EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class is a cut above.
If an airline can communicate a vibe through its safety video instructions then EVA Air is giving off full-on spy drama 60s minimalism.
With a Taiwanese James Bond / Mission Impossible theme it has all the stylings I need to keep me enthralled. You can tick off cool stylish Scandi furniture (to represent the seating in the plane alongside the ‘brace brace’ position), attache cases filled with some cool graphic-designed goods (representing where to pop your less-cool looking luggage) and infrared beams for exiting the doors (to indicate, well, exiting the doors). It’s all wonderfully kitsch and fun.
I’m getting to check out the Royal Laurel Class (Business Class) for our 11hr 50min overnight flight to Bangkok. Unfortunately, the spy drama vibes aren’t giving way to the actual interiors scheme of the plane (think more muted beiges, creams, light greens and browns) but the gadgets, gizmos and multitude of buttons on the fully reclining seats are something that Q would be proud of.
There’s plenty to keep you occupied as you get settled in. The 15in touch screen is ready with films, TV shows, music and meal choices during your journey. There’s a super-big comforter to keep you cosy, and a selection of seat positions from upright to fully outstretched or just legs out.
The comfy burgundy and grey pyjamas and slippers handed out by the crew are designed by the Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer Jason Wu, who has dressed and designed for Michelle Obama and was art director at Hugo Boss (and all in the name of re-use, yes, of course, I take my set home).
The cabin crew onboard the flight are attentive; addressing me by name (double checking they’ve pronounced it correctly), asking for my drink and food preferences for the flight (so they don’t need to disturb me again – so thoughtful), and making sure I have everything I need. Champagne on arrival, no problem. A good selection of red and white wines, absolutely (the Rioja was great) and not forgetting proper porcelain plates and table cloths.
Once I’ve sunk a glass of bubbles (yes to that refill) and had a tasty nut and seaweed cracker snack it feels like just minutes pass before the main meal arrives. There were three food choices on our flight: beef, chicken and shrimp (and vegetarian, vegan and dietary options). My Cashew and king prawn curry with rice and veg is as good as my favourite local Chinese restaurant so I’m very happy.
It’s time to bed down, which if I’m honest, is the bit I am most excited about, I’ve got a set of noise cancelling headphones, a chunky chequered throw and as I look up stars are lighting up the ceiling. As long-haul flights go it’s certainly one of the best I’ve had.
I do fit in a film before sleep arrives (and I’m way too embarrassed to confess which one here) and it is a pretty decent sleep too. I’m a good sleeper in general and after a couple of glasses of the very tasty Rioja, getting in a decent five hours wasn’t too much of an issue.
Waking up refreshed and with my very nice Salvatore Ferragamo overnight amenity kit I take myself off to the (larger) bathroom to freshen up and get changed (and yes there was plenty of room for me to do that). Fitting in a just part of another film over breakfast (mainly fruit for me and strong coffee) it’s soon time for Laurel Class passengers to disembark first off the plane (always a treat). Time goes quick when you fly Business and EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class is a cut above the rest.
On the daytime return journey, I travel back home in Premium Economy. Always innovative EVA Air was the first airline to introduce this class of travel to the UK market which is on almost every airline now. The cabin is a very different set-up to Royal Laurel Class but still offers a decent amount of room (and plenty for me) to stretch out thanks to the generous space and seat recline.
The screens are a touch smaller, and the food a little less tasty (I put that down to it not being served on the porcelain plates) but the service is still there. OK, they don’t address me by name, but then there are a few more of us in Premium Economy, and with 64 seats we couldn’t quite expect that level of service.
Being seated upright on a daytime flight isn’t ever an issue for me and with the additional space and service it feels fine. Certainly nicer than Economy Class but a definite step down from Royal Laurel, but of course, that is to be expected. The price jump to business class is always a big one and there is a good reason too. It’s a great treat, especially on the overnight flight if you value your comfort and sleep.
EVA Air flies non-stop daily from Heathrow to Bangkok and Taipei. For further information see here.
