ASIAN TRAVEL: AFFORDABLE PERKS AND GOOD SERVICE
By Mary Graybill
Asian airlines have a reputation for good service, but what about affordability?
The best aviation companies offering service to Asia should offer all the comforts and
amenities passengers expect from an Asian airline as well as affordable extras and welcomed flexibility.
Still, only a few of the best airline companies are able to offer both quality service and affordability.
EVA Air’s Evergreen Holiday packages are an example of affordable
flexibility, and innovation. The independently owned and operated
Taiwan-based airline developed these packages to give both business and
leisure travelers the freedom to plan a trip to any one of 10 major Asian
destinations, individualize the schedule, and even add other destinations.
Right now, travelers who buy an Evergreen Holiday packages to one of nine
destinations in Asia also get three days in Taipei, free. Travelers must
depart Los Angeles between today and May 20, 1999.
EVA Air’s competitively priced Evergreen Holiday travel packages are
equally adaptable for leisure and business travel. Destinations in addition
to Taipei are Macau, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Penang, Ho Chi Minh City,
Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Singapore.
The “Taipei, Free” package is available only with purchase of an Evergreen
Holiday to another Asian destination, excluding Taipei. The offer is
limited to the twin package. Prices for Evergreen Holiday packages to EVA
Air’s destinations in Asia start at $590.
“Evergreen Holidays can be personalized for each traveler,” said Lewis C.
Chang, general manager of EVA Air’s Los Angeles Branch Office. “These trips
are easy because EVA Air handles all the reservations and confirmations.
The traveler simply has some choices to make.”
Evergreen Holidays include a selection of hotels in each destination,
allowing travelers to choose the one that best meets their own needs and
expectations. The packages also give travelers the flexibility to attend to
business in the destination city, or join in optional local tours.
A “FOURTH” CLASS
Getting there, EVA Air passengers have the opportunity to fly in one of
four distinct classes of cabin services Super First, Super Business,
Evergreen Deluxe or Economy. The airline was the first international
carrier to create a new, fourth class of cabin service, in-between economy
and business, and to give passengers an affordable, yet exceptionally
comfortable, travel option.
The airline’s Evergreen Deluxe is comparable to domestic carriers’ business
class in service, comfort, and amenities, and priced closer to economy
class.
Seats in Evergreen Deluxe cabins are 18.5 inches wide and have cushions
that are two inches deeper than those in other airlines’ business class.
These seats have leg-rests; wide, cushioned armrests; a full 38-inch pitch;
and adjustable seat-back-mounted, six-channel personal entertainment
systems, with the added feature of EVA Air’s own “flight-in-progress” show.
Along with comforts, Evergreen Deluxe passengers have added benefits and
services. These passengers can check in at a designated Evergreen Deluxe
Counter at the airport, and have luggage allowances that are greater than
those in Economy Class.
“Evergreen Deluxe passengers enjoy the special treatment and added
courtesies associated with business class for a much less expensive
airfare,” said Chang. “We created this new fourth class of service as an
answer to passenger demand, and response has been excellent.”
Members of EVA Air’s Evergreen Club frequent flyer program earn an extra 25
percent mileage credit, and enjoy the convenience of advance seat selection
whenever they fly Evergreen Deluxe Class.
A comparatively young airline, EVA Air has emphasized service quality and
safety throughout every aspect of its operations since 1989 when it was
formed. EVA Air is indisputably Taiwan’s leading independent airline and
part of the well-known Evergreen Group. It launched services in Asia in
1991, and in December 1992, introduced services to Los Angeles. Today, it
links Los Angeles with Asia and Oceania via Taipei with two flights every
day. It also has established gateways in San Francisco, Seattle, Newark and
Honolulu, in addition Central America and major destinations throughout
Asia, Oceania and Europe.
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CAPTIONS FOR SLIDES:
1. EVA Air offers a new travel class, “Evergreen Deluxe.”
(man reclining in seat)
2. Traveling to Asia should mean dining choices that include both Western and Asian foods.
(food tray with view of entertainment screen)