EVA Air Economy Review: We’ll Fly With Them Again!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you).
We’re not often impressed by the flight experience and customer service in Economy Class.
But paying the equivalent of only $900 USD per ticket for return EVA Air flights from North America on a couple of trips to Asia turned out to be a bargain.
And to our surprise, the flights were actually quite comfy!
The service, in particular, stood out as genuinely helpful and attentive. (We loved the clean loos – how nice the flight attendants kept them fresh throughout the flights!)
So writing this EVA Air Economy review (of the Boeing 777-300ER) turned out to be easier – and way more positive – than we expected.
We’ve now flown with EVA Air three times, most recently to Vietnam in their Premium Economy cabin. (And, yes, it was even better than Economy! But the upgrade came with a heftier price tag.)

Featured reader comments and questions
“Thank you for your updated and detailed review.
I’m flying with three kids from O’Hare to SE Asia via Taipei next month on EVA Air. They bring their own headphones for flying. What plug-in options are there for the entertainment system? Their travel headphones have the normal single straight plug like the airline-issued ones always had. Just want to make sure they don’t need to be USB ones nowadays.
… Thank you again!! Very helpful review!!”
~ Yalan
“Great review.
I flew with EVA Air long ago on the way to Vietnam from California and recently from Taiwan to Japan. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of them, but the staff is very nice and the food is okay.
Not sure if you’ve been on an ANA flight but I like that a lot better.”
~ Hung
“Thank you for this review! You convinced me to bid for a premium economy upgrade. Fingers crossed. Thank you again.”
~ Emily
Contents: Review of EVA Air Economy Class
EVA Air flights (and planes) from North America

Let’s start our review of EVA Airways in Economy Class with the airline’s flights to and from North America.
EVA Air (officially “EVA Airways Corporation”) offers non-stop service to Taipei, Taiwan, from several cities in North America, including:
- Chicago
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Toronto
- Vancouver
From Taipei, you can then connect to scads of cities in Asia.
Looking ahead, the airline plans to add service to Dallas/Fort Worth come November, 2025.
Boeing 777-300ER flights
On our first EVA Air Economy flight, we flew from Vancouver (via Taipei) to romantic Bali.
Our second trip took us from Vancouver to Bangkok, also via Taipei, before continuing on to Yangon, Myanmar.
EVA Air uses Boeing 777-300ER planes for the Vancouver to Taipei flights.
(The airline briefly swapped in the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on a trial basis, but has since reverted to the 777-300ER for this route. That said, we understand EVA Air has big plans for its Dreamliner fleet, with several on order – so it’s possible the Dreamliner will make a comeback on the Vancouver–Taipei route in future.)
Vancouver-Taipei winter schedule
- Vancouver to Taipei: Departing every day of the week at 12:15 am (arriving the next day at 5:15 am)
- Taipei to Vancouver: Departing daily at 11:55 pm (arriving the same day at 6:35 pm)
In spring, summer and fall, the flights depart a little later from Vancouver (around 2:00 am), but they arrive local time in Taipei at about the same time as the winter flights (around 5:40 am).
EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Certain long-haul EVA Air flights from North America use the Boeing 787-9 aircraft (e.g., some flights between San Francisco and Taipei).
When the Dallas/Fort Worth to Taipei route rolls out in November, 2025, the 787-9 seems a likely pick (though the airline hasn’t revealed which aircraft will be used).
We’re fans of the Dreamliner’s quieter cabins and improved air quality (thanks to more oxygen-rich air that leaves you feeling less jet-lagged). And those auto-dimming windows? Seriously cool.
So if you happen to fly on the Dreamliner, your onboard experience may be a little different than ours on the 777-300ER.
EVA Air Economy review: Check-in
It started with the ginger tea…
For our first two Economy flights from Vancouver, we were delighted to find a table (decorated with a vase of fresh lilies) set up by the boarding gate, with complimentary hot ginger tea and coffee.
That’s the first – and only – time we’ve ever seen this welcome service offered. (Other airlines, take note!)
Sadly, on our most recent EVA Air flight, the drinks table was nowhere to be seen. A one-time perk, perhaps? Here’s hoping it makes a comeback…
EVA Air’s Economy seats
Legroom

The average Economy seat pitch for long-haul flights is 31 to 32 inches. Some international flights offer a bit more breathing room – up to 34 inches – but that’s a rare treat.
On EVA Air’s Boeing 777-300ERs, the seat pitch ranges from 31 to 33 inches, depending on the aircraft. (Seat pitch, by the way, is airline-speak for the distance between your seat and the one in front – i.e., your legroom.)
So, expect anywhere from 31 to 33 inches of legroom in Economy with EVA Air.
We appreciated the 3-3-3 Economy seating layout on our flights.
Some of EVA Air’s 777 planes have more Economy seats, however, and they’re configured 3-4-3, with four (not three) seats in the middle row. That means a tighter fit. Too bad…
Tip: See here for EVA Air’s aircraft configurations for the 777-300ER before booking, so you know what you’re getting.

For comparison?
We know at least one North American carrier has crammed 100 extra Economy seats into their 777s on their Asia routes, so you’re stuffed in like sardines. And Rouge, Air Canada’s leisure brand, offers just 30 inches of pitch on some European flights. No thanks…
Tips for choosing the best Economy seats on EVA Air
When selecting your seats, check SeatGuru.
Pick a window and an aisle seat
If you’re flying as a couple, book a window and an aisle seat, like we do. Neither of us likes to sit in the middle, and since most people don’t either, there’s a chance it’ll stay empty. Hello, extra space!
If someone is assigned the middle, you can always ask to swap so you’re seated together. Most folks are happy to trade out of a middle seat.
Go for the bulkhead
We especially like the bulkhead seats at the front of Economy. These seats usually do cost more than pre-selecting others. But they offer a few inches more extra legroom and no one in front reclines back into your space.
Downside? The tray tables are in the armrests, slightly reducing your seat width.
Exit rows?
Exit row seats also have more legroom.
But passengers like to stand in front of these rows waiting for the bathroom or to stretch their legs. So you lose some privacy.
Hey, we got slippers!

Okay, so we didn’t get the really nice amenities you get in EVA Air’s Business Class (called “Royal Laurel Class”).
There, you’re treated to Giorgio Armani amenity kits (with luxury skincare products) and comfy pajamas by Taiwanese-Canadian designer, Jason Wu.
But as we settled into our seats, we discovered green disposable slippers (a really nice touch for Economy Class!), down cushions with washable cotton (not synthetic disposable) covers, and thick blankets that don’t create annoying static.
The thin sleep masks we got weren’t very good though. Definitely bring your own.
We always pack one each as a carry-on essential.
Our favorite is the silk Alaska Bear sleep mask. It’s soft, lightweight and has a contoured design that doesn’t squish your eyes. Plus, it blocks out light beautifully for better in-flight snoozing.
Tip: If you don’t find any slippers at your seat when you board, just ask a flight attendant – they’ll happily bring you a pair.
Nice loos!
We have to mention the loos in our EVA Air review.
They’re thoughtfully located away from the food preparation galley areas. And they’re kitted out with hand lotion (so your hands won’t dry out on the plane), as well as foaming soap.
We spotted a couple of larger washrooms in the Economy cabin too. They got us smiling with cute vases of flowers and baby change tables too.
Best of all, the flight attendants freshened the toilets constantly and kept them spotlessly clean.
This is in contrast to flight attendants on U.S. and Canadian carriers, who won’t deal with any lavatory freshening.
EVA Air food and drinks
How does EVA Air stack up in the food department for Economy passengers?
The meals on our flights were nutritionally balanced and fairly healthy (as airplane meals go).
- For dinner – One meal was a choice of fish and noodles or teriyaki chicken and rice, with an accompanying salad, a hot bun and a plate of fresh fruit slices (plus the requisite dessert cake).
- For breakfast – You might be offered a cheese omelet with sausage and potatoes or pork congee, plus no-fat yogurt, a bowl of cubed melons and a hot croissant.
As for alcoholic drinks, we like a glass of wine at dinner, and EVA Air delivered – complimentary red and white wine were offered.
There’s also a selection of beer, plus coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks to choose from (all complimentary).

In-flight entertainment
Economy seats on EVA Air’s Boeing 777-300ERs have high-resolution touch-screen TV displays that are 11.1 inches in size.
We enjoyed the movie selection, which includes all the latest Hollywood blockbusters. But truth be told, we only managed to watch one during dinner, before the cabin lights were dimmed and we settled in to try and get some rest.
Booking your ticket: Points, fare type and changes

Can you use Star Alliance points?
Yes, you can use Star Alliance partner points to book EVA Air flights.
For our first trip to Bali, we had a choice: China Airlines (cheaper), Cathay Pacific (pricier) and EVA Air.
We actually could have paid $100 USD less p.p. for our EVA Air tickets. But we chose to book through Air Canada to earn more Aeroplan points (they’re a Star Alliance partner). We were aiming to maintain our Elite status, and these days, every perk helps!
EVA Air Economy basic vs. standard tickets
When booking your Economy ticket, you’ll notice different fare types:
- Discount
- Basic
- Standard
- Up
Each comes with its own set of fare rules.
For example, a basic Economy ticket doesn’t include free seat selection – on long-haul flights, reserving a regular seat in advance costs $55.
On the other hand, a standard Economy ticket includes free seat selection for a regular seat (though you’ll still pay extra for a “preferred” Economy seat closer to the front or an exit-row seat with extra legroom.)
Details: See under “Charges” on EVA Air’s Fare Family web page for more information on this.
EVA Air ticket cancellation, changes and refunds
If you get second thoughts about going on a trip and wish to cancel your ticket, EVA Air will give you a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of buying your ticket.
Need to make changes after that? You might have to pay a change fee plus any fare difference if your new ticket costs more.
EVA Air baggage allowance
Checked baggage
The number of free bags you can check for EVA Air depends on your ticket type and whether you’re flying internationally or within Asia.
For example, if you’re flying long-haul to or from the U.S. or Canada and you have a standard or basic Economy ticket, you’re allowed two free checked bags (maximum weight 50 lbs. each) per person.
This is better than many other major airlines. Typically, Economy passengers are only allowed one free checked bag, if that!
Details: See EVA Air’s checked baggage allowance for more information.
EVA Air carry-on

While EVA Air is generous with its checked baggage allowance, they’re chintzy with the carry-on allowance.
The weight limit is much lower than what we’re used to.
(Most North American airlines don’t even specify a carry-on weight – just that you should be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. And British Airways allows you to take a rollaboard and a personal item, each weighing up to 50 lbs!)
EVA Air allows two carry-on pieces in Economy:
- Hand-carry bag – One small rollaway (no bigger than 9 x 14 x 22 inches), weighing no more than 15 lbs
- Personal item – A purse, briefcase or small backpack that fits under the seat.

When possible, we like to travel carry-on only.
EVA Air’s size allowance is fine. But with a 15 lb weight limit, it was tough to meet this restriction. Janice’s much-loved ultra-light TravelPro rollaway alone weighs 5.4 lbs!
Details: See EVA Airline’s carry-on luggage allowance.
Flight safety record and rating
Is EVA Air safe?
The short answer is “yes” – as safe as an airline can be.
Founded in 1989, EVA Air is based in Taiwan. They fly to more than 20 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the U.K., Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Italy and Australia.
For 2025, the airline is again at the top of AirlineRatings.com’s list of safest airlines to fly in the world, taking the #7 spot. (American Airlines is #13 and Delta Airlines is #21.)
China Airlines vs. EVA Air?
Like EVA Air, China Airlines is also based out of Taipei. But it has a 4-star airline rating, according to Skytrax.
EVA Air, on the other hand, has a 5-star airline rating for its onboard product and service (e.g., cabin and seat cleanliness, food and beverages, entertainment and attention to cabin safety).
Not only that, EVA Air is ranked one of the world’s best airlines – coming in #11 in 2025 for passenger comfort and product consistency. (For comparison, Virgin Atlantic is #13 and Air France is #21.) China Airlines didn’t make the list.
We had a choice – and we picked EVA Airlines.
EVA Airways Economy review: Bottom line?
So, is EVA Air a good airline?
They won our loyalty, and we’d definitely fly with them again.
What about you – have you flown on EVA Air? Do you agree with our EVA Air Economy Class review? Do you prefer flying on Asian airlines rather than North American carriers?
You can share your thoughts in the Comments section below – and read about the experiences of other EVA Air passengers too.
Read more of our airline reviews
- Is Premium Economy on EVA Air a Smart Upgrade?
- What’s it Like to Fly Economy Class on Qatar?
- Review of Emirates in Economy Class
Like our Eva Airways review? Then pin it! Thanks!


Our top travel tips and resources
General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy! (You may prefer Expedia for booking hotels in the U.S. or Mexico.)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
We paid full fares for our tickets all three times we flew round-trip with EVA Air and didn’t receive any special discounts from the airline. Nor has the airline paid us to write this review or influenced us in any way here. This post consists simply of our own independent unbiased thoughts and views. Images (except 3, 8, 10 and 11) are courtesy EVA Air.
About the authors
