If you’re looking for one of the best business class products in Asia, EVA Air should absolutely be on your radar. A 5 Star Skytrax airline and by far a top tier carrier, they know how to take care of passengers. This was my first time flying EVA air and I have been VERY happy with the inflight experience the airline offers. EVA is known for their consistent service, excellent catering, and stylish cabin design, EVA Air consistently punches above its weight. I recently had the chance to fly EVA’s Boeing 787-10 in business class from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), and they knocked it out of the park with catering and service.
Here’s a quick review of the experience. Overall 5 out of 5!
Booking
I booked this flight as part of a longer Star Alliance award ticket using EVA Air miles. When no one else had award space to Asia in April, EVA delivered! .EVA Air award space, especially plentiful if you book a few months ahead and with EVA Air own program. This short hop from Tokyo to Taipei was part of a long trip to Seattle. The cost just 75,000 Citi Bank points in business class and a couple hundred of dollars — a steal considering the quality of the product.
EVA operates several daily flights from Tokyo to Taipei. I made sure to select the 787 specifically for the newest seat and cabin. I also was able to do the rare thing of putting a hold on my flight while I waited for points to transfer. Something I learned EVA Air will do for you, but only if you book in person. Yes I went to their Seattle airport office to book!
Check-In and Lounge Access
Check-in at Narita was smooth as always. There was a LONG long of people awaiting check in, yet since we were in business class we had no queue. EVA uses Terminal 1 South Wing and has its own dedicated counters. Business class passengers also receive access to the any of the Star alliance lounges. We opted to visit the ANA Lounge, which, while nothing flashy, is spacious and functional — with decent food and drink options (yes, there’s sushi) and good tarmac views. We also had time to briefly visit the Turkish Airline lounge. My advice, go to ANA to eat and drink. But if you want a bite of turkish food, go check out the Turkish lounge. It’s nice and mostly empty. For good reason, we skipped the United lounge
Boarding was called on time, and, as always in Japan, was handled efficiently and politely. In fact, we boarded the enter 787 in less than 25 minutes! I love the efficiency of Asia!
Cabin and Seat
The EVA Air 787-10 business class cabin features 34 seats in a 1-2-1 forward facing layout. The seats are designed by BMW Designworks, and they look fantastic — dark grey tones, subtle woodgrain finishes, and mood lighting that makes the cabin feel elegant and modern without being sterile. It’s a huge upgrade over the 777 older seats. New finishes and all around comfortable. I was VERY happy with the look and design.
Each seat has direct aisle access, a high level of privacy thanks to the seat shell, and feels perfectly spacious for a medium-haul flight. This is actually the same plane we would fly to Seattle. A win-win for the new seat. I also love the storage at the seat. Something many seats overlook, EVA has not. There is built in shelves great for your shoes, or even a small bag.
The seat controls were intuitive, and the seat could easily be adjusted to a full lie-flat bed. Even massage functions, personal lights, and you can control how firm your seat is. Storage was decent, with a side compartment perfect for your phone, passport, and amenity kit. For a 3 hours flight this seat is AMAZING! For a long haul flight, it’s still very competitive. Even without a door.
Speaking of amenities, on the shorter flights within Asia they are limited to slippers and blankets. Yet what more do you really need when there’s lotion and facial mist in the bathroom.
In-Flight Service
If there’s one thing EVA Air consistently nails, it’s service.
The cabin crew was warm, polished, and proactive from the moment we boarded. Within minutes of settling in, I was offered a pre-departure drink — I chose the champagne, currently Laurent-Perrier champagne Brut, though a mocktail was also available or water and orange juice. On long haul flights they offer Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle, N.V champagne, but the brut would do and is still a great option and better than many airlines offer.
Menus were awaiting my seat, but I had already pre ordered. Meals were confirmed before taking off. Even on this short flight, EVA offered a multi-course business class meal with both Western, Japanese and Taiwanese options. I opted for the Japanese pre-order meal. I would say though, my partner won with the Japanese non-preorder meal. Both means had the same starters, but his meat dish was MUCH better than mine.
Everything was flavorful, beautifully plated, and served on real porcelain tableware with proper silverware. EVA’s focus on quality catering really stands out — it’s not just airplane food; it’s something you actually want to eat.
After the meal was cleared I opted for dessert and green tea. I will note that for the Taiwanese meal options, EVA does partner with Din Tai Fung and I was jealous of the dumpling soup I saw the others eating.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Each seat has a 17-inch 4K touchscreen monitor, which was fast and responsive. EVA’s Star Gallery entertainment system offered a solid selection of Hollywood blockbusters, Asian cinema, TV series, music, and games. Over 200 moves and TV shows are available to keep you busy.
Noise-canceling headphones are also available and are decent quality — not quite Bose-level, but better than average airline issue. The brand, is not one I know. Yet, that doesn’t mean poor quality. They did great and I didn’t even notice the kid 2 rows back was crying most of the flight!
Wi-Fi was available for purchase, though on this short flight I didn’t bother logging in. You can get up to 30 minutes for free, but between the delicous food and movie, I was happy to log off the internet for a few hours.
EVA offers affordable packages which range from $10-$40.
Final Thoughts
After just under three and a half hours, we landed smoothly at Taipei Taoyuan. Business class passengers were among the first off the plane, and within minutes, I was through security and up to the lounge in time at all. Maybe only 2 other people in front of me connecting today.
EVA Air’s 787 business class delivers an exceptional experience, even on a relatively short intra-Asia flight. With spacious seats, thoughtful amenities, excellent catering, and polished service, EVA punches far above many of its larger competitors. I wish we could have this level of service within North America.
If you have the chance to fly EVA Air— especially on the 787 — go for it. Whether you’re connecting onward to Southeast Asia, Australia, or just spending time in Taiwan, EVA’s premium cabins set the tone for a great trip.
Have you flown EVA’s 787 business class yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I think I have found one of my new favorite airlines!!
