THE FLIGHT: Flight BR67 from Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport to London Heathrow operated by a Boeing 747-400. Scheduled take-off time was 13.10.
THE CHECK-IN: Early check-in meant that most check-in desks, including the dedicated business class (Premium Laurel Class) check-in were queue-less. Check-in was fast, friendly and efficient. I was invited to carry my small suitcase on board but declined and checked it in anyway. A lounge pass was provided and directions to the airline’s dedicated lounge were given.
THE LOUNGE: A spacious lounge overlooking the airport offered easy chairs as well as dedicated business and TV areas, showers and a range of snacks and drinks.
THE SEAT: The business class seat was a comfortable 22 inches wide with a spacious 61-inch pitch. There's a good-sized TV screen and the headsets were noise-cancelling.
THE SERVICE: Following drinks, lunch was served with a choice of main courses soon after take-off. A mid-afternoon snack and a light dinner were also served before landing. Service was efficient and attentive through-out, and amenity kits were provided. I didn’t avail myself of EVA Air’s Premium Laurel Class advance meal-ordering service which allows meal selections 24 hours in advance.
THE ENTERTAINMENT: A good mix of audio and video options, including current movies. Enjoyed some good jazz tracks which caused me to spend £7.99 as soon as I got home on an iTunes download!
THE ARRIVAL: Disembarkation was swift, the Iris scan immigration procedure at LHR was instant and, remarkably, my luggage was already on the carousel by the time I got to the baggage hall. It was my fastest-ever journey from the plane to the tube station.
THE VERDICT: The relaxing lounge at Suvarnabhumi, the in-flight catering and the entertainment options made a very long daytime flight pass relatively quickly.
THE DETAILS: EVA Air operates six flights
a week (not Mondays) between London Heathrow and Bangkok (and on to Taipei in Taiwan), with departures from LHR at 21.30 and from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 13.10. Flight time is 10.5 hours from LHR and up to 12 hours on the return. Normal fares range from £1,450 for Premium Laurel Class (business); £840 for Elite Class (Premium Economy); and £440 for economy.
Tel: 020 7380 8300; see: www.evaair.com Alan Orbell
