EVA Air Trip Report

[echster 1]

Note: I wrote this for another website but will share the first leg here. If you're interested in the other 3 legs, let me know and I'll get around to posting them here, as well.

 

19 October 2004

Los Angeles International (LAX) – Taipei International (TPE)

EVA Air Flight 15 (BR 15)

Boeing 744 Combi

B-16461

Scheduled Departure – 0120, Actual – 0132, Airborne – 0148

Scheduled Arrival – 0610, Actual – 0553, Gate – 0557

Evergreen Deluxe Class, Seat 29K (Window)

LAX - Gate 102, TPE – Gate C2

 

I’ll just state out front that I really enjoy flying in Evergreen Deluxe Class. I find it very affordable and comfortable. The seats are 19 inches wide and have leg and foot rests. There are no adjustable headrests. I find the recline to be decent. Pitch is 38 inches.

 

I arrived at LAX directly from the afternoon shift of pushing tin. The drive into the airport was hell, but isn’t everyplace in SoCal? Earlier that afternoon, I’d received a call from EVA Air stating my TPE-BKK leg had switched equipment from a B744 Combi to an A332. Those that fly EVA Air know that means no Evergreen Deluxe for that leg. Well, a timely phone call that ended with, “don’t worry, dude, I got ya!†momentarily eased the pain. I’m not one who feels upper class and like I deserve more than others, but my body cannot handle flying international coach. This is probably the reason I like EVA Air so much.

 

Leaving the car at Lot C, I headed for the depot and the ride to the Bradley Terminal. Piece of cake! Here’s where it gets interesting. I had never started a trip from LAX and had to check my sole bag. Well, this incurs a little pre-flight baggage security scan. Have I mentioned there are like 5 stations in the entire terminal for hundreds, close to thousands, of travelers? Good thing I came straight from work. It took me 35 minutes to get through this process.

 

OK, baggage screened and moved to the EVA Air check-in section. BTW, I never handled the bag again after the screening. I’m not sure of the arrangements, but when the bag comes out of screening, someone asks if it’s yours and you reply. They then ask what airline you’re flying and then had someone take it to a roped-off section by check-in. So, I get to the check-in line – one each for First, Business, Evergreen Deluxe, and coach – and someone is there to get you to the right line. I show the lady my passport and e-ticket, and happened to be carrying my FF card, and told her I was flying Evergreen Deluxe. She said go to the Business line. Seeing as how it had 1 person in it, as opposed to 12-15 in Evergreen Deluxe, I didn’t look back to make sure!

 

Up to the desk I go, with baggage re-appearing from the set aside area, with my e-ticket in hand. The lady looks at me, looks at my e-ticket, looks at her screen, then at my ticket again, and her screen…..uh oh, I’m thinking. She says, “one sec!†and scurries down to the end near EVA Air ticketing. She comes back in another couple seconds and says, “the business class seat to BKK will be $188.†I’m like, cool, here ya go! Boarding and lounge passes in hand, it’s off to security. Last time I was flying through the Bradley Terminal (International) at LAX, security was hell. Folks like to bad talk the TSA, but this trip it only took 15 minutes to get through as opposed to 60 minutes the prior trip.

 

EVA Air LAX Lounge note: It seems EVA has it’s own lounge on the 5th floor for First, Business, and Gold FF members. Everyone else uses the ANA lounge on the 4th floor. Well, no one told me so I followed the signs to the 5th floor to begin. LOL

 

I guess I’ll describe the lounge as a decent place to be as opposed to waiting at the LAX gates. Being near 20 folks for a couple hours is way better than being around 700. The lounge is not too big, not too small. I guess that makes it just about right. There is plenty of comfortable seating. Through the door to the right is the welcome desk. Inside there is an area for you to plug-in your laptop and use the internet. Remember to bring your own phone cord, though, as you’ll have to dial-up. There is a self-serve drink and snack area. The drinks run the gamut – water, soda, juice, liquor, beer. The snacks are just that, snacks. You’re not going to get full eating there, but then again, who doesn’t eat before a 0120 flight? There were finger sandwiches, chips, cookies, etc. Nothing to make you jump for joy, but then again, it wasn’t disappointing. Boarding time was approaching, so I left a little early to avoid the crowds heading for the gate.

 

Gate 102 at the Bradley Terminal is all the way down. It is the large open area with seating for 3 other gates. Needless to say, the area was packed this night. I arrived about 5 minutes prior to boarding. It was plenty of time. Boarding was announced as 1) First, Business, Silver cards and higher, 2) Evergreen Deluxe, 3) coach from the rear forward. I was about 5th in line to board. Two jetways were in use – left door for Evergreen Deluxe, right door for everyone else. Boarding seemed to work out just fine for Evergreen Deluxe and our door was closed and jetway pushed back. FAs soon came around and passed out warm towels. Our menus were at our seats when we boarded. We departed a few minutes late for stragglers.

 

We pushed back from the gate, the pilots cranked up the engines, and the safety brief was played. Clearance and taxi issued, we stayed on the South complex and taxied out to Runway 25R. Looking down the taxiway, I didn’t see any other aircraft in front of us, but did notice the lights to R25L were out. Seems the runway was closed for maintenance. It’s not really a big deal this late at night, but there was just this one runway on the South for arrivals and departures. The hold for arrivals wasn’t that long, and we were soon in position and hold. The runway finally cleared, the engines spooled to max power and away we went…..using 9K for departure roll as we were heavy.

 

Climbing through 10K, the Captain turned off the “fasten seatbelt†light and the drink service began. About 45 minutes into the flight, dinner service began. Here was the night’s menu:

 

Supper

 

Chicken Breast Salad

 

Stir Fried Shrimps with Celery and Straw Mushrooms

Or

Chicken Thigh with Mustard Sauce

 

Fresh Fruit

Apple Chocolate Crumble

Coffee, Tea

 

I chose the shrimp and wasn’t disappointed. I’ve had much worse airline food. After serving the Evergreen Deluxe section, the FAs will come back through to serve coffee, then tea. Soon after that, they’ll come through to collect the trays. It wasn’t much longer after the movies began. EVA’s B744s do not have AVOD, so if 2 decent movies are playing at the same time, you’re gonna miss out. It wasn’t a big deal because the TPE-BKK had AVOD so I just fired up my mp3 player with noise-canceling headphones and jammed all the way to TPE.

 

EVA’s FAs are notorious for disappearing during a long-haul flight. I’m not sure why, but I don’t really have a problem with it. They bring drinks through the cabin a couple times during the first movie and they also leave out drinks in the galley during the flight. There are also snack mix and ramen left out. How hard is it for folks to get off their asses and get themselves a drink? Are you that spoiled?

 

The flight was uneventful with the small exception of a good 7-8 minutes continuous turbulence near the international dateline. I cannot bring myself to sleep on an airplane, I don’t know why. I’m not afraid to fly, just afraid to die. Right now, I’ve been awake about 30 hours, but my mp3 player is still jamming with plenty of battery time left.

 

Somewhere between the international dateline and Okinawa, the FAs passed out ramen and drinks to those of us still awake (not many!). Note to self: Damn, there’s not much to do at night up at 35k feet over the Pacific. LOL!

 

I wasn’t paying too much attention, still jamming with the mp3 player, but I guess around 2 hours prior to landing in TPE, the cabin lights came up and hot towels and drinks were being passed out. Soon after, breakfast was being served. This morning’s menu consisted of:

 

Coffee, Tea

 

Western Style

 

Spinach Omelet

Fresh Fruit

Ham Salad

Yogurt

 

Chinese Style

 

Three Color Egg

Soy Milk

Shredded Pork with Thousand-Year Old Egg

Congee

Fresh Fruit

 

I’m not sure about you guys, but all I saw was 1000-year old egg and said, “Western style, please!†Breakfast service complete, it was now just time to finish the flight and land in TPE.

 

The approach into TPE was uneventful, although it was the first time I ever landed on Runway 6. It was definitely a different experience to fly over a different part of the country. We smoothly touched down at 0553, rolling out to the end, and were in the chalks at Gate C2 4 minutes later. Two jetways allowed for easy de-planing. As I neared the transfer area, I noticed my name on a placard to report to the transfer desk. Away I went! It seems they had my Premium Laurel boarding pass for the next leg, but I showed them the one I had. No biggie, so it was up the escalator to the transfer/security line and then onto the EVA Lounge at TPE.

 

An ending note: I’m so looking forward to EVA’s new B777 in mid-2005. They’re getting rid of First Class, but who cares? It’ll seat 316, with 42 in Premium Laurel, 63 in Evergreen Deluxe and 211 in Economy. Plans are to run them to/from North America (LAX, SFO, SEA, non-stop EWR, YYR) and Europe. For those of you in Europe, I’m not sure the planes will stop in BKK any longer.

[BigDUSA 71]

I'm surprised they charged you extra for business class as the equipment change was on them.

[drpaul854 0]

When you purchase the ticket EVA warns you that Evergreen Deluxe may not be available on "such and such" leg of your flight

 

You take your chances - and I have had it work both ways - once Evergreen deluxe was not available as planned for the short leg and once I was (without charge) given Evergreen deluxe on a leg of the trip sold as coach. They swap planes based on ticket sales I guess. IMHO still worth it for the long leg no matter what.

[rockinjerry 2]

What the total cost of your ticket to fly Evergreen Deluxe? I have never flown Eva yet but have heard a lot of good things about it.

 

Enjoyed the report!

[livermore 0]

I seem to always have the A332 flight for TPE to BKK leg. But the last 2 trips, they have accidentally double booked my seat on the BKK leg. So twice, the nice people at EVA have upped me into business after looking at my Delux boarding pass. I don't think there is very good communication between the computers in SFO and TPE. Well hopefully I will get bumped up again on my upcoming trip.

 

Jerry,

 

SFO to BKK purchased from EVA website for my trip in November was just $1070 but that was purchased in August. It my be cheaper to purchase even further out. I know by the middle of September, their website was quoting a price of more that $2000 for the same itinary.

[dcdc 0]

Please post your report for the other legs. I'm doing the same trip that you just did 10 days from now.

 

Thanks

[H 0]

EVA gotta love 'em

 

Last trip London - BKK, upgraded from ED to Biz.........then at the gate, Sir your ticket has changed....First Class oh happy days!

 

On the return Bkk - London only upgraded to Biz................. oh and i'm hoping for the same in 5 days time!

 

H

 

PS Hope they keep the LON - BKK route, its the best value of its class by a long way

[Firepole 181]

I like CX for LOS trips, but that EVA non-stop EWR-BKK looks pretty tasty.  The CX non-stop to HK does not compare as JFK is a real pain in the ass to deal with.

 

Thanks,

 

Hub

Hub,

I'm not sure if you meant no change of planes when referring to the EVA non-stop EWR-BKK but I think this flight makes a stop for fuel and pax in SEA. I think it's only a short stop without a change of planes so it's not really a big deal.

[eltib 54]

An ending note: I’m so looking forward to EVA’s new B777 in mid-2005. They’re getting rid of First Class, but who cares? It’ll seat 316, with 42 in Premium Laurel, 63 in Evergreen Deluxe and 211 in Economy. Plans are to run them to/from North America (LAX, SFO, SEA, non-stop EWR, YYR) and Europe. For those of you in Europe, I’m not sure the planes will stop in BKK any longer.

I'm sure the removal of first class will prompt many EVD passengers to upgrade, since it will be only considered an upgrade to Business Class. Those spacebeds are great, had one from the BKK-TPE route in May.

[echster 1]

I'm surprised they charged you extra for business class as the equipment change was on them.

As previously noted, an Evergreen Deluxe seat is not guaranteed in case of equipment change.

[echster 1]

They swap planes based on ticket sales I guess.

Well, technically, airlines never do this as it's a violation of law. Airlines also never cancel flights because there aren't enough seats sold.

[echster 1]

What the total cost of your ticket to fly Evergreen Deluxe? I have never flown Eva yet but have heard a lot of good things about it.

 

Enjoyed the report!

I bought the ticket at EVA's website 3 weeks prior to my trip for $900 all-in.

[echster 1]

I seem to always have the A332 flight for TPE to BKK leg.

I think it's BR Flight 211 (TPE-BKK) that uses the A332. I'm fairly sure it continues BKK-VIE (Vienna, Austria) and that's why it's not a B744. It's a great plane with a decent set-up. I had the choice of a 0830 or 0905 departure from TPE. Both were scheduled B744, though, so I took the 0830 flight. Really no need to wait in this instance, but it worked out in the end.

[echster 1]

Please post your report for the other legs. I'm doing the same trip that you just did 10 days from now.

I've been busy with work since I've returned and will get the rest of my legs posted here this weekend. I'm planning on completing them Friday night to have posted sometime Saturday (US time).

[livermore 0]

The BR 0211 is the airbus. On most days it leaves about an hour early than BR0067. I think this BR0067 flight might be a 747. I never want to wait another hour so it is the airbus for me and economy unless they bump me up. Their web site clearly says that Delux is not gauranteed on certain configurations. But 3 hours is a blink after doing the 14 hour leg. Though I wish the flight was a little cheaper if you don't get Econ Delux all the way to Bkk.

[too_mutt 10]

You mentioned that "EVA’s FAs are notorious for disappearing during a long-haul flight".

 

I wonder where they hide. I would think that they could make a pass through the cabin once every 45 minutes or so. It seems that I recall the Singapore girls being around the cabin during the long flight from time to time.

 

Regards

[CheshireTom 1,377]

echster,

 

Great report ...many thanks.

 

As far as the 777 being able to do TPE-LON non-stop, as you know the problem is in the routing rather than the aircraft performance. As things stand at the moment, it is necessary to circumnavigate PRC airspace therefore necessitating the stop in BKK which also serves as connections for flights inbound to TPE. Therefore, if any direct flights were to be offered I would imagine they would be to complement the existing schedule rather than replace it, much the same as SQ has done on the US routes since the intro of the the 340-500. I assume the 777s will be utilised in much the same way as the 747s currently are i.e. across the whole EVA network rather than a given route/region.

 

Regards,

 

Tom

[CheshireTom 1,377]

You mentioned that "EVA’s FAs are notorious for disappearing during a long-haul flight".

 

I wonder where they hide.

Probably getting their feet up, or head down, in the crew rest area.

[echster 1]

EVA Air Business Class Lounge – Taipei

 

EVA’s lounges are located on the 4th floor. You take the escalators up just prior to the duty free shops. Up the escalator, turn right and follow the signs. Entering the lounge, the First Class is to the left and Business Class is to the left. The first impression I had of the lounge was that it was big! There was definitely some length to the lounge.

 

As you enter, off to the left, is a huge flat screen TV tuned to news. I think it was playing CNN International. A little further left were 2 internet terminals. They were laptops with a decent connection. I had a chance to use them and go through my email. Continuing back from the entrance, on the right, was the bathroom area. Inside the men’s bathroom were the usual as well as 2 showers. I didn’t take a shower but probably wished I did. I’m not sure if there are towels, so you may want to pack one in your carry-on. Out of the bathroom and continuing back, on the right, is a game room. This isn’t an ordinary game room with machines, but 4 or 5 flat screen TVs with X-Box. There are different games; you just have to ask. I stopped in to play a game or 3 while I awaited the connecting flight. Not a bad place!

 

Out of the game room and continuing back, on the right, is the food and drink section. I failed to mention that everything on the left side of this walkway is seating. The seats are mainly plush-type chairs and an occasional couch. Quite comfortable! The drink selection is fairly large. You have your pick from liquor, beer, soda, juice, water, etc. The food depends on the time of day. This stop was in the morning, so it was mainly dim sum. On the way back, a night trip, there was soup, fried rice, fried noodles, etc. I wasn’t really hungry, so settled on some toast and a soda or 2. In between the food area and the seating was a rather large newspaper and periodical section. The dailies ran the spectrum of languages. There were 5 or 6 English language newspapers. Not the best business class lounge I’ve ever been in, but it’s in my top 5.

 

As you wait for your flights, the persons at the desk may or may not call out your flight. It’s your responsibility to make your flight on time, so be sure to set your watch to the proper time. Long story here! LOL

 

It was now time to head to the gate. Backtracking through the lounge, down the escalator, past the duty free shops, and to the left for Gate C5. The departure gates at TPE require you to go down a flight of stairs, although an elevator is available, if needed.

[echster 1]

20 October 2004

Taipei International (TPE) – Bangkok International (BKK)

EVA Air Flight 211 (BR 211)

Airbus 332

B-16305

Scheduled Departure – 0830, Actual – 0854, Airborne – 0909

Scheduled Arrival – 1120, Actual – 1118, Gate – 1130

Premium Laurel (Business) Class, Seat 6A (Bulkhead Window)

TPE – Gate C5, BKK – Gate 32

 

I arrived at the gate just as they announced boarding. It was the same as LAX, Business Class and elites, followed by coach. I was about the 5th person in line again and noted this didn’t appear to be a full flight. Through the gate and down the jetway, there were 2 different jetways – one for Premium Laurel and the other for coach passengers. I must say I like the way EVA handles boarding the aircraft by class. Not many airlines in the States board with more than 1 jetway and it is feels awkward to be sitting in First drinking a glass of champagne and having some of the smelliest people walk by you all the while staring and wishing they were you.

 

I found my seat and didn’t realize until I saw it that it was the bulkhead. Wow! Wanna talk about legroom. I could grow another 2 feet and still not be able to reach the wall. I have traveled a lot, but this was my first trip ever on an Airbus…any Airbus. Man, what have I been missing? It was a beautiful plane! The window was the largest I’ve ever seen. It allowed me, if I turned around, an unfettered view of the left engine. That’s a fairly large-size engine, as well. Premium Laurel Class looked close to 60% capacity for this leg.

 

Soon our jetway was pushed back and the FA came by to individually greet each passenger and take a pre-departure drink order. With our drinks, we were given our food and wine menus. Some of you may have noticed we departed about 30 minutes late. I looked at my watch when I saw the Captain come out of the cockpit. He walked back towards the rear of the aircraft. He came back a short while later with maintenance. They had a few words and back to the cockpit he went. The rear door closed and the jetway was pushed back. The Captain came on the PA to announce he was receiving what turned out to be a false warning with regards to the door and its seal. He said all was good and we were ready to go. Hey, with maintenance problems, it’s better safe than sorry.

 

We pushed back from the gate and the safety brief was played. Clearance and taxi issued, we taxied out for Runway 6. It looked like we were number 3 for departure. The previous 2 aircraft had departed and it was position and hold. I couldn’t tell the separation as usually it’s 2 minutes for wake turbulence, but this time it seemed we were using MIT (miles in trail) or they were doing manual releases as it was a longer wait. It was a nice departure roll and I felt good about the power the 2 engines we had were putting out. I didn’t catch the roll distance as TPE didn’t have RDMs (runway distance markers).

 

We reached the north shore and made a long left turn to follow the west shore. It wasn’t long before the Captain extinguished the fasten seatbelt sign. The FAs were soon around with hot towels and took drink orders. Drinks arrive along with a tablecloth, so you need to have your table out. After they brought the drinks they took our breakfast order. For those who’ve never flown international business, it’s sort of like ordering at a restaurant. You have the menu and the FAs have a pad or a good memory. After they take the orders, they go to the galley and prepare to serve. Today’s menu was:

 

Western

 

Coffee, Tea

 

Fresh Fruit

Choices of Bread with Butter and Jam

 

Cereal (Cornflakes or Muselix) and Yoghurt (Natural or Strawberry)

 

Scrambled Eggs with Parsley, Sautéed Mushrooms, Roasted Tomatoes, and Grilled Canadian Bacon

 

We were served in courses. First course was fruit and bread, followed by cereal and yoghurt, and finally the egg dish. Drinks were continuously served.

 

After breakfast, I wanted to test the Premium Laurel seat. Man, it was so awesome. Have I mentioned I am ready for this product to come to the States with the new B777?!?! The seat had an adjustable headrest and personal reading light near the headrest. I would guess the seat is close to 20 inches wide, with a footrest, has a 61 inch pitch, and reclines to about 160 degrees. The pitch basically means you can stand up during the flight and not touch the dude sitting next to you. It is much nicer and more comfortable than the Super Business seats. There are single buttons that can be used to make the seat ready to eat, to sleep, and to prepare to land. You want the seat to lay flat so you can sleep? Just hit the sleep button. Getting ready to land? Hit the land button. Very easy to use.

 

The A332 has AVOD in Premium Laurel so I spent our flight watching a movie and playing games. It sure does make the time go by. The thing I like about AVOD is you have this fairly nice controller. It’s actually fairly small but very easy to use. There are instructions, but I didn’t need them. I also liked the “where in the hell are we†map and its functions. You can choose from 7 or 8 different map views.

 

The bathrooms in the Premium Laurel Class section are quite spacious. When I mean spacious, I mean you can walk around in it. It’s not like the Evergreen Deluxe or Coach bathrooms – back in the door and turn around. If you need to sit and drop the kids off at the pool, there’s plenty of legroom.

 

We were soon over Danang and continued over Isaan. The movie I was watching was over so I just jammed with my mp3 player. This thing is still going strong with plenty of battery life for the taxi ride to town. Roughly 3.5 hours after departing TPE, we were landing on Runway 21L in BKK. It was a nice landing, considering the winds, and we rolled out to the end, taking the right hand turn between golf holes and R21R. We held for a departure then taxied across the active for the gates. Twelve minutes later we pulled into Gate 32 at BKK.

 

De-planing was quick, immigration even quicker. There was no one in line when I arrived. Passport stamped and down to luggage pick-up. About 10 minutes later, my luggage was coming out. My bag was one of the first out and through customs I went. I didn’t really pay attention at first, but you no longer have to fill out the customs form in BKK. Customs was the usual breeze. First stop was the ATM for some baht and then a taxi.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

echster,

 

Thanks again for the additional two reports - great stuff!

 

I must admit that when I first travelled in biz on a Qatar A330 I remember thinking to myself that it was how air travel was meant to be, so much so that I now dread setting foot in a 747.

 

Tom

[eltib 54]

I must admit that when I first travelled in biz on a Qatar A330 I remember thinking to myself that it was how air travel was meant to be, so much so that I now dread setting foot in a 747.

 

Tom

Same here Tom. 747 has nothing on the A330 or A340.

[ElCubozoan 0]

Only a controller could pay attention with such detail.

 

Here's a question for you:

 

When VFR and cleared into the bravo by Controller A - and 2 minutes later you get a frequency change and you check in with Controller B - how does B know that you have been cleared into the bravo or does he just assume that you are because you are talking to him and already in?

[echster 1]

Only a controller could pay attention with such detail.

 

Here's a question for you:

 

When VFR and cleared into the bravo by Controller A - and 2 minutes later you get a frequency change and you check in with Controller B - how does B know that you have been cleared into the bravo or does he just assume that you are because you are talking to him and already in?

I'm not sure what facility you're referring to, but in all likelihood the controllers did what is known as a handoff. In your example, Controller A calls Controller B (several methods to do this) and says something like, "Handoff, VFR". Controller B then comes on and says, "go ahead." Controller A gives him the information that goes something like this, "LAX, 5 south, beacon code 1234, N1234A, Cesnna 172, 3500, going to or transitioning to (whatever)." Controller B, as Controller A tells him this, is writing it on a strip and looking at his radar. Controller B looks at LAX, then 5 miles south, while looking for 1234 on the scope. He sees 1234 and verifies his scope reads the same altitude +/- 300 feet. When all that happens, Controller B says, "radar contact." Controller A tells the pilot to, "contact x facility on x frequency." And there it is, for 99% of VFRs cruising VFR not wanting services, the MANUAL handoff. It takes about 10-15 seconds to do all that.

[echster 1]

I was going to right and post the final 2 legs of my EVA trip but had to go into work today. I will get to work on them and hope to post them by Sunday evening (US time). If they're not up then, it'll have to wait until Thursday or Friday due to work.