EVA Air's all-new premium economy cabin to make US debut in Dallas this fall
Taiwan-based airline EVA Air is set to bring its brand-new premium economy cabin to the U.S. for the first time.
The revamped cabin with premium recliners and new expansive seatback touchscreens will make its U.S. debut when EVA launches its inaugural Taipei service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this fall.
Back in February, TPG was the first to report EVA’s plans to roll out an all-new premium economy product on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It’s a milestone for the airline, which claims to be the first in the world to have pioneered a premium economy cabin back in the early 1990s.
The more you know: The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
EVA's new premium economy cabin
Arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, EVA’s new premium economy product features 28 seats with leather finishes, a cradle recline and 42 inches of pitch, which means ample legroom (many coach cabin seat pitches hover around 30 to 32 inches).
The carrier introduced the new premium, mid-cabin product on routes between its Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) home base and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Indonesia, but now plans to deploy the 787-9 with the new premium offering on its brand-new DFW flights beginning Oct. 3.
“This product evolution reflects our commitment to providing passengers with greater comfort and convenience, while addressing growing demand for a more spacious and refined long-haul travel experience,” Andrew Su, EVA's executive vice president for North America, said in a statement announcing the news.
EVA’s newly configured 787-9s will sport a three-cabin configuration — a first on the airline’s fleet of Dreamliners, including its lie-flat Royal Laurel business class, premium economy and main cabin.
Along with the more expansive seats in premium economy when compared to coach, EVA’s premium economy product will come with larger, adjustable tray tables designed for personal devices like phones and tablets, privacy panels and over-the-ear headphones for seatback viewing.
The carrier will also offer higher-end meals served on tableware from Italian brand Guzzini.
When does EVA start flying to Dallas?
EVA's DFW route launches Oct. 3, with three weekly round trips. The carrier will expand its flight offerings to North Texas between October and the end of the year, with five weekly flights starting Nov. 18 and daily service beginning Dec. 15.
DFW will become EVA’s seventh U.S. city and its second in Texas; the carrier already flies nonstop between TPE and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Last year, airline executives told TPG that the airline also had its eyes on Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
Read more: 'Power of the DFW hub': Why your next trip across the Pacific might be via Texas
How to book EVA with points and miles
Travelers hoping to book EVA’s premium economy cabin (or its new DFW route) with points and miles have a few options:
- You can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to EVA Infinity MileageLands at a 1:1 ratio.
- Capital One miles also transfer directly to EVA but at a reduced 4:3 ratio, so 1,000 miles would become 750 EVA miles.
- You can also search for award space through one of EVA’s partners in the Star Alliance, like United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines or Japan’s All Nippon Airways, among others.
Read more: The best credit card welcome bonuses currently available
Bottom line
EVA’s move to up its premium game on U.S. routes comes at a time of stiffer competition on flights between the U.S. and Taiwan, particularly as Starlux Airlines ups its presence in North America.
Also worth noting: Southwest Airlines recently announced it would partner with Taiwan-based China Airlines.
Meanwhile, EVA has told TPG it’s plotting a revamp for its highest-end cabin on some planes, too, with talks of suites with sliding privacy doors in its Royal Laurel cabin. However, the carrier has not yet formally announced any such plans. Stay tuned.
Related reading:
- Best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.