My economy ticket was priced as $183 one-way from Manila to Taipei (RT is ~$250, no difference in price even if purchased in Asia).

At time of booking, I asked my agent to wait-list me in the economy deluxe class, if possible. At the airport, I was escorted to the First Class check-in by a colleague from my father's office, the Taiwan consulate in Phillipine.

Upon checking my ticket, the agent said that we would have to pay $10 extra because economy was full (the fare we purchased) and they have to put us in econ. deluxe. Since the price diff. was little, I was ready to reach in my wallet when the family friend with us intervened.

"Call Mr. Kung in the front office", he demanded. Mr. Kung is the GM of EVA in Phillipines and is of course familiar with the people in the consulate. In fact, earlier in the vacation I had met him at a banquet.

Anyway, they called and in about five minutes, we were issued tickets in the economy deluxe class. No fee!

I have not been on the second level of the plane so I am not sure of its configuration. However, since the flight is <120 minutes, there probably is not too high of a demand for the business or first class on that route.

Another interesting thing about EVA: the FA's have up to four stripes near the cuff of their uniforms. That is an indication of their levels - instructor, chief purser, senior flight attendant, and flight attendant.

[This message has been edited by kyklin (edited 03-03-99).]