Premium Economy

tgon

It's been many years since I flew to Australia from the UK. Then it was just simple Economy class as distinct from Business and First, and without a load of chargeable options to confuse me. Looking at the array of information directly on airlines web sites, I can't work out if Premium Economy is a new product upgraded from Economy or a very downgraded Business class.

Is it a popular class and worth the extra money on long haul flights? Also, I recall that Singapore Airlines were consistently the best of the bunch but now they don't seem to appear high in the popular rankings - is this true?

bellabella

I personally wouldn't do anything less than premium economy for any long haul flight but thats me my DH travels for business so we use his points for this have you looked on you tube there are lots of videos from passengers on different airlines in all classes of seats so should give you a better idea

Gloomendoom

tgon wrote: »

Is it a popular class and worth the extra money on long haul flights? Also, I recall that Singapore Airlines were consistently the best of the bunch but now they don't seem to appear high in the popular rankings - is this true?

On Singapore, Premium Economy will give you a wider, more comfortable seat with loads of legroom. The catering is better than economy too.

Judging by the limited number of seats in the Premium Economy cabin, it isn't that popular. They must make money on it though.

If going to Perth, you might want to consider spending the extra dosh on a Qantas non-stop flight instead.

EveryWhere

Gloomendoom wrote: »

On Singapore, Premium Economy will give you a wider, more comfortable seat with loads of legroom. The catering is better than economy too.

Judging by the limited number of seats in the Premium Economy cabin, it isn't that popular. They must make money on it though.

You might want to consider spending the extra dosh on a Quantas non-stop flight instead.

It's Qantas. Are they going to Perth?

QF10 is subject to government and regulatory approval for departures between 28 October 2018 and 30 March 2019

Gloomendoom

EveryWhere wrote: »

It's Qantas. Are they going to Perth?

Ta!

Good point about the destination. Not so much of an advantage if not.

tgon

Our destination is Melbourne. I like the Qantas London to Perth then onward to Melbourne as it's 22hrs and premium economy sounds good. I live in the north and know a few more hours from Manchester to Melbourne via Elsewhere isn't much more twiddling thumbs but I'm back to what carrier has had the best experience.

newatc

Premium economy, at least, definitely worthwhile going to Australia. You will not regret it.

When I have looked at Qantas direct to Perth there has been a significant premium so don't mentally commit to that until you check the prices out (unless you have a desire to see Perth).

EveryWhere

tgon wrote: »

Our destination is Melbourne. I like the Qantas London to Perth then onward to Melbourne as it's 22hrs and premium economy sounds good. I live in the north and know a few more hours from Manchester to Melbourne via Elsewhere isn't much more twiddling thumbs but I'm back to what carrier has had the best experience.

I'm not one for Premium Economy. Either I make the best of Economy or I go Business, finding a way to keep the cost down.
With Premium Economy you perhaps just get a bit more legroom and perhaps a slightly wider seat. Likely the same food as in Economy and no lounge use included.

So if I couldn't stand for Economy, I would be looking at Business, even if it meant a longer journey. It's better to have a break in the journey anyway. It's not about getting there the quickest, but in the most pleasant and memorable way.

When are you going and for how long?

tgon

EveryWhere wrote: »

When are you going and for how long?

Not planned dates yet but within the next 6 months and going for about 3 weeks.

newatc

EveryWhere wrote: »

I'm not one for Premium Economy. Either I make the best of Economy or I go Business, finding a way to keep the cost down.
With Premium Economy you perhaps just get a bit more legroom and perhaps a slightly wider seat. Likely the same food as in Economy and no lounge use included.

So if I couldn't stand for Economy, I would be looking at Business, even if it meant a longer journey. It's better to have a break in the journey anyway. It's not about getting there the quickest, but in the most pleasant and memorable way.

When are you going and for how long?

I used to think exactly that way and went business class on our last visit to Australia. The food and lounges were good but on that trip comfort and ability to sleep is everything. My wife slept well but I couldn't sleep. Still likely to go business class to Australia on next trip.
Since that trip, we went to the States in Premium Economy and I was surprised how much better than Economy it was and PE is now the way we go on long haul (except OZ and NZ).

I'm now cursing myself for not trying Premium Economy earlier. So while business class is obviously more comfortable than Premium Economy, I definitely think PE should be in the decision mix according to personal preferences and finance.

Contessa

newatc wrote: »

I used to think exactly that way and went business class on our last visit to Australia. The food and lounges were good but on that trip comfort and ability to sleep is everything. My wife slept well but I couldn't sleep. Still likely to go business class to Australia on next trip.
Since that trip, we went to the States in Premium Economy and I was surprised how much better than Economy it was and PE is now the way we go on long haul (except OZ and NZ).

I'm now cursing myself for not trying Premium Economy earlier. So while business class is obviously more comfortable than Premium Economy, I definitely think PE should be in the decision mix according to personal preferences and finance.

I usually only fly economy but a couple of years ago flew Premium Economy from LHR to LAX return. It was with BA on an Airbus 380. More comfortable, wider seats (I was seated in a 2x2 configuration) with more legroom. The food was certainly not Economy fare-absolutely delicious and served on proper china, with real wine glasses. The A380 is a lovely plane.


But PE is about 2x price of Economy and Business Class double that. If I were flying to Australia I might consider it, though my inclination would be to spend the money on a longer stay (probably needed after an uncomfortable flight!)