I traveled on Eva Air for the first time this Sep 1st to Mumbai. Since this is a relatively new airline for SF-Mumbai route, I thought I will share some of my experiences.
The departure flight time from SF is at 6.20pm. This may cause some problems in getting a ride for dropoff as compared to Cathay or Korean since the dropper person will need to take some time off from work on a weekday.
Upon departure they give a wet rolled tissue to freshen up. I think I have only found this in Singapore Air till now (they use a cloth however. Eva uses a paper tissue). Drinks are served immediately along with peanuts.
In about 1.30 hours from departure they will serve dinner. Food is one area where Eva Air lags behind Korean, Singapore and Cathay. My food looked more Asian than Indian. Even the dessert was more “Thai” type. So food is one area where you need to be prepared.
However the service for food is fast and they pick up the finished empty plates also quite fast. I have experienced long waits in other airlines for them to pick up my food.
I took the Economy class of course and it was the second cheapest next to Korean (1060$). They also have Economy deluxe which is more spacious. This class could be good for parents. I think they had plenty of seats allocated for Economy Deluxe. (Or maybe its called Evergreen Deluxe).
The best part about Eva is the flight route. There is just one stop at Taipei. And that too for 2 hours only. Taipei airport is nice with small interesting areas between gates. So they have “Hello Kitty” area for Kids, a small garden, a prayer room, etc in between gates. They also have free internet service.
The first leg is about 12.5 hours and the next is about 6.5 hours. So in 21 hours you are at your destination. I think this is the fastest route that I know of to Mumbai from SF.
Mumbai airport has new carts now. :-). You need to press the handle down for the cart to move. Otherwise its on automatic brakes. Other upgrades are also visible at Mumbai airport.
The pre-paid taxis outside also are well – organized now. The flight lands at about 4.15 am in Mumbai. So that could be a bummer for those who have come to pick you up. But since I travelled alone to my home, it was fine with me since there was zero traffic on the roads at that early hour. And by the time you reach home its around 5.30 am or so which means its daytime. 🙂
All in all a good experience while flying to India via Eva Air.
Korean food is pathetic……they served us 1 piece tofu 2 tablespoon rice 4 pieces of fruit….3 boiled french beans……but on way back we ordered Jain food that was decent…rajma bhendi paratha……but nothing to vouch on
Usually, I skip food on flights by sleeping thru lunch/dinner times. If I can’t sleep then I eat what I get and distract myself by reading or watching a movie. So, I fly the airlines that take me to the destination the fastest and the safest. Eva sounds like a good addition to Korean as an efficient flight to India. Only if they flew everyday instead of 3-4 times a week.