EVA, one of the gems of China
Written: Sep 22 '00 (Updated Nov 19 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: great food, attentive service, plenty of entertainment
Cons: few alliances, poor frequent flyer program
|
|
|
| singaporeboy's Full Review: EVA Air |
EVA may not be widely recognized, but they definitely deserve to be. EVA is probably one of the nicest of the Asian airlines with which I've flown, and is an excellent option for travelling to or connecting in Taiwan. I found every aspect of their service to be excellent.
IN-FLIGHT SERVICE on EVA was efficient, courteous, friendly, warm and hospitable. I've noticed that the absolute best thing EVA does to make its passengers feel comfortable is ensure top-notch service. No other airline in the world has ever treated me as well in the air as EVA on my last trip between Taipei and Singapore, not even Cathay Pacific (my favorite airline) or Singapore Airlines. The staff made me very comfortable, and were among the most attentive air crew I've yet encountered.
CUISINE and in-flight dining were very enjoyable indeed. Unlike many other airlines, EVA serves delicious and authentic food. The Asian entrees they served me were real Chinese selections prepared with the proper ingredients. They weren't adjusted or watered down to suit western tastes, either, they were aimed at Chinese passengers. That, from a Chinese airline, is the high standard of service I would expect. There were western choices as well, but I didn't try them. My experiences with other airlines in the region are that they compromise authenticity in even their local or regional dishes to appeal to a broader market, but I appreciate real and authentic cuisine when I can find it.
The GROUND SERVICE wasn't quite as attentive as in-flight service, but was nonetheless quite pleasant. EVA's lounges in Taipei and Singapore are well appointed and well stocked, and were not particularly crowded when I entered (which was the middle of the day). I found their check-in staff to be as well-trained, friendly and courteous as the flight attendants, and the check-in was smooth and uncomplicated. My baggage made it safely as well, and there were no delays.
EVA's SENSE OF STYLE is a little unusual; their corporate color is bright green, as are the uniforms of their staff. That made the flight attendants look a little like Santa's elves, in my opinion. While green wouldn't be my first choice of universal colors, it's certainly nicer than Air Canada garish red or Singapore Airlines pink and purple.
From check-in to baggage collection and takeoff to landing, I found EVA to be a very comfortable, attentive and efficient airline. They went out of their way to make my flights outstanding and memorable, and I left Taiwan with the impression that, with a little exposure and some strategic marketing, EVA could become one of the world's top airlines. They certainly deserve such an honor.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID: singaporeboy
|
|
Location: Illinois
Reviews written: 96
Trusted by: 18 members
About Me: Just someone who's lucky enough to have lived in several corners of the planet
|
|
|