When you book an airline that’s achieved SKYTRAX 5-Star Certification for eleven consecutive years, expectations are high. When you book in EVA Air Royal Laurel (Business) Class, expectations are even higher. Add the airline’s international ranking as one of the “25 Safest Airlines” by AirlineRatings.com. And then you hope to sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.

Knowing of EVA Air’s globally acclaimed reputation for safety, cleanliness, and service, I breathed a little easier at the outset of my 12-hour, 40-minute flight from Seattle to Taipei. I was on a promotional media trip with two colleagues to explore a new destination (for me), courtesy of the airline and Taiwan Tourism in Spring 2026. 

Here’s how flying in Royal Laurel Class with EVA Air enhanced my experience.

Priority Check-in and Expedited Baggage Handling 

Welcoming emails highlighting several popular airline services provided helpful information. And an easy online check-in 48 hours before departure alleviated potential stress at the airport. Our Seattle host, Erin, gave us a fun send-off and ensured everything went smoothly. Her presence was especially generous, considering that meant arriving at 10:30 PM for our 1:30 AM departure. 

Royal Laurel Class service allows passengers to carry two carry-ons (and one piece of personal luggage), plus two checked bags. With only one carry-on and one large checked bag for my weeklong stay, I felt a bit under-luggaged compared to other passengers dropping off their bags. No doubt passengers filled those bags with souvenirs and gifts from their stay in Seattle. I already regretted packing only one, anticipating my own potential shopping adventures in Taiwan.

VIP Lounges

Having access to the VIP lounges at the airports, Club SEA, and The Infinity at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport was a relaxing way to prepare for the long-haul round-trip flights.

Spacious, stylish facilities, particularly in The Infinity lounge, accommodate groups and solo travelers and feature several amenities: luggage lockers, free Wi-fi and charging outlets, a business center, a variety of books and international magazines, Asian, Taiwanese, and Western foods and beverages, a nursery, and well-lit restrooms and shower rooms. 

Cabin Cleanliness and Comfort

My Seattle-Taiwan flight on Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner, the newest and largest in the Dreamliner family, was a first-time experience I eagerly anticipated. The aircraft’s acclaim stems from several advanced features: increased fuel efficiency, the revolutionary use of lightweight composite materials, a significantly quieter cabin, and LED lighting designed to combat jet lag. The aircraft also offers greater storage capacity in the cargo hold and the overhead passenger bins.

From departure to arrival, the cleanliness of the cabin, including restrooms, was notable. EVA Air was ranked “The World’s Cleanest Airline” by SKYTRAX in 2025, and based on my flight experience on this 787-10, I won’t be surprised if the airline retains the distinction later in 2026.

For those used to flying economy, having significantly more legroom and luggage space in the Royal Laurel Class is a welcome relief, especially on longer flights. Adjustable privacy panels between seats provide more personal space, though I found that having the console positioned between me and the window prevented a full view of the outside. That might not be the case for taller passengers.  

EVA Air designates 34 (staggered) seats of 342 for the Royal Laurel Class. With a seat pitch of 44″ (bed length 76″) compared to Economy Class’s 31″ (bed length 32″), I found the seats roomy and comfortable. 

In-Flight Dining

EVA Air’s reputation for delicious dining is well-known among travelers. The airline served two main meals on my flight in Royal Laurel Class: dinner (starter, soup, main course, and dessert) and a pre-arrival breakfast (starter and main course), which I pre-ordered online, plus a few snacks in between meals.

A serving of seasonal fruits was a refreshing introduction to dinner. And I knew I was in good hands when I learned that EVA Air offers Taiwanese specialties like Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings with a savory broth filling) in partnership with world-renowned Din Tai Fung, whose Seattle restaurant is one of my favorites.

For breakfast, I opted for the Taiwanese-style congee, served with pickled vegetables. Still, I mostly enjoyed the rice porridge without adding the traditional side dishes like pork and hard-boiled egg. 

Overall, my meals were flavorful, healthy, and more than sufficient.

In-flight Amenities

As a frequent Economy Class flyer, I was curious to check out the Royal Laurel Class amenities. 

A pillow and a wrapped cozy comforter placed on my seat set the stage for relaxation. Complimentary PJs and slippers came next. “Do passengers actually change into these for the flight?” I asked. The flight attendant’s eyes twinkled behind her mask: “Yes!” “And then change back into their street clothes before arrival?” “Yes!” Okay then. I slipped into the restroom, which was large enough for me to change into comfortable pajamas relatively easily for the duration of my flight. 

Royal Laurel Class passengers also receive an exclusive complimentary kit, designed in partnership with Maison Kitsuné, the French-Japanese luxury fashion and lifestyle brand. Little luxuries include toiletries, a sleep mask, and a compact shopping bag for the Taiwanese treasures I was sure to bring home.

Premier noise-canceling headphones blocked out noise and provided an enjoyable entertainment experience. The 18-inch HD touchscreen monitor is a major enhancement, whether following the flight path, watching one of over a hundred available movies, or reading any of the numerous in-flight magazines in addition to EVA Air’s own, EnVoyage.

Friendly. Attentive. Professional. From helping me with the unfamiliar shoulder harness for takeoffs and landings to storing and retrieving my carry-on luggage in the overhead bin to serving and refreshing my dining service to making my lie-flat bed, EVA Air’s cabin crew offered kind assistance throughout my flights.

Thanks to EVA Air and Taiwan Tourism for hosting my flight and my visit to Taiwan.