EVA Airways BR 12
Boeing 747-400 (Registration: B-16402)
Taipei, Taiwan (TPE) to Los Angeles, CA, USA (LAX)
September 20, 2003
Seat: 39G (Evergreen Deluxe/Aisle)
Gate: C5 (Terminal 2)

Scheduled Departure: 09/20 6:40 PM
Actual Departure: 09/20 6:45 PM
Scheduled Arrival: 09/20 3:50 PM
Actual Arrival: 09/20 3:40 PM
Scheduled Flight Time: 12:10
Actual Flight Time: 11:55

Elite Qualifying Mileage: 6,774
Elite Qualifying Bonus Mileage: 0
Bonus Mileage: 3,000
Total Mileage Earned: 9,774 (to BR Evergreen Deluxe)
Mileage Used: 15,000 (for Upgrade from Economy to Evergreen Deluxe)

I arrived at the airport about an hour and thirty minutes prior to departure. I had earned my Silver Card with EVA Air over summer, so I was able to check-in at the Silver Card line. All U.S.-bound passengers had their checked baggage individually inspected, which was time-consuming. Check-in was very smooth. I received my boarding pass and lounge invitation very quickly. My two bags, along with my friends' two bags, were priority checked to LAX.

Immigration and security was smooth. They had a separate security line for U.S.-bound passengers, so our carry-on baggage could be individually searched. By the time we finished, we had about 55 minutes prior to departure.

My friend and I decided to visit the Evergreen Lounge. I used my invitation while she used her Priority Pass card. The lounge was divided into Business Class and First Class sections. I was permitted into the Business Class area, which was big and spacious. Since my time was limited, I didn't do much exploring. I grabbed some food from the small self-service area. The lounge was stocked with snacks, cake, steamed buns, fried rice, and miso soup. In addition, there was a self-service bar, and a fridge full of cold beverages. A coffee machine was available to make cappuccinos, etc. Personally, I feel that the China Airlines lounge in Taipei is more organized and has greater food variety.

Prior to entering the waiting area, agents checked my passport and boarding pass to ensure that I was at the right gate. Once my friend and I were inside, they began boarding Super First and Super Business Class passengers. It wasn't long before they started boarding Evergreen Deluxe passengers. Complimentary Chinese and English newspapers were available at the area right before entering the aircraft door.

The Boeing 747-400 was configured with 386 seats in four classes, including 142 Evergreen Deluxe seats at a 37"/38" pitch. The Evergreen Deluxe Class seats span from the nose to the third emergency exit situated over the wing. Generally, seats are 2-4-2 abreast. Each Evergreen Deluxe seat is equipped with a PTV. In our seat pocket, we had slippers, a simple overnight kit, and a headset. On our seat, we had a small pillow and a huge blanket.

Prior to take-off, the flight attendants passed out cold wet towels. The safety demonstration video was played. Afterwards, the flight attendants came around with the menus for the dinner and the hot refreshment to be served on our flight. Take-off was smooth. The Captain didn't call "Service Check" until we were well over 20,000 feet. I think the main reason was because of the typhoon that was around Okinawa, Japan.

Once we reached our cruising altitude, the flight attendants first distributed U.S. customs and arrival forms. Shortly afterwards, a snack and beverage service was conducted. We were given a small pack of nuts with arare and a cold beverage. There was nothing out of the ordinary.

About half an hour later, the meal carts were pushed out and dinner service began.

Our menu for dinner as follows: