Eva Air: What Are Your Opinions Of This Airline?

[syd barrett]

I have never flown EVA air before. Has anyone any comments regarding their direct London-Bangkok-London service?

Any travel tips? The journey is 11.5 hours and the baggage allowance economy is 20kg.

Thanks for any feedback.

[kuifje]

Perfect airline. Nice and friendly staff.

Did a few times BKK-AMS-BKK, I assume the service will be the same.

They have some upgrade package (or at least on their BKK-AMS) service, which cost 10-20% more, but you will be seated in a better class (& food).

[ukrules]

They are good, I have used them for my last few trips to Bangkok.

In fact they went above and beyond the last time I left Bangkok which was 19th May 2010, the day the army stormed the red shirts demonstration areas.

I had been on an overstay as my flight was delayed due to the volcano cancellations. In fact it had been cancelled twice due to no fly zones in the UK, when I originally rebooked my flight the replacement was on the second bout of cancellations. The flight they offered me was three weeks later which was well into an overstay - I didn't mind at the time so I took it - had I phoned back earlier I could have rebooked but I chose not to do this and took the extra three weeks instead. The supervisor from the checkin desk came with me through immigration and argued my case in Thai with three or four of the officials - she spent about one and a half hours there with me talking to these immigration people.

They wanted to fine me 10,500 Bt, they were studying my travel history over the previous couple of months, I mentioned the ministry announcements I had seen on Thai Visa which referred to an extension beyond the original May 31st deadline. Phone calls were made to other Immigration departments, and the airline booking office, etc. They were jabbering away in Thai for ages, for most of it I had no idea what they were talking about and just sat there watching them. I said to them 'if I have to pay, then I have to pay. But from the announcements I have read from the ministry they say I don't need to pay'.

In the end I ended up paying nothing. In truth I didn't really care either way but obviously I would rather not spend this money if I didn't have to.

My only gripe with them is that the flight leaves Bangkok early in the afternoon whereas most other airlines offer overnight flights - obviously it's better to have an overnight flight so you can sleep more easily.

They use modern Boeing 777's with multi channel seat back entertainment.

Edited June 26, 2010 by ukrules

[syd barrett]

They are good, I have used them for my last few trips to Bangkok.

In fact they went above and beyond the last time I left Bangkok which was 19th May 2010, the day the army stormed the red shirts demonstration areas.

I had been on an overstay as my flight was delayed due to the volcano cancellations. In fact it had been cancelled twice due to no fly zones in the UK, when I originally rebooked my flight the replacement was on the second bout of cancellations. The flight they offered me was three weeks later which was well into an overstay - I didn't mind at the time so I took it - had I phoned back earlier I could have rebooked but I chose not to do this and took the extra three weeks instead. The supervisor from the checkin desk came with me through immigration and argued my case in Thai with three or four of the officials - she spent about one and a half hours there with me talking to these immigration people.

They wanted to fine me 10,500 Bt, they were studying my travel history over the previous couple of months, I mentioned the ministry announcements I had seen on Thai Visa which referred to an extension beyond the original May 31st deadline. Phone calls were made to other Immigration departments, and the airline booking office, etc. They were jabbering away in Thai for ages, for most of it I had no idea what they were talking about and just sat there watching them. I said to them 'if I have to pay, then I have to pay. But from the announcements I have read from the ministry they say I don't need to pay'.

In the end I ended up paying nothing. In truth I didn't really care either way but obviously I would rather not spend this money if I didn't have to.

My only gripe with them is that the flight leaves Bangkok early in the afternoon whereas most other airlines offer overnight flights - obviously it's better to have an overnight flight so you can sleep more easily.

They use modern Boeing 777's with multi channel seat back entertainment.

I appreciate the feedback. Is food/drink up to standard? I like a few beers/spirits before I try to grab some sleep.

What is the legroom like on the 777's?

Thanks.

[taupo67]

Flown a few times with them and will travel again in July/August.

Pretty decent airline and fairly decent service. Legroom on the LHR-BKK flights was adequate in Economy and entertainment system was good. Drinks not a problem and I was served outside of the normal trolley walk no problem. Food on way home was a tad dodgy on one flight as we were served a pot noodle as one of the snacks (well spicey as well)!!!!

[mallorca284673]

hi.<BR><BR>for good advice regarding this airline & what people think take a look at the forum in airlinequality.com & for seating - look at seatguru.com for pitch & seats to choose.<BR><BR>enjoy your flight<BR><BR>

[seedy]

I always fly EVA from YVR - TPE - BKK. 12.5 hour flight to TPE. Always book Evergreen Deluxe - business class seat, economy meals. Food no matter as they only serve two meals. Best thing is flight leaves 0200, so I sleep most of it.

[roamer]

I'm in a minority on this forum. Mediocre airline, but so are the others flying direct on this route. If you don't mind the stop-off then airlines like Qatar are streets ahead. This the most recent review on Airline Equality;

"LHR-BKK return in economy. Cabin crew seemed more attentive than earlier flights but food continues to be a weakness, barely edible. AVOD showing signs of ageing and film selection remains poor. Value for money becoming marginal, considering going via Gulf next time."

Must have improved for the food to be barely inedible, was completely inedible last time I flew it. Customer service ? Let's put it this way after they totally ignored all requests to compensate a former business colleague after pulling and dropping her laptop from an overhead compartment she took them to the county court. They ignored the summons. They ignored the judgement. They found it a little more difficult to ignore the court bailiffs that went round and threatened to seize office equipment if they didn't pay. The ironic thing here is that she is a manager for a freight company that flew literally tons of freight on EVA from Taiwan, or rather did fly tons freight on EVA.

Isolated complaint ? Not if you google for it.

Still as I say, it has its devotees here on TV. We are all entitled to our opinions.

[IsaanAndy]

Flown EVA many times in the past but now prefer Qatar or Etihad with the break to stretch legs at the halfway stage. Also the cost of going via the Gulf saves money.

My Father came out in Feb with EVA, all be it 1st Class and he said it was excellent.

[binnsy]

The best direct flight from heathrow by far

Ask for a window seat at the rear row 67 to 71 as these are only 2 seats so you wont get bothed by other passengers wanting to use the bog

[Just1Voice]

After trying nearly every available airlines for traveling back and forth from Thailand to the US over a number of years, I have become a total EVA devotee. I always use their Emerald Class, where I have found the service and food to be very good. And the flight attendants aren't bad either!! lol.

My last trip back to the U.S. was for medical reasons. Due to a severely pinched sciatic nerve, I had lost the use of my right leg and was wheel chair bound. The employees were very gracious in helping me board, very attentive for the entire flight, and even had personnel waiting to assist me when I landed in L.A. After treatment in the Phoenix VA hospital, I was released by the doctors about 10 days prior to my booked return flight. I flew back to LA and went to the EVA counter (now on crutches instead of wheel chair) and asked them if I could change my flight so that I would not have to wait for another 10 days. Not only did they say I could, they actually got me on a flight the same day, upgrading my ticket from Emerald to Business Class (1st class on other carriers), with no additional charge.

For me, I won't fly with anyone else.

[steve187]

The best direct flight from heathrow by far

Ask for a window seat at the rear row 67 to 71 as these are only 2 seats so you wont get bothed by other passengers wanting to use the bog

very good airline the best of all the direct flights, these rear seats are a bit bumpy,so try and get an emergency door seat. if a drink is required outside the normal trolley runs just go to the rear and ask the crew, no problems have a good flight

[alant]

agree with most others, good airline especially if you up to premium economy. one of the few airlines that doesnt charge more for an open return ticket. negative, no bottles of water have to ask for a glass each time

[Mario2008]

Never had any problems with EVA, nice staff and a good safety record.

[cdnvic]

Perfect safety record actually. Never lost an aircraft or a passenger. Interesting, as Taiwan's other airline (China Airlines) has an appalling safety record.

[mrclough]

I think it's fair to say that on the whole you're not going to be unhappy with the choice. I think Thai is your only other direct option from LHR anyway and in my experience the difference in price is not reflected with a difference in service.

It's been quite a while since flying with Eva for me but that's purely because LHR was about the furthest airport from me when i was back in England.

As others have mentioned it's quite ofted cheaper to fly with Qatar and they are in my opinion the best option from UK - BKK for price, service and comfort. There are others like Ethiad, Gulf and i suppose Emirates but I cannot recemmend these as I've had very bad experiences with Emirates everytime I've used them (although it seems thats just my bad luck from talking to others).

If memory serves me well, the food on Eva was pretty decent for airoplane food and there was no problem at all getting a beer at anytime, I'm sure you'll be fine with them. Shouldn't bother with a window seat though as it's an overnight flight lol

[exeter]

EVA jets use a General Electric engine claimed to be the most powerful available when I travelled with them we left Heathrow 45mins late but got into BKK early, Staff were fine and seats and legroom also ok. Food was interesting for breakfast I got scrambled egg,bacon and top was a chocolate waffle. Drinks was not a problem, much as you want, my first choice was a beer, unfortunately it was frozen solid! Entertainment good and if the price was right I would use them again.

[rak sa_ngop]

I recently completed the direct BKK - LON return in cheapest EVA economy. The price was good, but the food served, IMO, was the blandest I have eaten for a long time i.e. no salt/pepper, no tomato sauce, only one small cold bread roll, no croissant for breakfast, no after dinner chocolate etc. etc.

It was perfectly edible, but no attempt was made to make it attractive. It seems that when you have 'premium economy' you have to downgrade your normal economy?

In addition the underseat entertainment boxes are quite big, and if you 'hit' on one of these you may have difficulty in stretching out both legs at the same time. Not so good for a 13 hour flight (to London takes almost 2 hours longer than from London).

With the ridiculous discrepancy of flight prices between Baht and GBP priced tickets, I would go with the cheapest airline (I myself am going with Air India next, and dreading it). This saved me nearly 300 GBP (over my normal Emirates ticket). How much is 13 hours dicomfort worth to you?

[roamer]

You mentioned 20K baggage allowance. If its important to you then Kingfisher offers a whopping 45K on LHR-BKK-LHR. See the thread here.Prices are good but of course not direct.

[lonewolf99]

I recently completed the direct BKK - LON return in cheapest EVA economy. The price was good, but the food served, IMO, was the blandest I have eaten for a long time i.e. no salt/pepper, no tomato sauce, only one small cold bread roll, no croissant for breakfast, no after dinner chocolate etc. etc.

It was perfectly edible, but no attempt was made to make it attractive. It seems that when you have 'premium economy' you have to downgrade your normal economy?

In addition the underseat entertainment boxes are quite big, and if you 'hit' on one of these you may have difficulty in stretching out both legs at the same time. Not so good for a 13 hour flight (to London takes almost 2 hours longer than from London).

With the ridiculous discrepancy of flight prices between Baht and GBP priced tickets, I would go with the cheapest airline (I myself am going with Air India next, and dreading it). This saved me nearly 300 GBP (over my normal Emirates ticket). How much is 13 hours dicomfort worth to you?

Buy cheap Pay dear ...my mother used to say.....I would rather set myself on fire than chose your option...best of luck - you will need it....expect the worst - any thing better will be a bonus....

[Kadafi]

EVA are a good airline, I have been with them on many occasions. When there return flight price is low such as £440 return i will book it straight up but sometimes its high so i have to look elsewhere. Only problem is the 20kg allowance, last time i had alot of things to take home so i booked Jet Airways as it gives 35kg allowance...

[rodentwarrior]

I flew with them one time about 6 years ago. I was in Evergreen class. Just before take off the staff brought in a extremely drunk typical Pattaya bar hopper. He was dressed like a tramp, stunk like a chimp and could hardly talk. He then tried to drink his own duty-free, until the staff noticed and stopped him.

I complained to the staff supervisor, and was moved to another seat. What they did by putting this guy on the plane was illegal. Now, if they will ignore even those regulations, I have no confidence in their management team.

I will never use them again. Now I fly Emirates or Etihad. Both excellent airlines with impeccable service.

[roamer]

I flew with them one time about 6 years ago. I was in Evergreen class. Just before take off the staff brought in a extremely drunk typical Pattaya bar hopper. He was dressed like a tramp, stunk like a chimp and could hardly talk. He then tried to drink his own duty-free, until the staff noticed and stopped him.

I complained to the staff supervisor, and was moved to another seat. What they did by putting this guy on the plane was illegal. Now, if they will ignore even those regulations, I have no confidence in their management team.

I will never use them again. Now I fly Emirates or Etihad. Both excellent airlines with impeccable service.

Own up now...which of you EVA supporters was it ?

BTW, the station manager for EVA has a rep for putting bums on seats or alternatively offloading for the most spurious excuses when they are overbooked, noticeable by her absence during the volcanic ash crisis.

[taninthai]

It was perfectly edible, but no attempt was made to make it attractive. It seems that when you have 'premium economy' you have to downgrade your normal economy?

In addition the underseat entertainment boxes are quite big, and if you 'hit' on one of these you may have difficulty in stretching out both legs at the same time. Not so good for a 13 hour flight (to London takes almost 2 hours longer than from London

flew back last week with eva and yes i had 1 off these big black boxes underneath the seat in front of me was wondering what the f it was and why no-one else had 1

had aisle seat so could still stretch legs ,it was good flight good service even had some rolls made up at the back off plane to help yourself too...

[billybong38]

ive flown with eva air for about 6yrs on the LHR-BKK-LHR legs traveled in the economy,elite,laurel and theyve been fine never had a major delay with the airline it was beter when it was the 747 and not the 777 because the economy section up stairs had more leg room and a sperate galley so you got plenty of beer.The elite class can be £250-£300 more than economy ive never done a 1 stop via dubai or doha and i have though about the idea though.Eva also fly on mondays which they never use to on the london route and arrives a lot earlier.

Iam back over in august and watching the flight prices and eva is about £500 return if you fly during school hols its a lot more expensive.

http://www.seatguru.com/ good website for checking the best seats etc

cheers

Edited June 27, 2010 by billybong38

[moe666]

Eva Only way to fly to BKK from Lax. Changed my flight 4 times in one day at no charge and they escorted me thru immigration 500baht back and bag waiting for me. They have always been good to me. Yes it is airline food but always good enough to eat. If you make flight at there site you can reserve your seat after paying for flight.

They have cut back number of flights to Bkk and the price of a economy delux seat is running 1700dollars about 500 more than economy so next trip mybe have to fly economy and hope for a upgrade to deluxe. It is not Singapore Airlines but it is ok.

[operator]

Have flown Eva Air the last five years LHR-BKK-BKK-LHR. Never had any real problems with them, and all in all a good airline. The only gripe i would have is that the food could be a bit better. Just recently, May and June, and looks like possibly July and August, Eva have been cancelling their Tuesday and Thursday flights from LHR-BKK and BKK-LHR. Was due to fly to BKK on 12th May, but got a call a week before from Netflights to say my flight had been cancelled. Told the lady no problem for me, i'll fly back next day. Extra day in LOS and just kept me on the 30 day visa excempt limit. On another forum, a fellow said he got less than 24hours notice his flight had been cancelled !!!. Again on another forum someone is saying Eva are short of planes this summer and autumn due to new cross-straits routes into China and the EXPO, combine that with 3 new 777’s still sitting at Boeing in Everett Washington due to problems with the seat production from a sub-contractor.

[cardholder]

I share Binnsy's view that EVA is the best direct airline out of London.

I don't book flights for the culinary experience. If like roamer you are offended by the blandness of the food (I wouldn't disagree), then stuff yourself before you board and take a packed lunch.

[moe666]

The seat pitch in economy is 34 inches and in economy delux is 38 inches. That 4 inches makes a big difference.

[ukrules]

I appreciate the feedback. Is food/drink up to standard? I like a few beers/spirits before I try to grab some sleep.

What is the legroom like on the 777's?

The food was ok, some kind of chicken with noodles in tomato sauce disk if I remember correctly - I ate it all. I'm not very fussy when it comes to food.

I'm about 6' tall and generally have no problems, last time I got an exit row seat with several feet of leg room. Normally there is no problem though and my legs will go nicely under the seat in front of me.