Flight: EVA Air BR281 from Taipei to Cebu
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Aircraft: A333(Airbus 333-300)
Class: Business (Premium Laurel Class)
Seat: 7C – 7D (Window + Aisle)
Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 62″. Seat width: 22 ”
EVA Air operates Airbus 330-300 between Taipei and Cebu. The business class consists of 5 rows of seats in 2 x 2 x 2 configuration. The seats are actual lie flat and branded as “Premium Laurel Class”.
We had pre-booked our entrée online. I chose “Steamed Halibut with mushroom in white wine cream sauce served with assorted vegetables and duchess potatoes” while Karen went with “Braised Veal cheek with fermented black beans and potato puree vegetables”. Interestingly my steamed halibut was also available on the on-board menu. We got the appetizer from on-board menu which was Duck Galantine and Marinated shrimp. I liked the duck but not the cold shrimp. As for steamed Halibut, lets just say I will refrain from ordering steamed seafood from now on!!
The cake was tasty and made up for the lackluster lunch entree!!
Even though its a very short flight, I still wanted to try out the seat in bed mode. After converting the seat to bed, I took a very short nap. The seat cushion is firm and can provide a good sleep for longer flight. The only thing I did not like was the very small cubby hole which might restrict travelers who move a lot during sleep.
Bottomline:
Seat: ***1/2
Service: ***
Food: ****
I liked the seats on this business class barring the fact that the 2 x 2 x 2 configuration does not provide direct aisle access to all seats. Because I was flying with my wife, the window/aisle seats were ok. Traveling alone, you definitely want to be in the middle aisles.
The catering was average for this flight. Was a little dejected by the steamed halibut choice but the tasty dessert made up for it somewhat. The crew was attentive and courteous throughout the flight.