Can I Upgrade to Premium Economy on EVA Air? (Complete Guide)
- Alex James
- Dec 11
- 6 min read
Introduction
EVA Air is widely known for its comfortable seating, spacious cabins, and exceptional onboard service—especially when compared to many global airlines. But for many travelers, the biggest question remains: “Can I upgrade to Premium Economy on EVA Air—and is it worth the cost?”
Whether you're flying long-haul across the Pacific or taking a regional route within Asia, EVA Air offers several upgrade possibilities, including upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy and even to Business Class on select routes. The best part? These upgrades are available through multiple methods—cash, miles, bid upgrades, and at-airport options.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about the EVA Air seat upgrade process, how much upgrades cost, your chances of success, and the smartest ways to secure a better seat without overspending. We’ll also cover EVA Air seat selection, Premium Economy benefits, and insider tips used by frequent flyers.
👉 Quick Overview: EVA Air Seat Upgrade Options
✈ Upgrade Availability: EVA Air allows upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy and Business Class on eligible routes, subject to seat availability and fare rules.
✔ Multiple Upgrade Methods: Instant cash upgrades, mileage upgrades, bid-to-upgrade program, and airport upgrades are all available options depending on your booking.
💺 Premium Economy Benefits: Wider seats, extra legroom, premium meals, upgraded entertainment screens, and priority services on long-haul flights.
💲 Upgrade Costs Vary: EVA Air upgrade cost changes by route, season, timing, and occupancy. You’ll find lower prices on off-peak days and during online promotional offers.
📲 Need help booking, upgrading, or securing the best fare? Contact Tours N Travel Pro anytime at +1-866-679-5070 for quick assistance.
Can You Upgrade to Premium Economy on EVA Air?
Yes—EVA Air allows passengers to upgrade from Economy Class to Premium Economy, provided your fare qualifies and seats are available.
The airline offers one of the most flexible upgrade structures among Asian carriers, especially for passengers who booked Economy on long-haul routes to/from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Upgrades may be available through:
Buying an upgrade during booking
Purchasing an upgrade after booking
Using the EVA Air bid upgrade system
Using miles
Upgrading at the airport
Gate upgrades when seats remain unsold
Let’s break down how each method works.
Types of EVA Air Seat Upgrades
1. Cash Upgrade (Most Common Method)
You can buy an upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy directly through:
EVA Air website
Manage Booking section
Customer service
Travel agencies
Airport counters
Cash upgrades are popular because they are instant and guarantee your Premium Economy seat.
What affects the Eva Air upgrade cost?
Several factors influence the final price:
Route distance
Season or travel period
Original fare type (Basic, Standard, Up)
How full the cabin is
Time left until departure
On long-haul flights to the U.S. (LAX, JFK, SFO, SEA), upgrades tend to sell out early.
2. EVA Air Bid Upgrade (Upgrade Auction System)
EVA Air’s “Bid to Upgrade” system allows passengers to submit an amount they’re willing to pay to upgrade to Premium Economy.
How it works:
You receive an email invitation (not all bookings qualify).
You place a bid within the suggested price range.
EVA Air evaluates bids 48–60 hours before departure.
If approved, your payment is processed.
You receive a new Premium Economy boarding pass.
Is bidding worth it?
Many passengers report winning bids for 30–50% less than the standard cash upgrade price. It’s ideal if:
You want Premium Economy but don’t want to pay full fare.
You’re flexible about getting the upgrade.
You’re flying off-peak days where competition is lower.
3. Mileage Upgrade (Using Miles)
If you’re a member of EVA Air’s Infinity MileageLands program, you can use miles to upgrade from:
Economy → Premium Economy
Premium Economy → Business Class
Economy → Business Class (select fare classes only)
Mileage upgrades are the best-value option for frequent flyers.
Important Notes:
Discounted Economy fares may not qualify.
Saver award inventory is limited.
Upgrades depend strictly on seat availability.
4. Airport Upgrades (Last-Minute Deals)
If Premium Economy seats remain open before departure, EVA Air may offer discounted upgrades at:
Check-in counters
Transfer desks (during layovers)
Boarding gates (rare, but possible)
These upgrades are usually cheaper than pre-booking, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
How Much Does an EVA Air Premium Economy Upgrade Cost?
The eva air upgrade cost varies significantly.
Below is a general range based on traveler reports and route trends:
Route | Typical Upgrade Cost (USD) |
U.S. (LAX/SFO/SEA/ORD/JFK) → Taipei | $280 – $650 |
Canada (YVR/YYZ) → Taipei | $250 – $580 |
Europe → Taipei | $220 – $550 |
Australia → Taipei | $180 – $500 |
Short-haul Asia routes | $60 – $180 |
These prices change depending on demand. For example:
Holiday travel = higher prices
Weekday flights = lower prices
Premium Economy nearly full = higher fees
To compare upgrade prices, you can contact EVA Air or simply call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for the best available deals.
Benefits of Upgrading to EVA Air Premium Economy
Premium Economy on EVA Air is widely considered one of the best in the world.
Here’s what you get:
1. Much Bigger Seat
38-inch seat pitch
Wider recline
Leg rest + footrest
Wider seat width
This is a big improvement from the EVA Air Economy seat selection options, which offer more limited legroom.
2. Enhanced Meal Service
Expect:
Upgraded entrée selections
Metal cutlery
Welcome drink
Larger meal portions
3. Priority Services
Including:
Priority boarding
Priority baggage handling
Extra checked baggage on some routes
4. Larger Entertainment Screen
Premium Economy screens are significantly bigger, making long flights much more comfortable.
5. Quieter Cabin
The Premium Economy cabin usually has fewer seats and less foot traffic.
Comparing Upgrade Options: Premium Economy vs Business Class
EVA Air Upgrade to Business Class
Business Class is a major step above Premium Economy—especially EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class.
If you're considering upgrading further:
Expect lie-flat seats
Premium champagne
Exclusive meal service
Private cabin layout
Priority everything
Eva Air upgrade to premium economy cost vs to business class cost
Premium Economy upgrades: $180–$650
Business Class upgrades: $600–$2,200
Business upgrades are expensive but worth it on long-haul flights.
EVA Air Seat Selection Guide
Even if you're not upgrading, your comfort depends heavily on seat selection.
Economy Seat Selection
EVA Air economy seat selection includes:
Standard seats
Preferred seats (front-row or quiet zone)
Extra-legroom seats
Preferred and extra-legroom seats incur a fee on most fares.
EVA Airlines Seat Selection Fees
Fees vary from $15 to $120 depending on:
Seat type
Route
Season
How to Request an EVA Airways Upgrade (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a simple walkthrough that applies to both Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades.
1. Through Manage Booking
Visit EVA Air’s official site
Go to Manage Your Trip
Enter passenger details
If your booking qualifies, available upgrade options appear
Choose Premium Economy
Pay the upgrade fee
Receive a new e-ticket instantly
2. Through Customer Support
You can call EVA Air, but if you want better deals or faster assistance, calling Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 often gives you more flexible options—especially for multi-passenger itineraries.
3. Using Miles
Log into your MileageLands account
Select your booking
Choose the upgrade option
Redeem the required miles
Receive confirmation
Miles may not be refundable once processed.
4. At the Airport
Approach the check-in counter
Ask about upgrade availability
Pay the fee (if available)
Receive your updated boarding pass
Airport upgrades are subject to cabin load.
Tips to Get Cheaper EVA Air Seat Upgrades
1. Fly Off-Peak
Midweek flights often have better upgrade availability.
2. Bid Slightly Above the Minimum
Most winning bids are in the upper-middle range.
3. Check Availability 2–3 Days Before Departure
EVA tends to discount unsold seats online.
4. Join Group Promotions
From time to time, EVA Air runs upgrade sales—especially around:
Lunar New Year
Black Friday
Summer promotions
5. Book with a Travel Expert
Agencies sometimes receive special upgrade allotments.
Feel free to reach out at +1-866-679-5070.
EVA Air Seat Upgrade – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I request an EVA Airlines seat upgrade?
You can upgrade through Manage Booking, bid upgrade, customer support, using miles, or at the airport.
2. What is the typical EVA Air upgrade cost to Premium Economy?
Upgrade fees usually range between $180 and $650, depending on route and demand.
3. Is the EVA Air seat upgrade worth it?
Yes. Premium Economy offers significantly more space, upgraded meals, priority services, and better overall comfort on long flights.
4. Can I upgrade from Economy to Business Class directly?
Yes—if your fare type qualifies and seats are available.
5. What is included in EVA Air Premium Economy?
A larger seat, enhanced meal service, bigger entertainment screen, priority perks, and a quieter cabin environment.
6. Does EVA Air offer seat selection for free?
Standard Economy seat selection may be free depending on fare type, but preferred and extra-legroom seats usually carry fees.
7. Can I use EVA miles for an upgrade?
Yes, but eligibility depends on your original fare type and award seat availability.
8. Are EVA Air airport upgrades cheaper?
Sometimes. If seats are unsold, EVA may offer discounted last-minute upgrades.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Premium Economy on EVA Air is absolutely worth considering—especially for long-haul flights where comfort can make or break your entire travel experience. With generous seating, enhanced services, flexible upgrade options, and multiple ways to pay, EVA Air makes it easier than ever to elevate your journey without overpaying.
If you need assistance finding upgrade availability, comparing costs, or securing the best deal, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 anytime. Our travel experts can help you book smarter, save more, and enjoy a more comfortable flight with EVA Air.
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