The 'class in-between' (Premium Economy examined)
Thought I would have a bit of an in depth look at just what you get in Premium Economy to see if it's worth the extra dosh...
Qantas have just now flight sales for their new Premium Economy section of their planes — and rather good it looks too.
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Thinking of an upgrade? Find out what I discovered was on offer nearer the front of the plane! |
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Admittedly, Qantas Premium Economy is only on flights to and from Sydney to start with (from April 2008), and then is expanding to cover flights from Melbourne (from May 2008). But as gateways for the east coast of Australia both are great options, and don't forget you can always 'open-jaw' and fly into one city and out the other.
So what EXACTLY do you get with 'Premium economy' that you don't get with economy (and what do you get 'less' than Business class)?Premium Economy is better than economy because:
- You get priority check in
- There is a 19.5" wide seat with a 9" recline
- Seat has lots of leg room and a good size 8.4" screen (versus 6.3"screens in economy but 10.2" screens in business).
- You also get a water bottle holder!
- Only 32 seats in your cabin with dedicated flight attendant
- Pre-flight champagne
- Neil Perry (Australian 'celebrity chef') designed food on what looks like (from the photo!) real crockery, plus drinks and snacks are available throughout the flight when you are feeling "a little peckish"!
- Noise cancelling headphones (which are wonderful! — although note that your partner is not ignoring you when they are wearing these — they really can't hear you!).
- Large pillow and fancy sounding blanket ('sheet-backed blanket')
- You are 'among' the first to leave the plane when you arrive (makes no mention of getting your suitcase any quicker though!)
Compared with business class, in Premium Economy you don't get:
- To use the Business Class lounge at airports
- A 'skybed' seat (folds out almost flat)
- A retractable coat-hook (one of the features proudly shown on the interactive business class cabin on the Qantas web site!)
- Posher (than premium economy) food by Neil Perry, and the choice to eat what you want when you want to.
All these examples are comparisons of the Qantas services, and of course other 'class in-between' services will vary from airline to airline, but it does gives you a good idea of what you get. I know I keep saying it (!) but it is a long flight to Australia, and you might want to splash out on a bit more comfort.
And how much is all this?
Well, I have seen the Qantas Premium Economy fares advertised 'from £1769' and that's with Travelmood , plus with this offer you also get 2 free domestic flights in Australia so that's a few ££ extra saving too. Am seriously thinking about this 'class in-between' for our next trip, and now all I have to do just to find that extra cash...hmm... please book lots of accomodation with us and I can report back ;-)
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