to airport and check in
Flight routing
- 1
- 2
- 3BR869 - Business - Taipei - Hong Kong - Boeing 777-300er
- 4EK385 - Business - Hong Kong - Bangkok - Airbus A380-800
After a few happy day in Taipei, I left for the airport using their efficient Airport Train. It's super convenience as it is just a few steps from my hotel to Central Station. The train is very reliable and took just 35 minutes to International Terminal
Check in counter is completely desert, with no one before me. The agent is very nice. She inquire what is my final destination and try to check in through to Bangkok (I am holding separate Emirates Ticket for my onward flight). I am not expecting this since I asked both BR and EK office in Bangkok and they confirm that, upon arrival in Hong Kong, I need to retrieve my luggage, pass immigration and re-check in for my EK flight.
With some reason, she can tag my bag all the way through. I only need to find Transfer counter and obtain my boarding pass without immigration hassle. This is much appreciated.
the lounge
I got invitation card to EVA Infinity Lounge. The lounge is empty, comfortable but the food is quite underwhelming. There is quite a reasonable selection but the taste is pretty bland. I mean, Taipei is one of the greatest place in the world to enjoy food, I would expect some pride of Taiwan food in their lounge.
Service is great with every attention to detail, for example the table reservation tag here, which also function as a sign to clear off the table
The food
boarding
I got to the gate around 20 minutes before boarding time, the aircraft is getting readied for the flight. Today we are flying 3 years old 777-300er, B-16733
the seat
We start boarding shortly. The aircraft does not seemed to be full today. I am the sole passenger of the aft Business Class Cabin. A pillow, a blanket and a headphone is already at my seat
The flight attendant, "Summer", introduce herself and give me a slipper, welcome drink and hot towel.
During Economy class boarding, I accustomed myself with the seat. Well, I used to travel on other airlines with similar seat before, but EVA's version seemed huge.
A menu is included in seat pocket content, but I forgot to photograph it, since I have already booked my seat online. Here's the safety card
inflight catering
As soon as we reach cruising altitude, all crew members start meal service at once. My food is "Braised Beef Bisket in Chou Hou Sauce with Chinese Yam Puree, Vegetable and egg fried rice". I select garlic bread and multigrain roll. How Summer is begin generous to me.
Service concluded with another hot towel and EVA candy. Then we start descending
Descending to Hong Kong
Landing in to (still busy) Hong Kong. At the time, there are constant protest in the city, which disrupt some transportation service and there are less traveller. But the damage is not as much as current COVID19 outbreak. I can still see a busy ramp along the taxiway
As usual, a warm disembarking goodbye by the crew, who address all business class passengers by name. Well, not quite as difficult as the incoming flight. We only have got less than 10 C passengers today.
At the gate, the sign direct me to W1 transfer counter. And that's all my good experience with EVA is completed.
I like the train too as it is fast and you don't have to worry about traffic and the scenery is quite nice. Unfortunately for me, I've usually had to stand. I guess I could wait for the next train next time.
The food looks exactly the same as the Star. I agree, the EVA lounges are ok, though quite busy. I actually like Singapore Lounge and food more.
Nice review. I hope to fly EVA more in the future.
Wow, I never realize Taipei Airport Train will have that much passengers. I must be lucky, since both journey to and from airport of mine can fit everyone in a seat. Nobody have to stand, but not much space left. Thank you for reply.
Thank you for this report.
I should have the same route as yours beginning march 2020.
But due to CoVid-19, Eva iar cancelled all flights to continental China inclued HKG.
Eva air re-route me on TPE-BKK route...
You should try The star lounge (just opposite to Infinity lounge)....More spacious... This is a teasing about my next FR on BR67....
Maybe next time. This is certainly not going to be my last flight with EVA and TPE. I love Taipei already. So, I guess I can try Star Lounge on my next trip. Thank you for recommendation.
I always appreciate flying with BR, though one of my complaints with them is usually that check in could take much longer than most airlines if it's not in their hub. Thanks for sharing this report.
Hi Arq, nice report as always! A great cabin and fantastic service for such a short flight. It's sad to see one of the busiest air routes in the world so affected by the Pandemic. I hope traffic picks back up to pre-Covid levels once this all passes.
Thanks for sharing!