On a recent flight to Thailand with EVA Airways in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Luxury Editor had the opportunity to experience EVA Airways’ Royal Laurel Class cabin (Business Class) from London Heathrow to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Read on to discover more about this flight route and why it’s the most convenient and luxurious way to travel to the capital of Thailand from London.
Flight Info
EVA Airways operates a daily Boeing 777-300ER service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), which stops at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) before travelling onto Taipei. The flight leaves Heathrow at 21.35 each evening, taking approximately 11 hours and 25 minutes (depending on flying conditions), arriving in Bangkok at 15:30 the following afternoon.
Check-In
The flight departs from London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2, known as The Queen’s Terminal, which is the designated hub for EVA Airways and other Star Alliance member airlines.
Check-in desks are in Zone A within Terminal 2, and open four hours before the scheduled departure time and close one hour before flying. There are two check-in desks with one Priority Check-in indicated with gold signage available for Royal Laurel Class passengers in addition to EVA Infinity MileageLands Diamond/Gold Cardholders, and Star Alliance Gold members. Royal Laurel Class passengers also enjoy increased baggage allowance as well as a special tag to ensure expedited baggage loading and unloading.
Fast Track
Royal Laurel Class passengers can access the Fast Track security lane, which allows travellers to pass through bag check in around ten minutes. It’s worth noting that upon arrival in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you also benefit from fast-track immigration using the far-right lane at customs control.
Lounge Access
EVA Airways offers access to several premium lounges in Terminal 2 for Royal Laurel Class passengers.
- Lufthansa Lounge: Located in the main terminal on Level 5, after passing through security
- United Airlines Club Lounge: Situated in the B Gates area on Level 1, near Gate B46.
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: Also in the B Gates area on Level 1, adjacent to Gate B36.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: Found in the B Gates area on Level 1, next to Gate B36.
From passing the bag check, it takes around 15 minutes to reach the Gate; therefore, I chose to use the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, due to its very close proximity to the departure Gate.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge has capacity for 242 guests, with 192 seats in the Business Class area and an additional 50 in the First Class section. There is a comprehensive buffet area offering a variety of hot and cold dishes which are topped up regularly, including both Asian and Western options (try the Laksa, it’s fantastic).
A manned bar service offers made-to-order cocktails, a wide variety of red and white wines, champagne, and draft beer. I opted to start things off with a Long Island Iced Tea before going back for a couple of glasses of Spanish Verdejo.
The lounge did get busy, but there is enough seating for everyone, most seats include UK power sockets along with USB-A and USB-C ports. Fast and free Wifi is available throughout. Depending on when you arrive, you may be able to secure one of the private seating pods, which offer extra privacy and a quieter space to relax or work. Around two hours before my flight, the lounge quietened noticeably, allowing me to settle into one for the remainder of my stay.
I also made use of the lounge’s shower facilities, which were a welcome opportunity after a full day of travel before reaching Heathrow. The showers are popular, particularly in the run-up to flight departures, so you are given a buzzer and an estimated wait time. I waited around 20 minutes for my turn, which was relatively quick considering the lounge was close to peak capacity.
Boarding
Boarding commenced at 20.55 from Gate B46, with Royal Laurel Class invited to board first. From having my passport and boarding pass checked to reaching my seat, the entire process took no more than five minutes.
Cabin and Seat
The Royal Laurel Class cabin features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seat configuration, with direct aisle access from every seat. There are 38 seats (A/D/G/K) split between two cabins, a main forward cabin and a smaller rear business cabin. Royal Laurel ticket holders access the cabins via a separate door off the air bridge from economy passengers.
The seat is a Zodiac Cirrus seat, which converts into a completely lie-flat bed at 2 meters long (76 inches) and 20.5 inches across. The seat pitch is 81 inches, meaning there is lots of legroom, even when the seat is reclined. Seats are angled away from the aisle with a high steel surround offering privacy and a cocooning sense of personal space. Central seats are ideal for couples or companions travelling together, as there is a shared table between them and the dividing screen.
Each seat comes with a side table and a large bifold tray table which swings out for dining, covering the whole seating area. Storage points are dotted throughout, along with a bottle shelf (with Evian water in it) and a literature pocket.
Intuitive seat controls with pre-set modes are available for takeoff, lounging, and sleeping, while an armrest at the aisle side can be moved up or down for convenience.
Power and USB outlets are built in, alongside a personal reading light, an entertainment remote and a TV, all within arm’s reach. Wifi is available on the flight, the first 30 minutes are complimentary, with further use beyond 30 minutes chargeable.
Once settled into your seat, you are personally greeted by name and offered a glass of sparkling wine or juice, accompanied by a cold towel ahead of departure.
Entertainment
The in-flight entertainment screen folds out from the seatback in front and can be operated either by touchscreen or via the handheld remote control. A sanitised pair of noise-cancelling headphones is provided for use. The system offers a broad selection of films and television programmes, available in both English and Mandarin.
Lights are then dimmed for takeoff and go back on once in the air.
Drinks
At takeoff, Cava is served on the ground, but once in the air, the drinks menu is awash with premium drinks including champagnes. Make sure to try the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Champagne, which retails at £215.00 in the UK. Beers and spirits are available, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch whisky, Hennessy X.O. cognac and Bombay Sapphire gin. For wine drinkers, two white wines are available (a 2022 French Chablis and a 2018 German Riesling) and two red wines (a 2019 French Margaux and a 2016 Spanish Rioja).
I started with a couple of glasses of Champagne before dinner, which was served with a portion of nuts, followed by white wine with the meal, and rounded off the evening with a generous pour of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch.
Dinner
Dinner service starts around 30 minutes after take-off, with the crew taking orders while still on the ground. The table is laid with a white tablecloth, cutlery and a cloth napkin.
The meal begins with a side plate set with butter, olive oil, and salt and pepper. A bread basket is offered with a selection of different breads, and the crew return for a second round of bread during the meal service.
For starters, the Grilled Scallops with Truffle and Root Salad. For my main course I chose the Pan Seared Beef Fillet with Bearnaise Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes. And for dessert, fruit is served alongside Apple Crumble Cake with Caramel Sauce.
Worth noting if you need an additional snack midway through the flight they have a range of ‘leisure delights’ which include a cheese board, quiche, chicken noodle soup, instant noodles, hot chocolate and cookies.
Ammenities
Each passenger receives a Giorgio Armani amenity kit, presented in a branded drawstring dust bag. Inside, it includes earplugs, Jurlique lip balm, a dental kit, eye mask, keyring, Jurlique rosewater balancing mist, Jurlique aloe vera hand cream, and a combined brush and mirror.
Sleeping
For sleeping, a Jason Wu branded set of pyjamas is provided (previously available only in First Class cabins), with sizes available up to large. At 6’4″, the large size offered a comfortable fit. A separate pouch containing slippers is also included too.
The cabin features three bathrooms for the 38 business class passengers, with two located at the front and one positioned between the two business cabins. Each offers ample space to freshen up or change into sleepwear, and the crew keep them immaculate throughout the flight. Ideology-branded toiletries are provided, with the facial mist proving especially effective in keeping my skin hydrated.
The dinner service is wrapped up by around 11 pm, after which the cabin crew swiftly transition the space for sleep. The fully flat bed, stretching to approximately 81 inches, offers plenty of room to stretch out. A soft mattress topper is laid over the seat, along with a large pillow and a duvet wrapped in EVA Air’s signature check-patterned fabric. The crew are attentive and proactive, offering turndown service without the need to request it. The lighting dims, allowing you to unwind, and there is minimal disturbance from other passengers, thanks to the cabin layout. I fell asleep at around midnight and woke up at 7 am, giving me a full night of sleep.
Breakfast
When taking your dinner order, the crew ask you about your breakfast preference and whether you wish to be woken for it. Breakfast options include a two-course Chinese or Western selection, and the meal is served 1 hour and 30 minutes before landing.
Final Thoughts
EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class on the Boeing 777-300ER offers a fantastic business class experience, with spacious, fully flat seats, outstanding dining options and Taiwanese hospitality. Importantly, the direct flight from London to Bangkok offers an efficient alternative to Middle Eastern flight routes, providing a non-stop option without the need for a layover.
