The twilight zone: the best of premium economy
There is a world that exists between the curtains that separates business class and what is fondly known as ‘cattle class,’ on many airlines these days. This brave new world combines and compromises space, food, service and most importantly, price.
The ‘somewhere in the middle’, the not quite here and the not quite there. You’re not completely flat when you go to sleep, but you’re not rigidly sat upright with your head lolling over to your neighbour either. You may not get the Gucci tableware but at least your meal is not delivered rattling on a trolley with several hundred others and if the chicken dish runs out, you won’t have to simply settle for the vegetarian option just because it’s all there is left (other than starving).
I speak of course, of premium economy. And the current offerings on some airlines are doing an excellent job of consolidating the pointy end of the plane with the rest of it.
Air New Zealand
Ever pushing the innovation line, Air New Zealand have really embraced the idea of premium economy, evident in the two different styles of premium economy seats offered across two different aircraft types.
On their B777-300ER the ‘space seat’ offers great privacy and angles in towards each other, which is perfect for couples, but also provides a discreet panel if you’re not travelling as a couple. Upholstered in white leather, the unique shell design of the seats which are configured in a 2-2-2 layout, means no reclining your seat into the person behind you and vice-versa. The futuristic design gives it a ‘Space Odyssey’ feel fitting to its name.
On the stretched Dreamliner (B787-9), the generous 41-inch seat pitch also includes a leg rest that folds out from the seat. Passengers can also enjoy an 11-inch touchscreen TV which is the same size as that found in the Business Premier cabin.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic of course pioneered the premium economy concept and so it comes as no surprise that they would offer one of the very best in the air.
At 21 inches wide and with a pitch of 38 inches, the seats are spacious and are as wide as can be found in many business class cabins. But it’s the customary Virgin Atlantic extras that really go the mile here with dedicated check-in, meals served on fine china with stainless steel cutlery, along with a refined, grey-felt amenity kit that doubles as a souvenir. From cocktails to ice-cream, the cabin is intimate enough to enjoy excellent customer service. And on some flights, passengers can enjoy the user-friendly AVOD entertainment system.
Qantas
Designed by award-winning Marc Newson, Qantas’s premium economy product is very well suited for long-haul travel if business class prices on the Aussie airline is not quite attainable but the thought of crossing oceans in cramped economy is unpalatable.
The modern seats are easy to relax in and are created with ergonomics and comfort in mind. Passengers can enjoy a 40-inch seat pitch, 19.5-inch seat width, and moveable touchscreen TVs which fold out from the armrests.
Meals – which are overseen by celebrated Australian chef, Neil Perry – are served on china, footrests at every seat, noise-cancelling headsets and priority check-in are some of the other features of Qantas premium economy offerings.
