What makes the world’s best premium economy cabin so special? I’m boarding an Eva Air flight to find out.
The Taiwanese airline accepted the trophy for “Best Premium Economy” at the latest “Oscars of Aviation” – the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards. Not only that, but it was named the ninth best airline in the world.
Its ties to the premium economy run deep. Eva Air is credited with being the first airline to launch premium economy class, introducing this revolutionary cabin to the skies in the early 1990s.
To test out this award-winning service, I travel with my partner from the airline’s hub, Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan, on a 3-hour, 25-minute flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Once we arrive at the airport, we are overcome with fear when we see the enormous queue to check-in. Fortunately, it doesn’t last long.
Eva Air took the trophy for “Best Premium Economy” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023. Above is the cabin that won gold.
Ailbhe MacMahon, above, flies Eva Air’s premium economy cabin to see if it lives up to the hype.
The tan and tangerine seats with adjustable headrests are arranged in eight rows in a 2-4-2 arrangement, Ailbhe reveals. She describes her berth as “exceptionally comfortable”
An Eva Air crew member kindly directs me to the designated section for premium economy check-in, where the queuing barriers are completely queue-free. An attendant quickly checks us in and we’re on our way in less than 10 minutes.
There is a considerable price difference between economy class and premium economy class: an economy class ticket starts at 4,925 TWD (£122/$156) for the route we fly, while premium economy class costs more than double , at TWD 13,052 (£324/$413). Despite the price increase, premium economy passengers do not enjoy lounge access or priority boarding, creating a pause in the process once we pass through security.
However, when we board the plane, a Boeing 777, the premium economy class ticket proves its value.
Cream curtains separate the 64-seat premium economy cabin from the rear of the plane. With a design finish designed by teagueIt’s a cocoon of good taste offset by soft lighting and a brown color palette.
Eva Air was named ninth best airline in the world at the 2023 Skytrax Awards
LEFT: Eva Air’s Hello Kitty-themed check-in area at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport. RIGHT: Premium economy seats measure 38 inches (97 cm) long and 19.5 inches (50 cm) wide.
Tan and tangerine seats with adjustable headrests are arranged in eight rows in a 2-4-2 layout. My window seat, 22K, is exceptionally comfortable, with generous seating space measuring 38 inches (97 cm) long and 19.5 inches (50 cm) wide. My 6-foot-1 companion says he feels like she has “twice the space” he normally enjoys in coach. Although the man in front of me reclines his seat throughout the flight, I never feel overwhelmed.
An adjustable footrest lowers from the front seat. Between the seats there is a small table for drinks, while the larger tables are hidden in the armrests. There are USB sockets and Wi-Fi, which is slow, but free for 30 minutes.
Flight attendants hand out thick wool blankets as they vigilantly patrol the cabin. We did not receive amenities kits, as they are reserved for night flights. However, each passenger is given refreshing towels and I find lotions from French beauty brands. payot in the bathrooms.
Flight attendants hand out thick wool blankets as they vigilantly patrol the cabin, Ailbhe reveals
“Lunch (upstairs) is a serious issue,” says Ailbhe. She opts for chicken in ginger soy sauce and steamed rice, which comes with a fish dish, “packed with smoked salmon, marinated squid and prawns.” “Creamy vanilla panna cotta is a delicious dessert,” adds Ailbhe. Eva Air took home a separate award for ‘Best Premium Budget Catering’ at the Skytrax Awards
To drink, Ailbhe is served a “rich” glass of Cuvée Dissenay Chardonnay 2021, which sells for around £11 ($14).
The bathrooms themselves are standouts: they’re immaculate and decorated with a full-length mirror, beauty lights, and flowers (albeit fake ones).
In the seat pocket is a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones, ready to connect to the in-flight entertainment.
The 11-inch (28cm) touchscreen is nothing exceptional in terms of size, but the ‘Star Gallery’ movie selection is excellent, with plenty of new releases and excellent Taiwanese cinema options.
A clever addition is the “mood” tool, which suggests movies based on how passengers are feeling. When I say I’m “curious,” it’s referring to the latest Marvel movie; For those who are sleepy, Nick Cage’s new movie Dream Scenario is among the suggestions.
In the seat pocket is a “decent” pair of noise-canceling headphones, ready to connect to the in-flight entertainment.
The plane lands at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat Airport right on time, Ailbhe notes, and disembarkation goes smoothly. Above: The premium budget phone
There are no movie snacks handed out, but lunch is a great variety. A menu of two options is presented: I opt for chicken in soy sauce with ginger and steamed rice. I’m impressed by the fish plate on the side, packed with smoked salmon, marinated squid and prawns. Creamy vanilla panna cotta is a delicious dessert. To drink, I’m served a nice glass of Cuvée Dissenay Chardonnay 2021, which sells for around £11 ($14).
The right eco-friendly cutlery, glassware and bamboo napkins enhance the experience. For a touch of retro glamour, hostesses wear pastel, Wes Anderson-style pinnies over their uniforms during food service.
All of this lives up to the airline’s excellent culinary reputation: Eva Air took home a separate award for “Best Premium Economy Class Catering” at the Skytrax Awards.
The plane lands at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat Airport right on time and disembarkation goes smoothly, with a line of flight attendants lining the doors to say goodbye to passengers.
During the flight, we had watched the new Wonka movie, in which Timothée Chalamet’s Willy Wonka receives a premium economy ticket for a ship bound for the North Pole.
In the scene, comedian Matt Lucas’ character criticizes premium economics, saying, “It’s basically economics.” Yes, you get a little more legroom and a complimentary packet of peanuts, but is it worth the extra money? I don’t know…’
That’s certainly not true of Eva Air’s premium economy offering. Sophisticated, stress-free and ultra-comfortable, it’s worlds away from an economy class experience, so it’s worth every penny to upgrade.