EVA Trip Report LAX-BKK-LAX

[echster 1]

I can't remember if I posted this from a trip I took October 2004. There are minor changes that I marked with NOTE. However, by and large, EVA Air is a solid airline and I don't think there are any major changes. I have been flying with EVA for 5+ years and it's been practically the same during that span. If you're on EVA from SFO, SEA, or EWR only your local airport information will change.

 

Flight Report

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! (NOTE: Silver card holders can check-in via the Business Class line.)

 

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. (NOTE: This summer, the number of travellers in the US will be back above to the year 2000. Expect longer delays at most major US airports. FWIW, the summer of 2000 in aviation was known as the "Summer From Hell".)

 

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:

 

Breakfast

 

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. (NOTE: I've recently seen updated timetables for EVA and it looks like the B777s are going to be their plane of choice starting mid-to-late September to/from Europe. There will still be stops in BKK so if you're going TPE-BKK-TPE like those of us from the US, you can expect a few B777 flights mixed in with the B744s. I didn't see any flights on the B777 to/from the US for the remainder of 2005. EVA has 15 B777s on order, so we may see them sometime in 2006.)

 

 

EVA Air Business Class Lounge – Taipei

 

EVA’s lounges are located on the 4th floor. After exiting the plane, 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 right. 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

EVA Air BKK Check-in & Lounge Experience

 

EVA begins check-in at BKK 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. I thought it was 3 hours so I was left sitting like a dummy at the counters for a little bit. Well, I’m always sitting like a dummy because I’d rather be early at the airport then get left behind. Regardless of what row EVA uses for check-in at BKK, they’ve always been aligned, from far (closest to immigration) to near (closest to the terminal entrance), First Class/Business Class/EVA Air Gold Members, Evergreen Deluxe (non-US destinations), Economy (non-US destinations), Evergreen Deluxe (US destinations), Economy (US destinations), and Groups. Now that I’ve said that, I’ll just note that I’ve always used the non-US destination lines even though I’m heading back home to the States. No one has ever said anything about this, and I assume it’s because I’ve always been first in line.

 

When you arrive at the terminal, you’ll have to have any bags going in the belly of the aircraft x-rayed. It’s not that big a deal and they’ll attach a little sticker to the outside of your bag. Promptly, at 2 hours prior to scheduled departure, the TG ground staff appears and readies to begin check-in. Machines ready, I was asked for ticket and passport. Everything was handed over and then I placed my one check-in bag on the scale. With my bag checked all the way to LAX, I then received my boarding and lounge passes and it was off to immigration. First stop is the departure tax machines so don’t forget to save 500 baht. Immigration lines were non-existent so I was through there lickity.

 

I don’t think I noted earlier that I selected my seats online at booking, so I didn’t have to try and haggle with the staff over a decent seat. I recommend this as the way to go unless you want to arrive early and try for an exit row. Anyways, just my humble opinion, but I’d prefer to skip the exit rows in Evergreen Deluxe on EVA because your PTV isn’t on a seatback. The FAs bring it to you 10-15 minutes after departure and collect them back up about 30 minutes prior to landing.

 

I was through immigration and into the large duty free area in the airport. EVA’s lounge is off to the left after immigration. As a matter of fact, it is almost in front of the gate departure area. It’s about a 30 second walk from the lounge to security. Not too shabby!

 

It seemed like there was one lounge for all passengers (First, Business, Silver and above FFs). The lounge has 2 glass doors that are darkly tinted and open automatically. A few steps through the entrance is the greeting desk. I handed over my pass and chose a seat back in the corner near a plug so I could listen and charge my mp3 player. Past the desk, as you turn right, is a place to put your carry-on if you so choose. Above the carry-on cubbyholes were the dailys, in several languages. From there, to the left, is the seating area. It is open, except for a few columns, and there are plush loungers with plenty of tables. Further to the left, behind the wall at the greeting desk, is the snack and drink area. It was basically the same as the set-up at LAX. There were finger sandwiches, plenty of snacks and fruit, and drinks that ran the gamut. For those who didn’t want to use ice cubes there were cold drinks in the mini-refrigerator. If you could look through the wall from the snack area, there is an internet terminal with a lone computer. It was kind of “out-of-sight, out-of-mindâ€. I don’t recall seeing anyone use it the 90 minutes I was in there. All in all, not that bad of a lounge, except there are no restroom facilities inside. You'll have to use those in the terminal. One note at BKK is don’t try to bring a cart into the lounge…leave them outside. Why you’d need one is hard for me to understand. If your carry-on is so damn heavy you need to push it around, it’s probably too damn big to fit in the overhead compartment. But that’s just me and a pet peeve of mine. LOL

 

It was approaching boarding time so I left the lounge for the quick walk to security. Carry-on and metal through the x-ray machine and off for Gate 34.

 

 

28 October 2004

Bangkok International (BKK) – Taipei international (TPE)

EVA Air Flight 68 (BR 68)

B744 Combi

B-16406

Scheduled Departure – 1615, Actual – 1629, Airborne – 1649

Scheduled Arrival – 2050, Actual – 2052, Gate – 2052

Evergreen Deluxe Class, Seat 28A (Window)

BKK – Gate 34, TPE – Gate C6

 

Boarding in BKK is a little more hectic than most places. I’m not sure why, it just seems that way. This flight had numerous people continuing to TPE from Europe, so they were afforded the opportunity to board first and reclaim their seats. Next was the call for First/Business/EVA FF members, but it was the usual free-for-all I’ve come to expect in BKK.

 

I wasn’t in a rush and just moseyed on up to the line. We were using 2 jetways to board, and like at LAX, Evergreen Deluxe passengers went left and everyone else went right. Boarding was smooth and the Evergreen Deluxe cabin didn’t have many people onboard when I found my seat. There was plenty of overhead space for me to store my carry-on. After the door closed, the FAs walked around the Evergreen Deluxe cabin and handed out cold towels. We departed to gate 14 minutes late due to a few stragglers and late arrivals. It’s not that big of a difference as some delay time is added into destination arrival times. Now you know why you can depart up to 30 minutes late and still arrive at your destination on time.

 

Pushback completed, the in-flight safety brief began. I hope the FAA or NTSB doesn’t read this, but after all the flying I’ve done, I don’t pay attention anymore! We soon started taxing out for Runway 21R and as we made the quick right-left onto the main taxiway, I looked down to see we would be #5 for departure. I could see a TG 747, an SQ 747, a couple B737s, and an A320. It ended up being a 20 minute wait. The A320 (whose airline I don’t recall) started take-off roll and we taxied into position and held. The hold seemed to last forever but no one was on final for our runway and I remember seeing a TG 777 landing on R21L. So, not only were we holding to allow the A320 to get some spacing ahead of us, but also to allow the B777 to taxi across the runway. Aircraft across, we soon were rolling, eventually rolling 9000 feet before V1. After takeoff, we started the long left turn towards the east. If you’re sitting on the left side of the aircraft, you can usually get a decent view of the airport as you pass by. Today, however, was different as the layer of smog over BKK was thick from 3-10000 feet. Oh well, maybe next time.

 

We were soon up to FL350 over Isaan and it was dinnertime. This is the first time I’ve never gotten a menu on EVA when sitting in Evergreen Deluxe class. I wrote down what I thought was served and will list it here. I do not know what the Chinese dinner was, though.

 

Supper

 

Tuna Salad

 

Roasted Pork in Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms, Grilled Peppers, and Potatoes

 

Fresh Fruit

Vanilla Espresso Cake

Coffee, Tea

 

Man, this meal was hella good for airline food. I wish I could have had another piece of that cake!

 

The in-flight entertainment was the same as the previous legs (same month) so I just jammed with my mp3 player all the way to TPE. Several times during this short flight the FAs brought around drinks. We soon were over Taiwan and the first bit of turbulence was experienced on this leg. It wasn’t too bad until we got closer to the mountains on the east side of the island. We shook just a little but I’ve been through a lot worse…like weightless worse!

 

Having crossed the island from the south, we were already on a long final to intercept the ILS and land Runway 6. Gear and flaps down, power reduced, it was a very nice touchdown and roll out. We rolled out to the end as it made for an easier taxi into our parking spot. I watch aircraft day in and day out and it never ceases to amaze me how these huge machines just seem to glide back down to Earth. Of course, I give the Captain and his crew all the credit as I’ve never seen an aircraft depart, land, or stop by itself.

 

Another leg of my trek completed and it’s back through the transfer station and security and finally the EVA Air TPE Lounge.

 

 

28 October 2004

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

EVA Air Flight 16 (BR 16)

B744 Combi

B-16406

Scheduled Departure – 2355, Actual – 2350, Airborne – 0006

Scheduled Arrival – 2045, Actual – 1942, Gate – 1952

Evergreen Deluxe Class, Seat 30A (Window)

TPE – Gate C6, LAX – Gate 103

 

I left the EVA Air Lounge fairly late. So late in fact, that I was one of the last persons onboard the aircraft. My previous experience with the EVA Lounge in TPE was early morning. This time, it was late night. There is no difference in the lounge from morning to night EXCEPT for the food. There were still the same exact selections, but there were offerings of fried rice, a noodle dish, and soups. I didn’t try the soups but the rest was edible.

 

I boarded the aircraft, the same as from BKK to TPE, again using 2 different doors for Evergreen Deluxe (left) and everyone else (right) and still found plenty of room for my carry-on in the overhead above my seat. Evergreen Deluxe Class was 100% filled for this leg. I guess I was the last Evergreen Deluxe pax to board as the door was soon shut and sealed. The FAs then came through the cabin and passed out cold towels and our US immigration/customs paperwork. As we pushed back, early for the first time this trip, the FAs came through and collected the towels. Once again, the same safety brief was played but I was jamming with my mp3 player.

 

We pushed back differently this time, turning north instead of south, so I looked across the cabin and out the windows to see the lights to Runway 6 were out. We started taxiing and I realized we’d be departing Runway 5 when I saw persons removing rubber from Runway 6. Yes, folks, runways have to be shutdown periodically for maintenance, mostly at night. This maintenance is done from once a month to once a quarter to once a year, depending on how busy the airport is. LAX’s Runway 25L was closed for this reason the night I began my trip. The maintenance runs from removing rubber deposits on the runway, changing light bulbs that may be dim or burned out, to even patching cracks in the concrete and re-painting lines.

 

We taxied to the north part of the ramp and then westbound behind the C Gates and Terminal 1 for Runway 5. Needless to say, when we reached the main taxiway for Runway 5, we had to taxi all the way down to the south end. This resulted in the 16 minutes from pushback to being airborne. Once again, no RDMs at TPE but I’m sure we used most of the runway because we were still a little low as we passed the departure end. This was a result of being fully loaded with pax, bags, and fuel.

 

Soon after reaching our initial cruising altitude of FL310, the FAs came around to pass out drinks and dinner. Tonight’s menu was:

 

Supper

 

Char Siew with Potato Mustard Salad

 

Crispy Fried Fish Fillet with BBQ Butter

Or

Braised Chicken with Coconut

 

Seasonal Fruit

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream

 

Coffee, Tea

 

This meal was just OK. I chose the braised chicken and what a mistake it was. It was not nearly as good as the fish dinner. I didn’t find the char siew or fruit edible, but maybe it was my American palate. Next time I’ll know! The ice cream is brought around at a later time, but before the FAs pick up the trays. It is hella frozen so save your metal spoons because the little wooden scoop Haagen Dazs usually comes with isn’t worth a damn.

 

After the trays are picked up, the lights were dimmed and the entertainment turned on. Well, the movies weren’t worth a lick so the entertainment consisted of my trusty mp3 player. The FAs came by and asked us to put down our window shades because the 12.5 hour flight would be mostly spent in sunlight. No problem there. Most people were sleeping by time the FAs brought around drinks and cups of ramen. I was so ready for the ramen because I didn’t eat much of the dinner! I did manage to step over my seatmate without waking him and had a chance to walk around the aircraft. I knew Evergreen Deluxe was full, but so were all the other sections! I know cost is a factor for some folks, but why you wouldn’t spend the extra bucks to fly Evergreen Deluxe vice coach is beyond me. It really is great value.

 

About half-way through the flight, I got up again for drinks. Drinks are readily available in the galley. All you need to do is get up and go back to get them. It’s the same for cups of ramen for those who are hungry. About 2 hours from landing at LAX, the lights came on in the cabin and the FAs brought hot towels. I put up my window shade because it was now dark outside. After hot towels, it was time for a refreshment prior to landing.

 

Refreshment

 

Curried Vegetable Salad and Pepperfish

 

Stir Fried Flat Rice Noodle with Beef

Or

Butter Farfalle with Thai Spiced Salmon Topping

 

Seasonal Fruit

Jasmin Tea Mousse Cake

Coffee, Tea

 

You really couldn’t go wrong with either main dish. This was so much better than the dinner they served departing TPE. About 45 minutes later, as SFO International was passing just out my window, the FAs came by and picked up the trays. I had a chance to look out at the San Francisco Bay and could make out OAK International, as well. It was a cool site to be able to look down from 37,000 feet and make out aircraft landing at both airports! Really, you’re just looking at the aircraft’s position lights, but you can see them from that high.

 

We pretty much followed the coast down towards LAX and came inland to pick up the SADDE 6 arrival into LAX. The SADDE 6 arrival basically takes you west of Bakersfield at 11,000 feet heading southeast to SADDE intersection and then east to Santa Monica (SMO) at 5,000 feet. Passing SMO, the pilot picks up the SMO 068 radial and then gets radar vectors from ATC for the approach into LAX. We hung our first right for the base leg at the Staples Center and later another right to intercept the glideslope for the ILS approach to Runway 24L. We touched down on the north complex at LAX an hour early.

 

Taxiing off the runway, we headed down the back alley taxiway for our gate. We ended up having to hold for 5-6 minutes as 3 aircraft had to go by us. When all the aircraft were clear, we taxied into the TBIT and the pilots began shutting down the engines. For those not familiar with LAX, the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) gates are really tight. So tight that aircraft arriving need to shut down and be tugged into their gate because their jet wash could damage the aircraft parked to the rear. Finally at the gate only one jetway was brought to the aircraft. So, pax de-planed First, Business, Evergreen Deluxe, and Coach.

 

It didn’t take too long and the lines at Immigration were short. I ended up getting through before our bags came out of the carriage. My bag secured, I passed through Customs with no questions. For those connecting from LAX to another destination. You still need to pick-up your bags at LAX. When you pass Customs, you’ll go right and drop off your bags if they’ve been tagged to your destination. If not, still go right and head for your terminal to check-in again. I went left and was out to the Street Exit and waiting for the bus to Lot C, another journey complete.

[peder 0]

That was an extremely long post...

 

I don't think many will read it all the way through. Those that do, I belive you should pay them the sum of $100 USD.

[adakal 0]

Echster;

Thanks for the great trip report.Loved the detail.

Have you heard of WWW.flyertalk.com I think you'd enjoy it.

Thanks again Chucko

[adakal 0]

Sorry;

forgot to ask do you have a good contact for cheap tickets on EVA?

Thanks Chucko

[rockinjerry 2]

And, what is ticket cost for the RT on EVA from LAX now? And, I recall reading something recently about a change in name of Eva Deluxe or Business Class? So, what is the current situation, if you know?

 

Good report, long but detailed and I hope I didn't miss answer to my questions during my read.

 

Rockin' Jerry

[dotcom_OD 0]

echster, I did enjoy reading your airline report. Not having tried EVA before but have heard some bad but more good reports. I tend to get Cathay as the service is more to my liking not to mention the stop in Hong Kong over Taipei. Thank you.

[echster 1]

Echster;

Thanks for the great trip report.Loved the detail.

Have you heard of WWW.flyertalk.com I think you'd enjoy it.

Thanks again Chucko

 

 

Sorry;

forgot to ask do you have a good contact for cheap tickets on EVA?

Thanks Chucko

I'm a member of FlyerTalk but my handle will remain a secret!

 

 

I get my tickets on EVA one of two ways:

 

First, I email or call consolidators to see what their prices are. Second, I go to the EVA website and see what the prices are. I then get the cheaper of those options.

[echster 1]

And, what is ticket cost for the RT on EVA from LAX now? And, I recall reading something recently about a change in name of Eva Deluxe or Business Class? So, what is the current situation, if you know?

 

Good report, long but detailed and I hope I didn't miss answer to my questions during my read.

 

Rockin' Jerry

Jerry,

 

Tickets on EVA out of LAX this summer are running roughly $1000-1200. For travel starting August 17th, they're running roughly $900-1000. I haven't checked, but I think they're running $825-900 in September.

 

As with all airlines, you can expect to pay more when the demand is highest (US summer) and less when demand is lower (US - when school starts back and late January).

 

Evergreen Deluxe is still the name. The Business class on the A332s and B777s is now known as Premium Laurel. Seems EVA and other airlines are phasing out 1st class (which makes sense because few actually pay for it).

[echster 1]

That was an extremely long post...

If you're going to do a trip report, don't half-ass it!

[keithand 0]

wow ! that's the most comprehensive report i've read about a flight ! i may have missed this - is it because you fly with them so much that you get to use their lounge or is it because you flew "evergreen deluxe?" - sorry i'm just good 'ol trailer trash so i always thought the lounges were for the 1st class people !

 

thanks

 

kja

[echster 1]

i may have missed this - is it because you fly with them so much that you get to use their lounge or is it because you flew "evergreen deluxe?" - sorry i'm just good 'ol trailer trash so i always thought the lounges were for the 1st class people !

Lounge entry varies by airline or airline alliance. EVA allows entry by ticket or frequent flyer status. The TPE visit before BKK was due to a ticket in Premium Laurel, the others were due to FF status.

[Firepole 181]

echster,

Nice report. I too am somewhat of a "tin junkie" but you've got me beat by far.

I've only booked EVA through their website but would be interested in checking with a consolidator. Can you recommend any? I fly out of LAX.

 

Also, have you found any sites that show the seating on the EVA 777's they're going to use in the future. I figure they are, eventually, going to be put in service U.S.-TPE. EVA site comes up blank, Seatguru doesn't list them, and Boeing's are generic. Any help on either is appreciated. Thanks up front.

Edited June 1, 2005 by cenctm

[Gus 97]

EVA seem to offer the better deals from USA airports on their web site. It is very difficult to find any LHR deals on their web site, probably because the flights are always busy. Maybe in the UK we have more consolidators than in the USA.

Any up to date news on the 777s, they are suposed to be on some LHR-BKK flights from September but no info yet on the EVA site when you go to Fleet Facts.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Gus,

 

I spoke to EVA in Euston Rd this morning and she reckoned that they will have the seat maps by mid-June (you can book your seat 100 days in advance with them so they need the plans to do this). The service is still planned to go live on 15 September and there will be an official "launch" and associated marketing of the new service but, as yet, the dates are unknown.

 

FWIW the business class seats in premium laurel are the same as those used by Qatar on their A330s and are excellent. Travelmood are still doing a companion business class fare from 15 Sep for 769 quid incl tax so it may be worth advertising for a travelling companion on the board. (Do it in the Members' Area for a better response).

 

The reason that the airlines' fares seem to be higher on their websites is because of the Brit tradition of the airlines paying agents commission to sell the seats. BA have recently broken with this system and now agents selling their seats have to add on their own margin to the price airlines sell them at. It makes a lot of sense to me and now BA's site is selling seats at competitive prices as compared to what can be found through the agents.

 

Tom

Edited June 1, 2005 by CheshireTom

[echster 1]

echster,

I've only booked EVA through their website but would be interested in checking with a consolidator. Can you recommend any? I fly out of LAX.

 

Also, have you found any sites that show the seating on the EVA 777's they're going to use in the future. I figure they are, eventually, going to be put in service U.S.-TPE. EVA site comes up blank, Seatguru doesn't list them, and Boeing's are generic. Any help on either is appreciated. Thanks up front.

I search the usual ticket outlets on the net (Orbitz, Travelocity, Yahoo!, etc). I usually search angeltravel.com and then I call a few consolidators I get out of the Sunday Times Travel section. I would say I end up booking from the EVA website because they seem to be cheaper.

 

I haven't seen a seatmap for EVA's B777s even though I've worn-all out my usual sources for this info. If you want me to take an educated guess, I'd say they're going to be configured:

 

Premium Laurel (Business) - 42 seats in a 2-2-2 for 7 rows

Evergreen Deluxe - 63 seats in a 2-3-2 for 9 rows

Economy - 211 seats 2-4-2 or 2-5-2

Edited June 1, 2005 by echster

[echster 1]

Any up to date news on the 777s, they are suposed to be on some LHR-BKK flights from September but no info yet on the EVA site when you go to Fleet Facts.

EVA's schedule looks to be loaded, and with that info, their flights LHR-BKK-LHR appear to all be on the B777 from September 15th.

 

Schedule

 

LHR-BKK BR Flight 68 Departs 2135 Arrives 1455+1

BKK-LHR BR Flight 67 Departs 1325 Arrives 1915