It is just past midnight at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and I am about to board a 12 hour and 40 minute flight to Taipei. The aircraft sitting at the gate is a Boeing 787-10, and the airline operating it is one that does not get nearly enough attention in the premium cabin conversation: EVA Air.

When most people think of the best Business Class products in Asia, they think of Singapore Airlines or All Nippon Airways (ANA). EVA Air rarely comes up, and that is a mistake. This review is here to change that.

EVA Air operates the majority of its long haul routes with two aircraft, the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787. The difference between the two matters a lot when it comes to the Business Class experience. The Boeing 787-10 is the one you want. It carries EVA Air’s newest generation of Business Class seats, and that is exactly what I am flying tonight. If you end up on an EVA Air Boeing 777-300ER, do not be discouraged. The EVA Air soft product is so strong that it holds up on either aircraft.

In this review, I cover everything about the EVA Air 787-10 Business Class [Royal Laurel] experience: the seat, the bed, the food, the amenities, and the service. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether this product belongs in the same conversation as the best Business Class cabins in the world.

The short answer is that it comes very close.

Booking EVA Air Business Class (7/10)

Here is the honest truth: booking EVA Air Business Class is not as straightforward as it should be.

EVA Air is a Star Alliance member, which means you have options when it comes to redeeming points for a seat in Royal Laurel Business Class. The best option, at least on paper, is EVA Air’s own frequent flyer program, Infinity MileageLands. EVA Air releases far more award seats to their own members than to partner programs, and the program runs off a straightforward award chart. 

The catch is getting those miles in the first place. EVA Air Infinity MileageLands miles can only be obtained by transferring from Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or Capital One Miles at a 4:3 ratio. That is a short list, which makes them harder to stockpile. The upside is that fewer people bother, so award availability tends to be better for those willing to put in the work.

My choice really comes down to two options when it comes to booking EVA Air Business Class on this route with points:

• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands: 75,000 miles plus about $150 in taxes and fees.
• Air Canada Aeroplan: 90,000 points plus about $50 in taxes and fees.

For this booking, I go the Air Canada Aeroplan route. It is slightly more expensive in miles but significantly easier to pull off. Aeroplan transfers at a 1:1 ratio from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you are sitting on a stash of flexible points, Aeroplan is almost always the path of least resistance.

The cash price for this EVA Air Business Class flight typically ranges anywhere from $3,500 to $5,500 depending on when you book. Using points instead makes this one of the better transpacific Business Class redemptions you can pull off, regardless of which program you go with.

Route And Flight Details

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: BR 25
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
• Route: Seattle, United States (SEA) to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE)
• Departing: 01:30
• Arriving: 05:10 (+1 day)
• Duration: 12 hours 40 minutes
• Departure Date: October 10th, 2024

Airport Transit In Seattle (5/10)

My Air Canada Express DHC Dash 8-400 prop flight from Vancouver (YVR) pulls in right next to the EVA Air 787-10 sitting at the gate, which is a hilarious contrast. Seeing the two aircraft side by side does give me a real appreciation for just how beautiful the 787-10 Dreamliner is in person. That sight alone lifts my spirits considerably.

The South Satellite, where EVA Air departs from, is the international hub for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). There is nothing particularly exciting about moving through Sea-Tac late at night, especially when most of the dining options and shops are already closed by the time an overnight international departure rolls around.

Airport Lounge: The Club at SEA (4/10)

One step inside The Club at SEA lounge at Concourse S and I decide to turn right back around and sit in the terminal instead. The place is absolutely packed.

One look at the departure board tells me everything I need to know. EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux all depart around the same time, which means their combined Business Class passengers are all funneling into the same space. 

On top of that, The Club at SEA is a Priority Pass lounge, so it is not just Business Class travelers filling the seats. Since the departure time is so late, every other food outlet and lounge in the terminal is closed, which means virtually everyone ends up in the same place at the same time.

Since Seattle is an outstation for EVA Air, the underwhelming ground experience is forgivable. The onboard product is what I am here for, and I am in good spirits walking down the jet bridge.

EVA Air 787-10 Aircraft Cabin And Layout (9/10)

When Business Class boarding is called, I make my way down the jet bridge and step into a genuinely beautiful cabin.

Seat selection in Royal Laurel class takes a little bit of thought. The window seats alternate between being positioned closer to the window or closer to the aisle. The obvious choice is to go for a seat closer to the window, which gives you better views and more of a sense of privacy from the rest of the cabin. I go with seat 2A, a window seat on the left side that sits right up against the window.

EVA Air’s international Business Class is called Royal Laurel class, and on the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner it runs from rows 1 through 10 (omitting row 4) between doors 1 and 2, for a total of 34 seats. The cabin is outfitted with Collins Aerospace Vantage XL seats in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration (Seat Map), meaning every single passenger gets direct aisle access. The overall aesthetic is minimal, leaning heavily on grey tones throughout, which gives the cabin a clean and modern feel without feeling particularly warm on first impression.

For couples traveling together, the center pairs work well enough. The layout is consistent across all middle seat pairs, so no matter which one you choose, one person will end up slightly more exposed to the aisle. It is not a dealbreaker, but worth keeping in mind.

The one thing the Vantage XL seats are missing is a privacy door. Suite doors have become a real talking point in premium cabin reviews over the last couple of years, and EVA Air does not have them here. That said, if you pick a window seat positioned closer to the window, the privacy is genuinely good and the lack of a door is easy to overlook.

EVA Air 787-10 Business Class Seat (8/10)

The cabin may feel a little sterile at first glance, but once I settle into the seat, the details start to reveal themselves. This is a much cozier experience than the grey and white color palette initially suggests.

The seat itself is grey with a touch of EVA Air’s signature green in the headrest, and a blanket and pillow are already waiting when I sit down. In place of a door, the seat comes with a retractable divider that creates a solid sense of separation from the aisle and the rest of the cabin. With it deployed and sitting in my window seat, I never feel exposed or disturbed. A door would make this product even more competitive in today’s premium cabin landscape, but the divider does a genuinely good job and I have no real complaints.

Directly in front of me is the in-flight entertainment screen. It is a decent size with acceptable resolution, though it is not the sharpest display you will find in Business Class today. Next to it is a literature pocket holding the safety card and sickness bag.

One thing to be aware of in the window seats positioned closer to the window is the narrowing footwell. It does not bother me personally, but taller passengers may want to consider a window seat positioned closer to the aisle instead, which comes with a noticeably larger footwell.

My favorite part of the seat is the table and control section to my right, and it is clear that a lot of thought went into this area. It houses a touchpad for the seat controls with everything I could want, including a “Do Not Disturb” setting and even a massage function. Right next to it are the headphone jack, a universal power outlet, and the in-flight entertainment controller, all within easy reach.

Just below the controls is a wood-trimmed side table with soft lighting underneath it. A small cutout built into the surface is perfect for stashing my earphones or other small items, and the warm glow underneath makes the whole seat feel more inviting. It is a small touch but it goes a long way.

Above the controls sits the retractable divider, with the reading light positioned right next to it. At the back of the seat is a small storage cubby containing a mirror, the airline headphones, and a bottle of Evian water. 

Underneath the main table is where the tray table deploys, along with a second set of seat controls designed to be reached easily in lie-flat mode. That kind of thoughtful, layered design is exactly what separates a good seat from a great one.

The one area where the seat falls short is storage. Outside of the single cubby, everything else needs to live on a surface, which is not ideal during turbulence or if I tend to move around a lot. It is the most noticeable weakness in an otherwise well-executed seat.

EVA Air 787-10 Business Class Bed (8/10)

EVA Air is one of the rare airlines that offers turndown service in Business Class, and it is a genuinely appreciated touch.

After letting the flight attendants know I want to sleep following the meal service, they are quick to set up my bed with a seat cover and blanket while I head to the lavatory to change into my pajamas. And yes, EVA Air offers pajamas in Business Class too, which is another amenity you simply do not see very often at this price point. More on those shortly.

The blanket and pillow are both very comfortable. My only gripe is that EVA Air does not configure individual air nozzles on their 787s, which is a shame for anyone who likes to sleep cold. I am one of those people, so the lack of airflow is noticeable. 

The legroom in lie-flat mode is perfectly adequate for my height, though as a side sleeper I do find the footwell a little restrictive in terms of vertical space. Neither issue is a dealbreaker, but together they do take the bed experience down a notch from what it could be.

Just as I am getting settled, the cabin dims and a party piece reveals itself overhead. The ceiling transforms into a starry night sky, the kind of headliner you would expect to find in a Rolls Royce.

It is a dramatic and memorable moment, and it sets exactly the right mood for a long overnight flight across the Pacific.

EVA Air In-Flight Entertainment And Wi-Fi (6/10)

Entertainment is one area where EVA Air has room to grow.

The content library skews heavily toward Asian movies and TV shows, which makes sense given the airline’s home base in Taiwan, but it does leave Western travelers with a noticeably thinner selection to choose from. For a 12 hour and 40 minute overnight flight, having a deep and diverse content library matters, and this is an area where EVA Air falls behind some of its regional competitors.

The absence of exterior cameras is another miss. Much like the lack of individual air nozzles, it feels like a cost saving decision made during the Boeing 787 order configuration, and it is one that passengers notice. Tail cameras and forward-facing views are a small but satisfying feature on long haul flights, particularly during takeoff and landing.

Entertainment is clearly not EVA Air’s strong suit, and if this is something you prioritize in a business class product, it is worth factoring into your decision.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available onboard, but it comes at an additional cost and it is not powered by Starlink. On a transpacific route at cruising altitude, that means the connection can be inconsistent and slow. It is fine for sending a message or two, but I would not count on it for anything more demanding than that.

EVA Air 787-10 Business Class Lavatory (9/10)

The lavatory situation on this flight is genuinely impressive, and it starts with the numbers.

There are three dedicated Business Class lavatories: one right behind the cockpit and two just in front of door two. Because the EVA Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner configuration does not include a Premium Economy cabin, the lavatories by door two are exclusively for Royal Laurel class passengers. That works out to a ratio of roughly 11.3 seats per lavatory, which is a strong number by any measure.

The most spacious of the three is the one on the starboard side of the aircraft, just behind seat 10K. If privacy and extra room are important to you, that is the one to use.

Inside, the lavatories are well stocked with dental kits, lotion, mouthwash, and facial mists, all from a brand called IDEOLOGY. The products are fine but nothing special, which feels like a slight missed opportunity. The amenity kit onboard features Giorgio Armani and MALIN+GOETZ products, so it is a little surprising that the same standard does not carry over into the lavatories.

What impresses me most, though, is how consistently clean they are kept throughout the entire flight. Every time I visit, the lavatory looks like it has just been attended to. This is something I notice across the best Asian carriers and it is an area where they routinely outperform the big three Middle Eastern airlines. 

It is a reflection of how much the crew takes pride in their work, and it does not go unnoticed.

EVA Air Business Class Amenity Kit (9/10)

Shortly after settling into my seat, a flight attendant stops by to offer me an amenity kit and ask for my pajama size. It is a small but telling moment that sets the tone for what EVA Air thinks a Business Class experience should feel like.

The amenity kit is a collaboration with Giorgio Armani and it is one of the better ones I have come across in Business Class. Inside is a solid lineup: moisturizer, lip balm, hair comb, eye mask, key chain, ear plugs, and even a coin pouch. The skincare products are developed in partnership with MALIN+GOETZ, which is a nice touch. The case itself is sturdy and well-designed, and honestly useful enough to repurpose long after the flight. This is one that stays in my travel rotation.

The pajamas are where EVA Air really separates itself from the competition. Offering pajamas in Business Class is rare on its own, but EVA Air takes it a step further with a collaboration with luxury fashion designer Jason Wu. The pajamas come in different colors for men and women, which is a thoughtful detail you do not see often.

I select a size L, which turns out to be a mistake as they are way too big, so I recommend sizing down. That said, the fit issue aside, these are genuinely comfortable. The top is hoodie-style with a hood and a kangaroo pocket, and the bottoms are a relaxed sweatpant. They are practical enough to sleep in on the plane and comfortable enough to wear at home afterward. 

These are now a regular part of my pajama rotation, which is really the highest compliment I can give them.

EVA Air Business Class Food And Beverage (6/10)

I have to be upfront about something: food and beverage is the part of any EVA Air flight I am most excited about going in. The reviews I read paint a picture of an exceptional dining experience, and my expectations are high. 

This flight does not quite live up to that billing, though I suspect that says more about my ordering choices than it does about EVA Air’s catering.

Travel Nerd Tip: EVA Air lets Business Class passengers pre-order their meals online before the flight. This is a smart system. It reduces the risk of your first choice selling out and gives you access to a wider selection of mains than what is available for onboard ordering. If you are flying EVA Air, take advantage of this.

Pre Departure

Before departure, the crew stops by to ask if I want a drink. I keep it simple and stick with water for now.

Appetizer And Drinks

The meal service opens with a scallop and shrimp appetizer with egg salad. It is not really to my taste, so I pick away at it without much enthusiasm. What I am more excited about is the Matcha Milk Tea, which is one of EVA Air’s most talked about onboard offerings. 

For a Taiwanese airline, having milk tea on the menu is the perfect touch, and as someone who genuinely loves milk tea, I order far more cups than I probably should. My only wish is that it came with tapioca pearls, though I understand that could present some interesting in-flight complications.

It is also worth pointing out that EVA Air serves each course individually rather than delivering everything on one tray at once. That is a small but meaningful detail that reflects how seriously the airline takes its dining service.

Main Meal Service

Here is where I go wrong. My personal rule when flying any airline is to order the dish that reflects the home base of that carrier. On this flight, that would be the Baked Pork Loin with XO Sauce and Egg Fried Rice, which sounds absolutely phenomenal. Instead, I let my love of foie gras get the better of me and pre-order the Foie Gras Stuffed Chicken with Mashed Potato.

It is a mistake. The chicken is dry, the foie gras is barely detectable, and the mashed potatoes are just mediocre. I know immediately that I should have trusted my own rule.

Dessert

Dessert brings a fruit plate and an apple tartlet, both of which are enjoyable. The fruit is fresh and the tartlet is a nice finish, but it is not enough to turn the main course experience around.

Snack Service

Determined to redeem the dining experience, I order off the snack menu and go with the Flour Tiau Chiew Chicken Noodle Soup. This is the dish that reminds me why people rave about EVA Air’s food. The noodles are perfectly “Q” (that satisfying chewy texture that is hard to describe but impossible to miss), and the broth is rich, oily, and deeply comforting. 

It is exactly the kind of food I grew up eating, and it hits the spot completely. My only request would be a side of chili oil to go with it, but I will take it as is.

Breakfast Meal Service

About two hours before landing in Taipei, I ask the crew to start breakfast early. I like to be settled and packed before the rest of the cabin wakes up and the overhead bins turn into a contact sport.

EVA Air offers two breakfast options on this flight. The local option is congee, which is not for me, so I go with the Western style breakfast instead. First comes the fruit and bread, followed by a yogurt parfait and the main, which is a Chive Scrambled Egg with Canadian Bacon.

The fruit stands out immediately. It is noticeably fresher than what most airlines serve in Business Class, and the yogurt parfait is creamy and well balanced with the added fruit on top.

Unfortunately, the bread is dry and crusty, and the scrambled egg is bland and a little too eggy in flavor. The Canadian bacon does not do much for me either. I would have preferred regular bacon for more richness, and the accompanying vegetables look tired and wilted.

The Verdict On Dining

I leave the dining experience feeling like I did not get the best version of EVA Air’s catering, and I think that comes down to two things. First, this flight departs from an outstation, and catering quality at outstations is almost always a step below what you get departing from the home base. Second, I make some poor ordering decisions. Everyone I speak to who has flown EVA Air out of Taipei consistently raves about the food. I am willing to give it another shot before drawing any firm conclusions.

EVA Air Staff And Service (8/10)

Service on this flight is exactly what you would expect from an airline that belongs in the conversation with the best in the world. Efficient, professional, and consistently pleasant throughout.

The crew is proactive in all the right ways. Plates are cleared promptly, drink refills are offered without having to ask, and the call button is answered quickly every time I use it. That last point sounds like a low bar, but anyone who has sat waiting in a premium cabin on certain other airlines knows it is not. The baseline here is genuinely high.

Where the service stops short, at least for me personally, is in that harder to define quality that separates good service from truly memorable service. When I fly in a premium cabin or stay at a high end hotel, I am looking for a moment where it feels like the crew is genuinely proud to be there. 

A small gesture, an unrequested touch, something that signals real enthusiasm for the product they are delivering. I do not get that on this flight. The service is excellent by any objective standard, but it does not quite reach the level of warmth that the very best Asian carriers are known for.

It is worth noting that I am only one flight into my EVA Air experience. Crew performance varies significantly depending on the lead pursuer and their approach to the cabin, so I am hesitant to draw broad conclusions from a single flight. What I can say is that the foundation is strong, and on a different day with a different crew, this rating could easily be higher.

Final Thoughts

EVA Air is an airline I fly for the first time because of my peers. For years I listen to them rave about a carrier I loosely associate with cargo, nodding along while quietly wondering what all the fuss is about. Now that I am on the other side of that conversation, I get it.

The Royal Laurel class product on the EVA Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is genuinely impressive. The cabin is beautiful, the seat is thoughtfully designed, and the amenities are among the best you will find in Business Class anywhere in the world. EVA Air puts real care into the details, and it shows from the moment I step onboard.

The food falls short of the hype on this particular flight, but departing from an outstation rather than Taipei makes a real difference in catering quality, and my own ordering decisions do not help. A hungry stomach is easily rescued by a bowl of oily noodles and a few too many cups of matcha milk tea, so I manage just fine.

This product is best suited for travelers who prioritize a premium hard product, outstanding amenities, and clean attentive service on a long haul transpacific route. It sits comfortably alongside the best Business Class products in Asia and punches well above what most Western carriers offer at a similar price point. The lack of suite doors is the one area where it trails some newer products, but everything else is close to best in class.

Taiwan is home to three world class airlines in EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux, and I leave this flight already planning a return. Whether that means giving EVA Air another shot out of Taipei or finally seeing what China Airlines and Starlux have to offer, the points are already being counted.

Kevin Zhao