Is EVA Air Premium Economy Worth It? A Comprehensive Flight Review

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often leaving travelers feeling cramped, tired, and ready for their journey to end before it even truly begins. If you've ever found yourself wishing for more space, better service, and an elevated experience without the hefty price tag of business class, then EVA Premium Economy might be exactly what you're looking for. But does it truly deliver on its promise of a more comfortable journey?

In this comprehensive EVA Premium Economy flight review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the experience, from the moment you book your ticket to your arrival at your destination. We'll explore the seat comfort, dining, amenities, and service to help you decide if upgrading to EVA Air Premium Economy is the smart choice for your next international adventure.

The Booking Experience: Setting Expectations

Booking your EVA Air Premium Economy ticket is straightforward, typically done through their official website or a travel agent. While the price is a significant step up from standard economy, it's considerably less than business class, positioning it as an attractive middle ground. It's worth noting that seat selection might incur an additional charge for some fare types, though it can often be selected for free within 48 hours of departure.

On the Ground: Check-in and Boarding

One area where EVA Premium Economy doesn't offer a significant advantage over economy is the ground experience. Don't expect dedicated check-in counters or lounge access; these perks are typically reserved for higher classes. Similarly, priority boarding isn't included, with Premium Economy passengers usually boarding with Group 4, alongside many economy travelers. While this might seem like a minor point, it's something to be aware of if you're hoping for a seamless airport experience from start to finish.

Stepping Aboard: Your EVA Premium Economy Seat

Upon entering the EVA Air Premium Economy cabin, you'll immediately notice the difference from standard economy. The cabin typically features a 2-4-2 configuration on their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which means fewer seats per row and more personal space.

Let's talk specifics:

• Seat Pitch: You'll enjoy a generous 38 inches of seat pitch, providing ample legroom to stretch out, a significant upgrade from economy's 31-33 inches. For many, this alone is worth the upgrade, especially on long-haul flights.
• Seat Width: At approximately 19.5 inches wide, the seats are noticeably broader than those in economy, contributing to a more comfortable feel.
• Recline: The recline is generous, around 8 inches, allowing you to lean back significantly and find a comfortable position for rest or sleep. However, be mindful that this recline can sometimes feel intrusive to the passenger behind you.
• Footrest: Most seats come equipped with a footrest, which can be a game-changer for comfort, though some reviewers note it might make sleeping a bit challenging for some.
• Power & USB: Each seat is fitted with a power outlet (110V AC) and USB ports, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your journey.

Pro Tip: If you're traveling with a companion, aim for the two-seat sections on the sides of the cabin. These often feel significantly more spacious and private than the middle four-seat sections.

In-Flight Entertainment: Your Personal Hub

EVA Air's in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in Premium Economy is robust, offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, music, and games on an 11-inch LCD touchscreen on the Boeing 777-300ER. Newer Boeing 787-9 aircraft even boast larger 15.6-inch high-resolution screens. The system is generally intuitive and responsive. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, enhancing your viewing and listening experience. While Wi-Fi is available for purchase, some find the pricing a bit steep.

The Dining Experience: A Taste of Taiwan and Beyond

One of the standout features of EVA Air Premium Economy is the elevated dining experience. Meals are a step above economy, often served on quality tableware and featuring more sophisticated flavors and ingredients. You can expect a welcome drink upon boarding, setting a premium tone for the meal service.

EVA Air offers a variety of meal choices, often influenced by Chinese cuisine but with Western options available. For long-haul flights, you'll typically receive at least two meal services, with mid-flight snacks also available upon request. You even have the option to pre-order special meals online, sometimes including master-chef crafted selections, up to 24 hours before departure.

Service and Amenities: The Little Luxuries

The service in EVA Air Premium Economy is consistently praised for being attentive, professional, and friendly, often likened to the hospitality found in business class. Cabin crew are generally proactive and responsive to passenger needs without being intrusive.

Beyond the service, the amenities provided truly enhance the Premium Economy experience:

• Pillow and Blanket: You'll receive a substantial pillow and a thick, cozy blanket, often described as feeling like a light duvet, which significantly aids in comfort and sleep on long flights.
• Slippers: A thoughtful touch, slippers are provided, allowing you to kick off your shoes and relax your feet during the flight.
• Amenity Kit: EVA Premium Economy passengers receive a well-stocked amenity kit. While the brand and contents can vary by route and direction (e.g., Hunter, Furla, Sport b., Payot, Hudson Made), they typically include essentials like hand lotion, lip balm, an eye mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush. These kits are often designed to be reusable, adding to their value.

Is EVA Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

After considering all aspects, is EVA Premium Economy worth it? For many travelers, especially on long-haul flights (10+ hours), the answer is a resounding yes. The significant increase in seat comfort, including more legroom, wider seats, and generous recline, makes a tangible difference in how refreshed you feel upon arrival. The enhanced dining and thoughtful amenity kit further elevate the experience, bridging the gap between standard economy and business class.

While it lacks priority boarding and lounge access, the core in-flight experience—the seat, food, and service—often justifies the additional cost, particularly if business class is beyond your budget. If you prioritize comfort and a more relaxed journey without breaking the bank, EVA Air's Premium Economy offers a compelling value proposition.

Have you flown EVA Air Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What's the main difference between EVA Air Premium Economy and Economy?

A: The primary differences lie in seat comfort and space. Premium Economy offers significantly more legroom (38 inches pitch vs. 31-33 inches), wider seats (19.5 inches), and a more generous recline. You also receive upgraded meal service, a more extensive entertainment system, and an amenity kit.

Q2: Does EVA Premium Economy include lounge access or priority boarding?

A: No, EVA Premium Economy tickets do not include lounge access. Additionally, Premium Economy passengers generally board with Group 4, meaning there is no priority boarding.

Q3: Can you sleep comfortably in EVA Air Premium Economy?

A: Yes, many passengers find it comfortable enough to sleep, especially due to the 8-inch recline, 38-inch pitch, and the provision of a plush pillow and thick blanket. Opting for seats in the two-seat sections can further enhance comfort for sleeping.

Q4: What kind of food and drinks are served in EVA Air Premium Economy?

A: EVA Air Premium Economy offers an upgraded meal service compared to economy, often served on quality tableware with more sophisticated ingredients. You can expect complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and there's often an option to pre-order special meals online before your flight.