There are so many airlines flying from China to the US these days. After my trip to Mongolia, I have to fly to the US. I have a lot of unused LifeMiles to use (Avianca, Star Alliance) and found an interesting itinerary on EVA Air from Shanghai to San Francisco via Taipei.
What makes me interested is that I can fly EVA Air B747-400 to Taipei and try out their new Royal Laurel Class (Business Class) on the B777-300/ER. I have never flown with EVA Air and their B747-400 has been retired just a few days after my flight.
EVA Air fly from both Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong Airport. My flight departs from Pudong Terminal 2. The check-in is very orderly and I have the first row assigned on the B747-400 flight.
The Supervisor called Taipei to get me the last window seat on the B777 from TPE to SFO. Kudos to their dedication on customer service!
EVA Air Business Class customer can choose to use Air China Lounge or Cafe Deco in Shanghai Pudong. I chose the latter as the check-in crew recommended to use Cafe Deco to avoid the crowded sharing lounge.
I was not disappointed. The Cafe Deco is near Gate 73 after immigration and security. EVA Air has a menu that have many dishes to choose from. The service was swift and the food was great! I have some great Shanghai special Xiao Long Bao and a beef noodle. Every passenger was presented a tray of fruit and dessert.
Boarding was very orderly through many dedicated lines and zones. Here is the last B747-400 in EVA Air’s fleet, B-16411. She operated the last flight on 21 August, just 8 days after my flight!
I turned left after boarding, the nose zone has 12 Business Class Recliner seats and 24 more in the zone behind us. I took the opportunity to snap as many picture as I could knowing this is my first and last time flying on EVA Air B747.
A beautiful menu of food and beverage was presented, among welcome drink (I chose Pineapple Juice) I visited the bathroom and it is well stocked with amenity.
Our takeoff was delayed by a technical problem (unspecified), we pushed back on-time but returned to the gate after sitting on the taxiway for about 30 minutes.
We pushed back shortly again and lined up with a heavy line of waiting planes for take-off.
Our B747 was finally airborne after 1 hour delay. I was able to switch a seat just in front of the engine to film the entire takeoff.
Meal Service started right after seat belt sign removed. Our flight time was a very quick 1 hour 15 minutes. The crew was very busy as we have over 360 passengers! EVA Air offer online meal selection even for this short hop. I chose Beef with pan fried goose liver as main course. It was delicious!
I’ve spent the rest of the flight exploring the rear and upper deck of the B747. The crew were keen to offer me some photo after landing at Taipei.
It was such a short flight but the B747 proof to be a workhorse providing the needed capacity for both passenger and cargo. She will be missed!
Video Review
Watch the video for more EVA Air B747 flight footage!
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