Evergreen Deluxe = "downgraded" Business Class
Written: Nov 13 '02 (Updated Nov 13 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Value for money, seating comfort, 25 kg baggage allowance, in-seat-video
Cons: Only Economy Class service
The Bottom Line: Evergreen Deluxe is worth the surcharge to normal Economy Class, offering Business Class seating with Economy Class service.
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| chris26wi's Full Review: EVA Air |
I flew on EVA Air from Amsterdam to Bangkok (and back) and booked for the flight this "Evergreen Deluxe Class", which is a sort of Premium Economy Class. So, it should be a sort of "upgraded" Economy Class – but in my sight of the things EVA's Evergreen Dlx is more sort of a "downgraded" Business Class:
Seating comfort
EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class is located in the main deck of the 747, in the first part of the plane (First and Business Class can be found in the upper deck). The seats are similar to usual Business Class seats – quite comfortable and large, with (electrical) footrest and table in the armrest. So, the seat configuration is 2-3-2 in Evergreen Deluxe (instead of 3-4-3 in Economy Class). Together with a distance of 97cm to the front seat, this is the most important argument to book EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class: the seating comfort; one can almost feel like in Business Class in this concern.
Entertainment system
Every seat in Evergreen Deluxe has its own in-seat-video with the screen within the front seat (not inside the armrest to fold out, like in business classes). So everyone can enjoy his personal video program.
Board service
According to EVA Air, Service in Evergreen Deluxe Class should be better than in Economy Class but I personally didn't feel any difference to Economy Class in this concern. The meals are fine (to choose between two main courses), but not of Business Class standard (as are almost the seats). Flight attendants are very friendly and helpful, also during the night (sleeping phase) always on the move to serve drinks and small snacks (but that's what they're in EVA's Economy Class as well).
Ground service, check-in
In Amsterdam and in Bangkok you find special check-in desks for passengers of Evergreen Deluxe Class (and of course other ones for Business/First Class), so you don't have to wait long to check-in. Passengers of Evergreen Deluxe can make use of a 25-kg-limit for baggage (instead of a 20 kg threshold in Economy Class). No lounges can be accessed at the airports for Evergreen Dlx passengers.
The boarding process at the gate is divided in three parts: business/first class passengers, then Evergreen Deluxe Class passengers and finally Economy Class passengers.
Seat reservation, frequent flyer program
Evergreen Deluxe Class passengers can reserve a seat at the time of booking the flight; there is a 25 % mile bonus when taking part in EVA's frequent flyer program (Evergreen Club). After having flown 25 000 miles in EVA's program (and 6 international sectors), members get the "Executive Card" allowing access to EVA's business class lounges as well.
A reconfirmation before flying back is not necessary for Evergreen Deluxe Class passengers.
Prices
EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class costs a surcharge of about 40-50 % to Economy Class tariff. I had to pay about 950 USD for my Evergreen Deluxe return flight ticket (Frankfurt-)Amsterdam-Bangkok-Amsterdam(-Frankfurt). A surcharge worth the price, I think.
Conclusion
In my opinion, EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class is really worth the surcharge, and I recommend to take part in EVA's frequent flyer program if your planning to take several trips on EVA, as there's a 25 % miles bonus for Evergreen Deluxe Class, and further upgrades are easily accumulated this way. Nevertheless, I prefer to fly on China Airlines' discounted Business Class for almost the same price (about 100 USD more) to EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class because it still makes a difference to fly on a real Business Class or a "wanna-be-a-business-class"-Economy Deluxe Class (especially in terms of meals and in-flight-service).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
chris26wi
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Member: Florian
Location: Paris, France
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
I am 35 years old and work for German government - currently detached to Paris.
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