Trip Report: TSA-HND EVA Air Hello Kitty Business Class

This was my third and last Hello Kitty flight of my trip and I decided I was going to make the most of it. And by that I mean take a ton of pictures and use the bathroom (more on this later). I flew from Taipei's city airport (TSA) to Tokyo's city airport (HND). Both these airports seem lesser used to me because there aren't a lot of flights to these airports from the US. The nice thing about both of them is that they're closer to their respective cities than their more well-known international airports TPE and NRT.

This route has two Hello Kitty flights a day so I didn't know which plane I was going to get.

The verdict:

Hello Kitty with Magic Stars!

Check-in
Check-in, immigration, and customs at Taipei's Songshan airport was a breeze. It was like a small airport in the US - short lines and everything was close together. I finally got some Hello Kitty ID bag tags. I may or may not have stockpiled some.

There were two types of ID bag tags - one that looped around itself for the bag exterior and one that was a sticker for the bag interior.

Hello Kitty boarding pass and lounge invitation

Airplane
I ended up with the Hello Kitty Magic Stars plane which looked great against the backdrop of Taipei.

Hello Kitty Magic Stars with Taipei mountains in the background

A closer look at the magic stars. Ooooooo.

The side pictured on the website. It's a shame you can't see part of it while it's parked at the gate.

Seat
For shorter flights, the business seat is adequate. Everything is roomy but it's a bit dated. The seats are considered Premium Laurel and are angled lie-flats.

Business Class (Premium Laurel) seat with Hello Kitty Spring pillow. I asked the flight attendant at the end of the flight if I could take a pillow. She said no but I could take the pillow cover. I may or may not have taken the pillow cover.

There is the framed Hello Kitty picture at the front of the cabin. The picture is different on every Hello Kitty plane.

Hello Kitty boarding video and Hello Kitty safety card

A quick peek at economy class

Menu and Meal
What's great about EVA Air is that you can pre-order your meal 21 days and up to 24 hours before departure. There are even extra entree choices offered online that is not in the printed menu on board. However, as soon as I noticed there was a Din Tai Fung entree, I picked that one. This ensured I would get my first choice.

The menu and beverage cover

The Japanese Style entree for Taipei to Tokyo

On the left are the Western Style and Din Tai Fung entrees for Taipei to Tokyo. On the right is the Japanese style entree for Tokyo to Taipei.

Traditional Delicatessens and Chicken Relish Soup. String beans, scallops, and soup -YAY. White vegetable with peanut sauce - NAAAAAAY.

The Evergreen Special cocktail which consists of melon spirits and vodka. I forgot to take the swizzle stick with me. :(

Soup dumplings presentation

Din Tai Fung's famous soup dumplings! I couldn't believe they had this on a flight. Unfortunately all the dumplings broke when I tried to pick them up with my chopsticks so all the juices spilled out. :( I need to strategize better next time.

Warm pastry with black sesame paste filling. Mmmmmm.

Bathroom
It was my goal on this trip to use the bathroom so I could see the Hello Kitty toiletries. I skipped going to the bathroom on the previous two flights thinking I had plenty of time to visit on my other flights. When it turned out my original third Hello Kitty flight wasn't a Hello Kitty flight at all I panicked. I promised myself that I would visit on the final Hello Kitty flight. Mission accomplished. Short measurable goals y'all.

Hello Kitty Facial Mist, Eau de Toilette, and Lotion

Hello Kitty Anti-Bacterial Soap

Hello Kitty EVA Air toilet paper. I may or may not have taken a few pieces home.

Hello Kitty cup front

Hello Kitty cup back

Overall a great flight. I got to experience everything on the plane that was Hello Kitty themed. I got Din Tai Fung for lunch (and I didn't have to wait in line!). I got me some souvenirs - Hello Kitty blanket (skymall), Hello Kitty Magic Stars puzzle plane (skymall), and Hello Kitty themed deck of cards (complimentary; need to request from flight attendant). I would like to experience the Economy class meal which is more Hello Kitty themed than the Business class meal. Next time!