Does anyone know of another airline that has four classes of service?

I recently flew economy dleuxe on EVA air (http://www.evaair.com.tw/english/eindex.htm) which has four classes on their 747 flights (the other three classes are super first, super business, and economy).

On my particular plane, the 747-Combi, the business (16) and first class (8) seats are on the second level. The main level has seats for 86 deluxe and 162 econ seats. The rear cabin of the main level is converted for cargo.

The deluxe class turns out to be a bargain and has services that rival most first-class domestic US airlines. The seat size are the same or slightly bigger than that of UA business class (in a 3-class plane) with 38" between rows. Other amenities include seat-back videos and excellent food served on bone china (on a flight less than 2 hours!).

The cost of economy deluxe is only slightly more than economy.

As anyone who has flown to Asia can attest, flying coach sucks! I wish domestic US airlines can also outfit their 747s the same as EVA. But knowing the way they like to cut costs, this is extremely unlikely.

Eva's deluxe economy product seems to be a bargain - I'll have to check it out next time I'm in the Asia! Some other airlines offer similar deluxe economy products, but on the whole they are not as good as Eva's. For example, Virgin Atlantic has its Premium Economy class - but the seats are essentially the same as regular coach class!

Also the only airline which has larger non-standard toilets on the upper deck which include a window. The First Class seat pitch is long enough for a center in the NBA.

JayJ,

Lufthansa 747's have larger toilets with windows upstairs in 1st class.

Wait....... how can EVA accomodate both the First and the Business class on the upper deck, the space is limited.

It really depends on the airplan you are in. Some EVA flights have 8 FC and 16 BC in the upperdeck; Others have 32 BC up and the first class at the front of the lower deck. Keep in mind that EVA's Deluxe class is only slightly less hospitable than the UA Business Class, and a lot cheaper. So many just opt to fly the Deluxe class instead and save the change. Best bargin in town if I had to fly on my own money.

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).]