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I recently had the pleasure of flying EVA Air’s Royal Laurel class on the Boeing 777‑300ER nonstop from San Francisco (SFO) to Taipei (TPE).
Even though EVA’s Royal Laurel seats are nearly 15 years-old, it was surprisingly a wonderful experience. The flight was made even better by the food and service.
How I booked the EVA Air Royal Laurel Business Class
I redeemed this flight by transferring 75,000 Citi ThankYou points to EVA’s Infinity MileageLands program. Citi transfers 1:1 and Capital One 4:3 to EVA’s loyalty program.
But it can be pretty easy to redeem on EVA’s Star Alliance partners. You can also book this flight via Air Canada Aeroplan for 75,000 points or United Polaris for 110,000 points. However, EVA typically only releases 1 business seat to its partners.
Photo credit from Roame.
Here’s how I get around that. I use the Roame award flight tool to set alerts for EVA Air business class. When I receive a notification that there is open availability on United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan, I just check on EVA Air directly. EVA usually has more availability through their own mileage program.
Flight Information
Airline: EVA Air
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Flight #: BR 7
Route: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Taiwan Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Duration: 13 hours
Cabin & Layout: Please fill out
Class: Business Class
Seat: front cabin. window seat on the right side
Photo credit from EVA Air.
Lounge Access at SFO for EVA Air Business Class
Depending on your departure time, you are granted access to one business class lounge. Here's a map with the locations of all the lounges.
We hung out at the British Airways Lounge (International Terminal, near Gate A5).
The lounge was bright and modern and offered tarmac views, a full self-serve buffet with hot and cold options, and a well‑stocked beverage bar. It can feel cramped during peak periods due to limited square footage.
The food options were great for a business class lounge at SFO. It ranged from BBQ chicken in the hot bar to the salad bar and the cold cut sandwich section.
There is also a First Class Dining Room for those flying First Class (BA, JL), and OneWorld Emerald elite members.
Air France‑KLM Lounge (International Terminal, Level 3, near Gate A1): Just up one level after Security A, this compact SkyTeam lounge blends cold‑cut platters and French classics like croque‑monsieur and boeuf bourguignon.
Wine and spirits are offered in simple disposable cups. While snug, it provides a surprisingly satisfying dining spread and reliable beverage options. Showers available for Business Class access.
United Club (Terminal 3, near Gate F11): Decent snacks and soft drinks, priority access for United passengers. Smaller, more utilitarian feel, with minimal window views.
Golden Gate Lounge (International Terminal, level 4): Open to Priority Pass and some elite flyers. Offers cocktails, snacks, and quieter atmosphere with pleasant skyline views. Slightly more homey than United Club.
Cabin & Seats on EVA Airways Business Class
For Royal Laurel business class on the Boeing 777, EVA uses Zodiac Cirrus seats designed by BMW’s Designworks and introduced in mid‑2012. There are 38 seats in business class in 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. The seats are with faux wood and forest green trim.
These fully lie‑flat seats with a 43-inch pitch, 21-25 inch width (depending on where you sit), and 76-inch length when fully flat.
I had a window seat on the right hand side of the plane and in the front cabin. The seats were extremely clean and well-kept with direct aisle access.
My window seat featured a reading light, storage cubicle, 110V AC universal power outlet plus USB‑A ports, and touchscreen seat controls.
Each seat has intuitive seat controls with preset modes (takeoff, lounge, sleep), a bifold tray table, reading light, literature pocket sized for a 13-inch laptop, bottle cubby with Evian water, footwell storage for headphones or slippers, and even garment hooks and headphone jacks nearby.
Entertainment & Amenities on board EVA Air Royal Laurel Business Class
Each seat had a 15-inch screen and we were provided with noise-canceling headphones in a hygienic pouch. In-flight mood lighting eased the transition into evening.
The Panasonic AVOD system includes roughly 40 movies and over 100 music albums, with Mandarin, English, Japanese and some European language support.
Business class travelers are sometimes offered vouchers for free wifi as well.
Royal Laurel passengers receive an exclusive amenity kit from Giorgio Armani containing skincare items from Malin+Goetz, eye mask, ear plugs, lip balm, comb, dental kit, and a coin pouch or small wallet.
These amenity kits were the third nicest amenity kits I’ve received on board, only behind Emirates and Lufthansa First Class amenity kits.
They also provide two‑piece pajamas designed by Jason Wu, slippers, and Evian water at boarding.
Food & Drinks - Dining aboard EVA Air Business Class
Dining service began about 45 minutes post‑takeoff with a welcome drink; I chose Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame.
I also made sure to try EVA Air's exclusive Evergreen Special (neon green) drink. It's Melon liqueur, Vodka, and Sprite. It was quite strong.
The menu included a variety of entree options. I ordered in advance and chose a steak option. Here’s the rest of the meal:
- Carrot flan with almond & lobster with mango salsa
- Assorted bread and balsamic vinegar
- Beef and shrimp with truffle aioli
- Saffron seafood soup
- Garden vegetable salad
I was surprised at how many courses EVA served and how well plated everything. The dining was approaching first class levels.
They also came around with a delectable dessert card with a selection of cheeses (brie, blue, gouda, boursin garlic), fruit, ice cream, and tiramisu dome cake. It was quite a fun experience like the infamous United sundae cart, but higher end.
For breakfast, I chose the Braised Pork Noodle Soup and came with a traditional zhongzi delicatessen. It was excellent!
I also had a glass of iced green tea.
Overall, EVA may have the best meal service when compared to the other two Taiwanese airlines.
Bathroom & Toiletries
After dinner, I got ready for bed and changed in the restroom. The business‑class restroom located mid‑cabin was spotless, well stocked with amenities, and spacious enough to change before bedtime.
EVA provides antibacterial towel, mouthwash, lotion, and basic toiletries, all refreshed periodically during the flight.
Sleeping Experience
The flight attendant prepared my bed with a nice thick mattress topper. The fully flat bed, when converted (about 180°), was very comfy.
After the lights are dimmed, EVA has these really pretty starry lights overhead.
Unfortunately, I only managed to sleep ~3 hours because it was a daytime flight.
Final Thoughts: Excellent for a 15-year old product (8/10)
I love it when an airline exceeds my expectations and EVA Air certainly did just that. I came expecting a dated product and onboard experience, but it was anything but that.
The food, drinks, and service were top notch for business class. The seats, while old, were extremely comfortable and roomier than EVA’s new Boeing 787 Business Class.
- Food Quality: 9/10
- Drinks Quality: 9/10- Cleanliness: 9.5/10- Cabin Design: 7.5/10- Seat: 7/10- Service: 9/10
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