I’ve flown EVA over the years to Asia and travelers received great news this week as EVA Air has renamed their Elite Class, originally launched on December 12, 1992 as a class between economy and full business, to Premium Economy Class. Known as Elite Class since 2005 when it was significantly upgraded, the new name comes with added comforts, amenities and upgrades and makes it easier for passengers to select and book the service. Popular for business and leisure travel, the cabin is available on flights EVA operates with its Boeing 777-300ERs, including some within Asia and long-haul service to North America and Europe.
Seats, Entertainment and WiFi
Comfortably positioned with 56 or 64 seats between EVA’s Royal Laurel and Economy in its own separate cabin, Premium Economy Class is an affordable choice that offers added comfort. Ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests are a roomy 19.3 in. wide, have extra-wide armrests, a 38-in. pitch, coat hooks and are configured 2/4/2. Seatback entertainment systems have 11 in. touch-screens where passengers can watch movies or features, listen to music, play video games or shop. Premium Economy Class passengers can also access the internet with EVA’s inflight Wi-Fi and, on their own personal mobile phones, use global roaming to send and receive messages. And they can plug into 110V power sockets and USB ports to charge or access personal devices.
Extra Attention to Details
Upgrades that come with the name change include two distinct amenity kits, both created with thoughtful attention to small details that make a big difference in the inflight passenger experience, and, starting January 10, 2018, new sleep-inducing bedding.
Food and Beverage Service
Premium Economy passengers enjoy a choice of Eastern and Western menus made with seasonal ingredients that reflect tastes popular in the regions where EVA flies. To accompany main courses, EVA serves fresh fruits and satisfying salads with balsamic vinaigrette. Breakfast choices include the airline’s trademark savory rice porridge, called congee, or an egg dish. On the menu for light, refreshing meals, it offers congee or pasta. And, as a treat on selected flights with lunch or dinner meals EVA serves Häagen Dazs ice cream. It also offers special Premium Economy beverage selections, including sparkling wine, plum liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and more.
Extras
Among additional benefits, Premium Economy passengers enjoy a dedicated check-in counter, priority boarding, priority baggage handling and a higher checked-baggage allowance than in Economy Class. Infinity MileageLands frequent flyers who book Premium Economy earn extra mileage credit and enjoy the convenience of advance seat selection. EVA flight attendants also keep cabins and lavatories neat and tidy throughout flight
EVA Air, www.evaair.com