Upgrade Your NYC to Taiwan Flight Journey: EVA Air Premium Economy
Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Is 16 hours on EVA Air premium economy worth it, or is it the same as regular economy? I’ve been flying with EVA Airlines since I was a baby. Are you even Taiwanese if you don’t? My mom told me after she popped me out she took me on my first flight 6 months later. So, I’ve been soaring through the skies before I could even walk!
Flights to Asia have become astronomically expensive since the pandemic. Whenever I have to pay cash instead of using credit card points, it feels like my wallet is punched in the throat. At the end of 2019, I was able to book a round-trip flight for $850, albeit basic economy, before having to cancel due to the global shutdown. The best way to get a deal on flights is to be flexible on when to travel, but my cousin was graduating medical school in Japan so I didn’t have much flexibility in timing. Not only that, but my mom, who recently retired, was more than willing to splurge a bit for added comfort. To find out how much I paid for this flight, keep reading!
EVA Air Premium Economy vs. Regular Economy
EVA Air offers four classes overall: Royal Laurel Class (First Class), Premium Laurel Class (Business Class), Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. Going to Taiwan I flew in premium economy, and the return flight in regular economy to give you a direct comparison between the two products. Let me walk you through the Boeing 777-300ER. The differences start before you even take off.
Premium Economy Class
In a 2x4x2 configuration, Premium Economy Class offers a 38-inch seat pitch and 19.5-inch wide seating with ample legroom. I sat in a bulkhead seat, which is typically not my preference as I have to stow my bag in the overhead bin. However, my mom wanted the bulkhead row, so I obliged as an obedient daughter. The second time I flew in the premium economy class cabin we sat in the row behind the bulkhead.
The ergonomically engineered seat was the main show for me, reclining at an ideal angle for quality sleep and ultimate comfort. Premium Economy passengers receive slippers, over-ear headphones, an amenity kit, and a plush microfiber-lined blanket to stay cozy at 35,000 feet. In 2024 the amenity kit was from Kipling (a brand I’m a big fan of), and the 2025 amenity kit switched over to Hunter. Included in the kit are branded chapstick and lotion, a dental kit, a sleeping mask, and ear plugs.
Economy Class
As for the Economy Class, the seating configuration is 3x3x3 and EVA Air’s offering is still decent. Being an Asian airline, even the basic service puts most US and European carriers to shame. Understandably, Economy Class passengers don’t receive the same amenities as premium economy. The blankets are flimsier, headphones are basic in-ear, and no extras to remind you that you’re a plebeian.
EVA Airlines Food Quality
Food-wise, both classes serve up delicious meals. I’m pretty sure the meals are the same between both classes, but the presentation is a bit fancier and you get a hot cloth to wipe your hands in premium economy. It all goes to the same place though, right? Either way, food is always delicious on Asian airlines, even in economy, so no complaints there.
That being said, one thing EVA Air is lacking overall is the snacks department. They only offer crackers which is quite the departure of what they used to offer and what their competitors still do, like ramen.
Round Trip JFK-TPE Price Breakdown
There IS a noticeable difference between EVA Air’s Premium Economy and their regular economy seats. Honestly, I’m getting too old to tolerate economy on long-haul flights to Asia and need to suck it up for the upgrade. I do think it’s worth the splurge because I was knocked out most of the time except when the food service came out. I’ve got to get my money’s worth!
While EVA Airlines is one of the best in the airline industry, I’m not a fan of paying an extra $60 for a preferred seat in Premium Economy. In contrast, the standard seat in Economy class was included in the ticket price. How does that make any sense? It’s one thing if it was a basic economy ticket, but it wasn’t. My total round trip cost these days typically comes out to $1800 + an additional $60 for seat selection in Premium Economy.
Draw Your Luck With The Taiwan Tourism Lottery
Once you arrive in Taiwan, from May 2023 until June 2025, test your luck and see if you win Taiwan’s Lucky Land International Tourism Attraction lottery for some spending money. Even though the island is the size of New Jersey and is home to ~24,000,000 people, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has been trying to promote tourism in the country post-COVID. The website is a bit clunky and makes the registration process a bit frustrating. What do you expect from a government-run site?
The prize is NT$5,000 which converts to about $150-$160 USD. It might not seem like a lot, but wouldn’t you rather have free money to spend than not? The Taiwan Tourism Bureau will be awarding 500,000 tourists during the campaign. Unfortunately, I didn’t get lucky this time, but my baby niece did!
Eligibility
Foreign travelers staying between 3-90 days and who are not part of tour groups can enter to have a chance at winning the NT$5,000 in consumption vouchers.
Lucky Draw Process
Be sure to register for the lottery within a week before arriving in Taiwan. After clearing customs and grabbing your luggage, you’ll find a dedicated section in the arrival hall to scan your QR code. If that lucky lottery screen lights up with a win, simply head to the staff stand directly behind the activation area to claim your prize.
Prize Options
The NT$5,000 prize can be redeemed either as either an E-Ticket-iPass, E-Ticket- EasyCard, or accommodation vouchers.
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