For those who can’t justify the price tag of a Business Class seat but would rather not be stuck in cattle class, Premium Economy bridges the gap between the two. This cabin class appeals to those who would appreciate extra leg room, better inflight entertainment and more onboard dining options but at a much more affordable price. It may not have the luxurious lie-flat seats that come with Business Class, but at least you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a sardine can back in Economy.
Many airlines are jumping on the bandwagon by offering a Premium Economy product these days, and the following airlines offer some of the best seats in the skies.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is progressively rolling out the new Premium Economy Class on its Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 747-400, selected Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A340-300 aircraft. The cabin has between 26 to 34 seats, offering more leg room, 8 inches of recline and a headrest with 4-way movement. The front-row seats have a legrest and other seats have a 3-position footrest, which helps you to find a variety of positions and feel that bit more comfortable. The StudioCX inflight entertainment system has a 10.6 inch touch-screen Personal TV with a multi-port connector to enable you to stream your own movies and music from your iPod, iPhone or iPad, while noise-cancelling headsets ensure your entertainment isn’t interrupted by cabin noises.
The seat is equipped with a larger meal table to provide more space for working and dining, a cocktail table to provide more room during meal service, and extra storage space for any belongings you’d like to keep within arm’s reach. If you’re travelling on a long-haul flight you’ll be provided with an environmentally friendly amenity kit containing socks, an eyeshade, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Perks of the upgraded food and beverage service include a welcome drink and hot towel, a selection of enhanced main meals, complimentary bottled water and a variety of snacks. In addition you also get a generous 25 kg baggage allowance and on certain flights to, from or via the US, Canada and some countries in South America, you may check in up to 2 bags.
British Airways
The British Airways World Traveller Plus experience is receiving a makeover, with an elegant new interior, luxurious seats with greater recline, a 60% larger flat entertainment screen and personal in-seat power supply. The new cabin is now available on the A380, Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER and BA is busy refurbishing many Boeing 777-200 and 767 aircraft to the same standard. Benefits include a wider seat with greater recline, lumbar support, headrest and footrest; extra leg room to stretch out; a comfy cushion, blanket and amenity kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, flight socks and eye mask; plus in-seat power supply for laptops.
When it comes to dining, you receive a premium restaurant experience, featuring three-course meals, high-quality ingredients, fine china and linen napkins.
As a Premium Economy passenger you can take two bags with you on board – one full-sized cabin bag plus a laptop or handbag – and check up to two bags into the hold. Some routes and ticket types come with an even greater allowance, while extra baggage can be carried for a fee.
Turkish Airlines
The Turkish Airlines ‘Comfort Class’ is available on the airline’s 777-300 aircraft with 28 Business, 63 Comfort and 246 Economy Class seats. With ‘Comfort Class’ you get a seat measuring 19.5 inches wide with a 46 inch pitch, offering a recline of 8.8 inches. The cabin is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, with adjustable leg rests and individual reading lights available at every seat. Meal tables are located in the armrests and serve as angled work surfaces for reading or tablets.
You’ll be invited to enjoy a “welcome drink” and receive restaurant quality service with a choice of hot meals served in porcelain dishes, created from Turkish and World Cuisine. To top off the meal, you’ll be served dessert, fruit and cheese selections and before landing you’ll receive a second meal service with hot and cold options. Unlike some other airlines though, you don’t receive any extra baggage allowance or have access to special check-in desks. The seat-back personal monitors are 10.6 inches wide and there are power points for laptops and other devices located in the center console.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR REVIEW...