EVA Air premium economy review

Embarking on a long-haul flight can be daunting, but what if there was a sweet spot between the confines of economy and the luxury of business class? Enter EVA Air Premium Economy. As a pioneer in this cabin class, EVA Air has long offered an elevated travel experience. But with evolving airline products and passenger expectations, is an EVA Air premium economy review still overwhelmingly positive, and is it truly worth the upgrade for your next international journey?

This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of EVA Air's Premium Economy, from the moment you consider booking to your arrival at your destination. We'll explore the comfort, amenities, service, and overall value, helping you decide if this is the right choice for your travel needs.

Unpacking the EVA Air Premium Economy Experience

Choosing Premium Economy is often about finding that perfect balance of comfort and cost. EVA Air aims to deliver on this promise, particularly for those enduring long-distance flights.

Booking Your EVA Air Premium Economy Ticket

Securing your EVA Air premium economy seat is the first step. While the price can be a significant factor, especially compared to standard economy, many find the added comfort justifies the cost. Keep an eye out for "Up" fares, which may offer more flexibility, including immediate seat selection. For "Basic" Premium Economy tickets, you can typically select your seat for free starting 48 hours before your flight via the EVA Air app or online.

Pre-Flight Comfort: What to Expect on the Ground

Before you even step foot on the aircraft, what does an EVA Air premium economy review reveal about the ground experience?

• Baggage Allowance: A significant perk of EVA Air premium economy is the generous baggage allowance. Passengers are generally permitted to check two pieces of luggage, with each bag weighing up to 23kg (50lbs) on most routes, and sometimes 28kg (62lbs) depending on the specific route and ticket type. You also get one carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg (15lbs).
• Lounge Access: This is a common question, and the answer for EVA Air premium economy is generally "no." Complimentary lounge access is not included with a Premium Economy ticket. However, if you hold an EVA Air Infinity MileageLands Silver Card or higher elite status, you may gain access to EVA Air VIP Lounges worldwide. Alternatively, many savvy travelers use credit cards that offer lounge access, or you can purchase a one-time pass.
• Priority Boarding: Surprisingly, EVA Air premium economy passengers typically do not receive priority boarding and usually board with Group 4, alongside many economy travelers. This might feel less "premium" than expected, but the boarding process is generally smooth.

The Heart of the Matter: EVA Air Premium Economy Seating

The seat itself is arguably the most critical component of any EVA Air premium economy review. Is there enough room to truly relax?

EVA Air's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which commonly feature Premium Economy, offer a 2-4-2 seat layout. The seats boast a comfortable 38 inches of pitch (legroom) and are 19.5 inches wide, with an 8-inch recline. Many reviewers highlight that choosing seats in the two-seat sections by the windows significantly enhances the feeling of space and comfort, making the experience feel less like standard economy.

Recently, EVA Air has begun introducing a 4th generation Premium Economy cabin on some Boeing 787-9 aircraft, featuring an even more expansive 42 inches of seat pitch and a 2-3-2 configuration. These newer seats also include a "cradle motion" recline, where the seat cushion slides forward, aiming to provide a more comfortable recline without intruding on the passenger behind. You'll also find a pillow and a substantial, cozy blanket, which can make a real difference on long flights.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) & Connectivity

What about keeping entertained at 35,000 feet? EVA Air's Premium Economy offers a robust in-flight entertainment system. On the 777-300ER, you'll typically find an 11-inch LCD touchscreen. Newer 787-9 aircraft feature larger 15.6-inch high-resolution widescreen monitors. The system provides a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Crucially for modern travelers, seats are equipped with USB ports and 110V AC outlets, ensuring your devices stay charged. Noise-cancelling headphones are also provided, enhancing your viewing and listening experience.

While Wi-Fi is available, it's often an additional cost, with various data packages available for purchase after an initial complimentary 30 minutes.

Dining in the Clouds: EVA Air Premium Economy Food & Beverages

One area where EVA Air premium economy consistently shines in reviews is its catering. Passengers can expect an elevated dining experience compared to economy, often featuring a choice between Chinese and Western-style cuisine. EVA Air is known for collaborating with Michelin-star chefs to create unique seasonal meals.

Meals typically include appetizers, two main course options, and a dessert. You can even pre-order your meal through the EVA Air app up to two weeks before your flight. While some drinks may be served in paper cups, the meals themselves are generally served on elegant dishes with actual silverware, adding a touch of class.

The beverage selection is also comprehensive, including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, a range of wines (red, white, and sparkling), international beers, spirits, cocktails, plum liqueur, and local Taiwanese beers. Snacks are also offered between meals, sometimes available from a snack basket in the economy cabin.

Service & Amenities: The Little Touches That Matter

The service on EVA Air flights, including in Premium Economy, is frequently lauded as attentive, kind, and efficient. Cabin crew often go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable journey.

Beyond the food and comfortable seating, EVA Air premium economy passengers receive an amenity kit. Recent kits have been Hunter-branded, crafted from recycled materials, and include body cream, lip balm, an eye mask (made from recycled PET), a dental kit, earplugs, and slippers. These thoughtful inclusions contribute significantly to comfort on long flights.

Is EVA Air Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

After dissecting the various components, the question remains: is EVA Air premium economy worth it? For long-haul flights, particularly those exceeding 8-10 hours, the consensus from many travelers is a resounding yes. The increased legroom, wider seats, enhanced recline, and improved amenities like the amenity kit and better dining options offer a significant step up from standard economy.

While it doesn't offer the lie-flat comfort of business class, EVA Air premium economy effectively bridges the gap, providing a much more restful and enjoyable journey. If you value personal space, better food, and the ability to sleep more comfortably without the full business class price tag, it's definitely a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does EVA Air Premium Economy include lounge access?

A: No, complimentary lounge access is generally not included with an EVA Air Premium Economy ticket. However, passengers with EVA Air Infinity MileageLands Silver Card status or higher, or those with certain travel credit cards, may be able to access lounges. You can also inquire about purchasing a one-time lounge pass at the airport.

Q2: What is the seat pitch and width in EVA Air Premium Economy?

A: On Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, EVA Air premium economy seats typically offer 38 inches of pitch and are 19.5 inches wide. Newer Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature an even more generous 42 inches of seat pitch.

Q3: Do EVA Air Premium Economy passengers get priority boarding?

A: No, EVA Air premium economy passengers usually board with Group 4, which is not considered priority boarding and is often after some economy groups.

Q4: What amenities are provided in EVA Air Premium Economy?

A: Passengers in EVA Air premium economy receive a pillow, a thick blanket, and an amenity kit. Recent amenity kits are Hunter-branded and include items like body cream, lip balm, an eye mask, a dental kit, earplugs, and slippers. You also get access to an in-flight entertainment system with a personal screen, USB ports, and AC power outlets.

Ready to experience the difference? Have you flown EVA Air Premium Economy before, or are you considering it for your next trip? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below – your insights could help fellow travelers make their best choice!