EVA Business 777 not as impressive/"exciting" as I thought
Sep 8, 23, 8:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 661
EVA Business 777 not as impressive/"exciting" as I thought
Flew SFO-TPE recently on a 777. I've flown EVA economy a couple of times or so but the last time was long ago. 2018? I think was my last time on EVA, it was EVA Business TPE-BKK and I enjoyed it - but it was too short of a route for me to fully appreciate anything. Not sure if that was a 787 or 777.
So...was looking forward to this trip. And to be frank...I was a bit underwhelmed. Some mix of positive / negative thoughts
1) Thought it was going to be the new 787, but that's only for SEAttle flights. Ok...fine. Maybe I will get to enjoy the 787 EVA Business next year.
2) The 777 cabin color scheme was very bland. There's a punch of light green on the console...but not much. Maybe I had still had a subconscious impression from a Qsuites flight last year - richer bugundy/reddish/dark interior. Or even an Air Canada Business transatlantic flight -- which is white - but more of an open feeling. [I know the 787 Business ia darker interior from photos...so kudos to EVA for moving in that direction]
3) I really liked the stars on the ceiling. Is that in economy?
4) Or maybe one of the biggest turn offs was all the stewardesses were still wearing masks - ALL OF THEM. Come on now -- nearly 4 years. Clearly it wasn't required, because the lone steward, was not wearing one. [FYI - mask usage in Taipei is maybe still 10-15% guesstimating... but many service workers wearing them - doesn't seem to be required]
5) Liked the serving ware for drinks / coffee / tea. High quality
6) Pre-ordered my meals...but sides had mushrooms in it (Congee Breakfast and dinner steak) -- which I dislike greatly. Any way to prevent that?
7) Service was prompt and professional. Again, just the masks is awkward. But at least they weren't wearing full plastic covers/gowns as I've seen in photos.
8) Had to contort myself to exit my seat a bit much. Seemingly more then other herringbones I've been in -- is this true or just my imagination?
9) Quality bedding, but mattress seat topper was not as comfy as says my recollection of ANA Business transpacific.
10) Sat in interior aisle and realized there is no divider as with other airlines...nobody was there, so no problems...but next time I would choose a window seat.
11) At 5'11" the seat was roomy enough I reckon. Got some hours of sleep. Footwell seemed ok.
12) First time in a Polaris Lounge - SFO...nice. Spacious...quite crowded compared to photos I've seen...but easy to find a seat.
13) EVA gives you a $30 SFO meal voucher for Napa Farms or a Japanese restaurant called Tomozaku or something like that....that was unexpected and nice. As they know the Polaris closes at 1030pm...dropped by United Club..but didn't linger long.
14) Offered pajamas, but declined.
So RELATIVE to my expectations (Which were high), EVA ticks all the boxes...but did not exceed my overall expectations. For comparison purposes on transpacific flights in business in the last 1/2 dozen years - I've flown ANA 787, JAL 777 & 787 Suite, Cathay Pacific (Liked the seat color scheme -A350?), and American. There's no point in doing any particular ranking beyond saying I think I enjoyed ANA the most. THis is in part as I've been flying modern lie flat business since 2016ish. So it takes more to impress me now then it did before. Though I will be flying ANA 787 again, so it will be interesting to compare the experience with earlier times....also Singapore intra-asia business for the 1st time. 1st time on Singapore period.
So...was looking forward to this trip. And to be frank...I was a bit underwhelmed. Some mix of positive / negative thoughts
1) Thought it was going to be the new 787, but that's only for SEAttle flights. Ok...fine. Maybe I will get to enjoy the 787 EVA Business next year.
2) The 777 cabin color scheme was very bland. There's a punch of light green on the console...but not much. Maybe I had still had a subconscious impression from a Qsuites flight last year - richer bugundy/reddish/dark interior. Or even an Air Canada Business transatlantic flight -- which is white - but more of an open feeling. [I know the 787 Business ia darker interior from photos...so kudos to EVA for moving in that direction]
3) I really liked the stars on the ceiling. Is that in economy?
4) Or maybe one of the biggest turn offs was all the stewardesses were still wearing masks - ALL OF THEM. Come on now -- nearly 4 years. Clearly it wasn't required, because the lone steward, was not wearing one. [FYI - mask usage in Taipei is maybe still 10-15% guesstimating... but many service workers wearing them - doesn't seem to be required]
5) Liked the serving ware for drinks / coffee / tea. High quality
6) Pre-ordered my meals...but sides had mushrooms in it (Congee Breakfast and dinner steak) -- which I dislike greatly. Any way to prevent that?
7) Service was prompt and professional. Again, just the masks is awkward. But at least they weren't wearing full plastic covers/gowns as I've seen in photos.
8) Had to contort myself to exit my seat a bit much. Seemingly more then other herringbones I've been in -- is this true or just my imagination?
9) Quality bedding, but mattress seat topper was not as comfy as says my recollection of ANA Business transpacific.
10) Sat in interior aisle and realized there is no divider as with other airlines...nobody was there, so no problems...but next time I would choose a window seat.
11) At 5'11" the seat was roomy enough I reckon. Got some hours of sleep. Footwell seemed ok.
12) First time in a Polaris Lounge - SFO...nice. Spacious...quite crowded compared to photos I've seen...but easy to find a seat.
13) EVA gives you a $30 SFO meal voucher for Napa Farms or a Japanese restaurant called Tomozaku or something like that....that was unexpected and nice. As they know the Polaris closes at 1030pm...dropped by United Club..but didn't linger long.
14) Offered pajamas, but declined.
So RELATIVE to my expectations (Which were high), EVA ticks all the boxes...but did not exceed my overall expectations. For comparison purposes on transpacific flights in business in the last 1/2 dozen years - I've flown ANA 787, JAL 777 & 787 Suite, Cathay Pacific (Liked the seat color scheme -A350?), and American. There's no point in doing any particular ranking beyond saying I think I enjoyed ANA the most. THis is in part as I've been flying modern lie flat business since 2016ish. So it takes more to impress me now then it did before. Though I will be flying ANA 787 again, so it will be interesting to compare the experience with earlier times....also Singapore intra-asia business for the 1st time. 1st time on Singapore period.
Sep 8, 23, 8:54 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NYC, SEA, TPE
Programs: BR Diamond, B6 Mosaic
Posts: 433
FAs wear masks, so they dont need to use makeup other than for their eyes!
Sep 8, 23, 9:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 4,541
Yes but I have been on some flights, where some FAs wear it while others don't. I have to agree with the OP that since Pandemic the standard has gone down on BR. The only reason why I fly them is that there are comparatively cheaper than ANA and their connections out of TPE is fantastic for me,
Sep 8, 23, 10:54 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,152
I don't understand how other people's choice to wear a mask affects you, or is a big turn off.
Sep 10, 23, 2:43 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: CA
Posts: 1,218
Why is it your business if they wear a mask or not. Business class gets you a lie flat seat which you enjoyed. You should have known that 787 is only out of Seattle. You didn't do the research, all the star alliance airlines are offering a voucher out of sfo. This is beyond evas control unless you are expecting Eva to get you a lounge. Ana does the same. UA is the primary carrier w a lounge facility who closes it at 12am. Polaris is 10pm. Pick a day time flight.
Sep 10, 23, 3:20 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 661
Why is it your business if they wear a mask or not. Business class gets you a lie flat seat which you enjoyed. You should have known that 787 is only out of Seattle. You didn't do the research, all the star alliance airlines are offering a voucher out of sfo. This is beyond evas control unless you are expecting Eva to get you a lounge. Ana does the same. UA is the primary carrier w a lounge facility who closes it at 12am. Polaris is 10pm. Pick a day time flight.
But...the main negatives were:
1) Bland interior - it is what it is. [Find i prefer darker interiors / splash of color over white/neutral interiors...but some/many could be the reverse.]
2) mushrooms - next time choose Western breakfast...and since I don't eat chicken, lamb, or pork per se (bacon ok)...beef was the only option for dinner. Did I tell you I REALLY dislike mushrooms? Next time I would tell the FA to leave out the mushrooms ahead of time when they prepare my meal. Problem solved.
3) Masks
Facial interaction/expression is important...mask usage in Taipei is more like 20% I think...service workers - it's well over 50%. Maybe 75%? At least in restaurants (Close to / at 100% at Regent hotel) and a 3C electronic store...walked by a gym and noticed nobody was wearing one there. Can Taiwan employers force/coerce their employees to wear masks?
I wonder if all will still be wearing masks after China makes its move? haha. Well..just an observation, we're not turning this into a mask debate.
Last edited by l etoile; Sep 18, 23 at 3:24 am
Sep 10, 23, 5:38 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,152
It's not a mask debate, it's personal liberty. Asking whether they're required to wear a mask is a false premise, the relevant question is whether they're prohibited from wearing a mask, which they're not.
If the mask requirement is not imposed on the passenger, I don't see how it's presence or absence is relevant.
If the mask requirement is not imposed on the passenger, I don't see how it's presence or absence is relevant.
Sep 11, 23, 7:09 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 56
4) Or maybe one of the biggest turn offs was all the stewardesses were still wearing masks - ALL OF THEM. Come on now -- nearly 4 years. Clearly it wasn't required, because the lone steward, was not wearing one. [FYI - mask usage in Taipei is maybe still 10-15% guesstimating... but many service workers wearing them - doesn't seem to be required]
For comparison purposes on transpacific flights in business in the last 1/2 dozen years - I've flown ANA 787, JAL 777 & 787 Suite, Cathay Pacific (Liked the seat color scheme -A350?), and American. There's no point in doing any particular ranking beyond saying I think I enjoyed ANA the most. THis is in part as I've been flying modern lie flat business since 2016ish. So it takes more to impress me now then it did before. Though I will be flying ANA 787 again, so it will be interesting to compare the experience with earlier times....also Singapore intra-asia business for the 1st time. 1st time on Singapore period.
For comparison purposes on transpacific flights in business in the last 1/2 dozen years - I've flown ANA 787, JAL 777 & 787 Suite, Cathay Pacific (Liked the seat color scheme -A350?), and American. There's no point in doing any particular ranking beyond saying I think I enjoyed ANA the most. THis is in part as I've been flying modern lie flat business since 2016ish. So it takes more to impress me now then it did before. Though I will be flying ANA 787 again, so it will be interesting to compare the experience with earlier times....also Singapore intra-asia business for the 1st time. 1st time on Singapore period.
Sep 25, 23, 8:29 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 661
It's not a mask debate, it's personal liberty. Asking whether they're required to wear a mask is a false premise, the relevant question is whether they're prohibited from wearing a mask, which they're not.
If the mask requirement is not imposed on the passenger, I don't see how it's presence or absence is relevant.
If the mask requirement is not imposed on the passenger, I don't see how it's presence or absence is relevant.
Mask wearing affects EMOTIONS.....cutting off Oxygen for long or even short periods of time will do that.
Emotions affect service level.
Lack of facial expressions affects service level. You do know the MAJORITY of communications is NON-VERBAL? Sounds like you don't know. Look it up.
All things being equal -- I will choose a carrier where the majority of service personnel aren't wearing masks. I would even pay extra or fly extra hours (An extra stopover for example) to this effect.
[comment on moderation removed per rules]
Recently flew Singapore Air Bus -- none of the cabin crew wore masks. Upon landing at TPE -- saw a whole crew of EVA. 2 female FAs weren't wearing masks in the baggage claim area. The others were...I didn't count, but roughly 80-85% of EVA crew on that flight wore masks.
Last edited by l etoile; Oct 2, 23 at 1:34 am
Sep 25, 23, 11:54 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,152
t's 10000% relevant to my experience. THE business class experience. ANY experience. Really...get over your - "wearing masks is no big deal."
Mask wearing affects EMOTIONS.....cutting off Oxygen for long or even short periods of time will do that.
Emotions affect service level.
Lack of facial expressions affects service level. You do know the MAJORITY of communications is NON-VERBAL? Sounds like you don't know. Look it up.
Mask wearing affects EMOTIONS.....cutting off Oxygen for long or even short periods of time will do that.
Emotions affect service level.
Lack of facial expressions affects service level. You do know the MAJORITY of communications is NON-VERBAL? Sounds like you don't know. Look it up.
Sep 27, 23, 10:42 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,123
Pre-Covid, probably 5-10% of Taiwanese wore masks. It is a courtesy in some societies to try not to infect
others when you have mild cold or other symptoms. Why on earth would that offend you?
others when you have mild cold or other symptoms. Why on earth would that offend you?
Sep 27, 23, 7:27 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 4,541
The service was excellent on my last two flights yesterday. Unbelievably for recent EVA flights. First segment was on PE and the second on Business. The crew was unbelievable. There was an old lady in the PE seats ( it had no PE) and was persistent in trying to ge to business class because she had paid for a PE seat she kept saying. I was surprised how calm the FA was in trying to explain to her that she cannot be moved up to business class and that she was not in an economy seat. I am sure that she knows the difference. Then refused to let her cane be put in the over head bin for take off. she kept stopping every FA who passed by to question why she was in economy and not in business class seat.
Last edited by Davvidd; Sep 28, 23 at 12:32 pm
Sep 29, 23, 1:19 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 6
4) Or maybe one of the biggest turn offs was all the stewardesses were still wearing masks - ALL OF THEM. Come on now -- nearly 4 years. Clearly it wasn't required, because the lone steward, was not wearing one. [FYI - mask usage in Taipei is maybe still 10-15% guesstimating... but many service workers wearing them - doesn't seem to be required]
Last edited by l etoile; Oct 2, 23 at 1:32 am
Oct 1, 23, 9:53 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2006
Location: KSNA/KLAX
Programs: IML GOLD, Bonvoy LTPE, WOH Globalist, AAEXPLT
Posts: 643
Flew in their long haul business 3x post pandemic including once last week TPE-YVR. The experience itself definitely felt a bit degraded as the food quality is noticeably worse compared to pre pandemic... Although on these flights, 100% of the seats were occupied so I feel it was mostly attributed to load factor. Post pandemic I've also flown long haul SQ, JL, CX, TG in premium cabin.. all of them have noticeable service degradation in one way or another compared to pre pandemic. Its just a matter of whether management decides to take a proactive effort or some sort of complacency in the face of record load/profits.
