airlines (Cathay Pacific or ANA just to name a few). Perhaps it's due to its overall smaller size compared to most, but Eva Air deserves every bit of high ratings they do get.
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