EVA Air Business Class (Royal Laurel) on the Boeing 777-300ER is outstanding. The hard product of the reverse herringbone seats is my favorite as a solo traveler, and there is so much space in the seat pod for stowage and relaxation. The green color choices are also great, which is my favorite color.
Schedule and Aircraft
- Route: Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO)
- DEP 11:30 AM ARR 6:40 AM
- Duration: 11h10m
- Flight number: BR8
- Seat number: 2A
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Check-In
I’m not quite impressed with EVA Air’s check-in business class experience because it’s a little bit let down and underwhelming. First, there’s no clear business class line. Instead, there’s a Priority Lane, which is for business class passengers. Second, there is no fast access or priority lane for security and immigration. So, everyone has to go through the same zig-zag lines, and it was very busy on the weekend that I flew out. So give yourself ample time even if you fly business class.
The airport is generally underwhelming to me, and the lounge is mediocre, too. More below.
Lounge Access
Business class passengers can access the EVA Air VIP Lounge located upstairs after clearing the immigration in Terminal 2. The lounge is good, but I would not say it’s a great lounge. It’s an adequate lounge rather than an impressive lounge in terms of size, food, and amenities.
You can check out the following full review of the EVA Air Lounge below:
Review: EVA Air Business Class Lounge Taipei Terminal 2
Boarding
Business class is in zone 1 after special assistance passengers. There’s a specific first/business class entry as well. Moreover, you must clear the security at the gate before getting to the boarding area, and there’s no priority lane for premium class passengers.
Seats and Cabin
I was blown away when I saw my seat 2A after boarding. The seat is spacious for legroom and storage. I especially like the reverse herringbone type of seats on the Boeing 777-300ER because everyone has direct aisle access, and window seats are perfect for solo travelers like me.
Although the Boeing 777 with EVA Air has been flying for many years, the good upkeep shows in great condition. I also love the green color choices, as that’s my favorite color.
The amount of space and compartments is very generous compared to other business-class products.
Seat controls are a bit hard for me to use, though, as it’s delaying whenever I press those buttons.
Overall, I’m quite impressed with Eva Air’s business class, and I’m looking forward to trying their new Dreamliner Boeing 787 sometime in the future.
By the way, seats 1A and 1K are not that close to the lavatory on this particular Boeing 777-300ER. The galley is also at the back, not the front.
Bookmark
It’s a lovely touch that EVA Air gives a bookmark with a wisdom saying in each business class seat.
Lie-Flat Bed
The seat can turn into a fully lie-flat, and EVA Air also provides the seat cover/pad that the flight attendant can put on for you. I love the bed amenities they give, such as the good density pillow and a nice comforter.
I also love the stardust feature on the Boeing 777.
Drinks and Food
Eva Air allows passengers to request food options outside the in-flight menu 21 days before the flight schedule. See EVA Air’s preselect menu below:
I preselected and chose the braised pork belly and rice for my lunch menu and Chinese congee for breakfast. Honestly, I was a little let down by the food on EVA Air. The 8-course meal offering is great, but it was underwhelming for the whole time. For example, I only had one spoonful of beetroot soup and sent it back. My main menu was also not as tasty as I had hoped.
Here’s the in-flight menu:
There were also light delights during in-flight, and I decided to try the stir-fried seafood noodle, and that was good.
For the beverage, EVA Air has quite a good selection of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including their evergreen signature cocktail and drink with tapioca mixed with green tea. See the following menu photo:
Before Landing Breakfast
Before landing, business class passengers have one more meal to enjoy – breakfast. I preselected my breakfast, which is the Chinese Congee, but it’s also available on the in-flight menu. The congee is very good and comes with scrambled eggs with shrimp and asparagus, braised tofu with shitake mushroom, and a few more traditional side dishes. Moreover, you can ask for more plain congee as much as you like.
Crew Service
You can expect the flight crew on EVA Air to be attentive and friendly. I was impressed with their fast service during the entire 8-course meal despite the turbulence! But overall, they are friendly and great at serving each business class passenger.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is only for 30 minutes. It does not matter if you are in an economy or business class seat. After the free 30-minute Wi-Fi, you must pay.
Amenity Bag
The amenity bag is good with the typical items such as tooth brush and toothpaste, comb, hand lotion, lip balm, and eye mask, ear plug. The slipper is also provided with pajamas. But what’s odd is socks were not provided unless you requested them.
The Verdict
PROS: The hard product is spacious, with friendly and fast crew service. Moreover, there is a huge selection of beverages, including boba tea.
CONS: free Wi-Fi is only 30 minutes regardless of class of service, and you hardly hear any announcements in the business class cabin. Also, seat control is delaying responding and underwhelming food.
How to Book Eva Air Royal Laurel (Business Class) With Points?
I decided to redeem 88,000 United miles plus $39.35 because I needed the flexibility as United Airlines offers free cancellation and miles redeposit free of charge.
EVA Air is a member of Star Alliance, so you can use other frequent flyer miles to book if you’d like, which may yield better point values than United miles, such as Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles. Use the United website award availability calendar to help you search and redeem with partners.
