The comfort of the seat is not the only upgrade you get on long-haul flights.

The food is better than what you get on the plane.

For travelers who don't want to pay a lot of money for a premium seat, there's a less expensive option that will get you premium food on one airline.

EVA Air is experimenting with a new service that will allow a limited number of passengers in coach and premium economy to upgrade their meal to food at the back of the plane.

An EVA Air plane taxis at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). FG/BAUER-GRIFFIN/CONTRIBUTOR/GC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

It is not an expensive add-on for the upgraded meal.

When you consider the food offered in Eva Air's nicer cabins, it's even more true, as one writer pointed out, after pre-ordering lobster for his flight.

The airline's premium meals are created by Master Chef Biao andEvergreen Sky Catering.

EVA AIR

Biao's signature dish is steamed halibut with chopped chili paste, accompanied by seasoned shrimp and lime vinaigrette, and chayote vines salad with pine nuts and water chestnut cake for dessert.

EVA AIR

On par with some of the best meals you can find on international airlines, the meals are elegantly plated.

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A member of the Star Alliance, EVA Air flies to six U.S. destinations from its operating base in Taiwan. The airline flies to several Canadian cities.

The upgraded meal option will last through the end of the year.

How to upgrade your meal

If you want to upgrade your meal on an upcoming flight, you have to do it before you leave. Online reservations for the high-end meals can be made 21 days prior to departure and up until 24 hours before takeoff.

The earlier you make your reservation the better, because there is a limit on the number of meals available. There will be a maximum of eight such meals in the airline's premium economy seats.

Bottom line

While it can be frustrating for passengers to have to pay extra for things like picking a seat or bringing a full-sized carry-on bag, this could be well spent since it ensures you a far superior dining experience on what is sure to be a long flight for U.